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- Tasks: Lead complex planning applications and mentor the next generation of planners.
- Company: Swale Borough Council, a progressive local authority in Kent.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, generous holiday, and professional development.
- Why this job: Shape the future of planning while making a real impact in your community.
- Qualifications: Proactive planner with expert knowledge and strong leadership skills.
- Other info: Flexible work-life balance and excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 46000 - 52000 £ per year.
For senior planners ready to take the next step, this is a sought‑after chance to combine leadership with hands‑on, complex casework. As Principal Planning Officer, you'll oversee some of the most challenging planning applications while guiding the next generation of planning professionals.
This isn’t just a technical role – it’s an opportunity to lead with influence. You’ll provide daily mentoring, sign‑off on complex applications, and ensure the service delivers high‑quality, efficient outcomes. You’ll also act as a key expert for householders, developers, and landowners, representing the Council at appeals, inquiries, and in Section 106 negotiations.
Why This Role Stands Out
- Mentorship & Leadership: Develop your leadership experience by supporting and guiding junior staff in a collaborative environment.
- High‑Level Exposure: Manage complex cases and negotiations, while representing the Council at hearings and examinations.
- Total Reward: Competitive Grade 8 salary, hybrid working model (average 2 days in‑office), 34 hour week and ongoing professional development opportunities.
A proactive, ambitious planner with expert knowledge, excellent judgement, and a commitment to improving outcomes for customers and the community. This is the perfect role for someone ready to grow as a leader without stepping away from the challenging, meaningful work they love.
About Swale Borough Council
Swale Borough Council is a progressive and ambitious Local Authority, located less than an hour from Central London in an attractive and diverse part of Kent involving urban, rural, and coastal areas. We believe that staff are our most valuable asset, and we’re committed to attracting and retaining the very best. In recent times we have adapted and evolved to meet the current world by introducing a highly flexible hybrid working policy, along with a 34‑hour week, recognising that staff wellbeing and work life balance is high on our agenda.
Benefits
- Generous holiday entitlement which increases after 5 years LG service plus bank holidays with the option to buy additional leave.
- Additional 3 days leave given to enable a close down of the offices between Christmas and New Year.
- Free parking.
- Invitations to staff events to celebrate success and support wellbeing that include holistic therapies and outdoor activities.
- Employee Assistance Programme which provides confidential & independent information and access to counsellors.
- Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) with valuable life cover and financial protection for your family.
- Life Assurance – three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS).
- Season Ticket Loan – to help with the cost of your rail/bus journey, to & from work.
- Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand‑new car. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax.
- Annual flu vaccine.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Staff benefits discounts on leisure, eating out, holidays and shopping.
- Excellent learning and career opportunities for committed individuals.
- A professional fee payment, if required for the role.
Principal Planning Officer (Planning Applications in City of Westminster employer: Swale Borough Council
Contact Detail:
Swale Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Planning Officer (Planning Applications in City of Westminster
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with other planners, attend industry events, and join relevant online forums. The more people you know, the better your chances of hearing about opportunities before they even hit the job boards.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or during interviews, make sure to highlight your experience with complex casework and mentoring. We want to see how you can lead and influence others in the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Brush up on common interview scenarios related to planning applications and negotiations. Think about how you would handle specific challenges and be ready to share your thought process.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our organisation right from the start.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Planning Officer (Planning Applications in City of Westminster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Leadership Skills: As a Principal Planning Officer, we want to see your leadership potential shine through. Highlight any experience you have in mentoring or guiding others, and don’t forget to mention how you’ve tackled complex cases in the past.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure your application speaks directly to the job description. Use similar language and keywords to show that you understand what we’re looking for. This helps us see how you fit into our team at Swale Borough Council.
Be Clear and Concise: We appreciate clarity! Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where necessary to make it easy for us to read and digest your key achievements and experiences.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Swale Borough Council
✨Know Your Planning Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest planning policies and legislation relevant to the role. Being able to discuss complex casework confidently will show that you're not just a planner, but a knowledgeable leader ready to tackle challenges head-on.
✨Showcase Your Mentorship Skills
Prepare examples of how you've mentored or guided junior staff in the past. This role is about leadership, so demonstrating your ability to develop others will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Be Ready for Real-World Scenarios
Expect situational questions that test your judgement and decision-making skills. Think about past experiences where you had to negotiate or represent your team, and be ready to share those stories with clarity and confidence.
✨Understand the Council's Vision
Research Swale Borough Council’s goals and values. Showing that you align with their vision for community improvement and staff wellbeing will demonstrate your commitment to being part of their progressive team.