At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team of planners, manage applications, and shape the future of planning services.
- Company: Cheshire West and Chester Council, committed to teamwork and innovation.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and a focus on work/life balance.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on diverse communities while preserving heritage and environment.
- Qualifications: In-depth knowledge of planning legislation and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 54992 - 62778 £ per year.
Cheshire West and Chester Council is a place where everyone can Thrive – through our core values of Teamwork, Honesty, Respect, Innovation, Value for Money and Empowerment. Our borough features a rich and varied landscape, with a wide range of urban and rural communities including the main centres of Chester, Ellesmere Port, Northwich and Winsford. We are a friendly, supportive and innovative planning team dealing with around 4000 planning‑related applications each year, offering the opportunity to get involved in a great variety of development proposals benefitting the social, economic and environmental diversity of the area whilst protecting the countryside and Green Belt and preserving and enhancing our distinct heritage – including the beautiful walled city of Chester with its concentration of listed buildings and Area of Archaeological Importance.
Responsibilities
- Your main responsibility will be to manage one of five teams of planners and senior planners, and to work with other team managers and the Senior Planning Manager to improve the service and shape its future direction.
- You will also have a small caseload of your own applications and, from time to time, work with our planning enforcement and planning policy teams.
- You will be expected to present items to the Planning Committee, represent the Council at external meetings, and occasionally act as expert witness in hearings and public inquiries.
- Site visits and remote meetings may also be required.
Qualifications
- You should have an in‑depth knowledge of planning legislation, policies and procedures, as well as strong negotiation and advocacy skills to effectively engage with diverse stakeholders.
- The role requires the ability to make balanced judgments and sound decisions.
- A full UK driving licence and access to a car is required to carry out site visits and attend remote meetings.
Benefits
- Hybrid worker role: working time is split between home and our modern offices in Ellesmere Port.
- We are committed to flexible working practices and promoting a healthy work/life balance.
- The council has adopted a Local Living Wage, meaning all employees will receive a minimum of £13.45 per hour for all contracted hours.
Equal Opportunities
Cheshire West and Chester Council are committed to equality and diversity in employment. Please see our Equality Policy for more information.
Principal Planning Officer (Team Manager) in Ellesmere Port employer: The Planner Jobs Redactive Publishing Limited
Cheshire West and Chester Council is an exceptional employer that prioritises teamwork, innovation, and respect, fostering a supportive work culture where employees can thrive. With a commitment to flexible working practices and a focus on work/life balance, the council offers hybrid roles that allow for a blend of home and office work in the vibrant community of Ellesmere Port. Employees benefit from competitive salaries, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on the diverse urban and rural landscapes of the borough.
Contact Details:
The Planner Jobs Redactive Publishing Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Planning Officer (Team Manager) in Ellesmere Port
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Cheshire West and Chester Council on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the team culture and what they really value in a Principal Planning Officer.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your planning legislation knowledge. We recommend creating a list of potential questions based on the job description and practising your responses. This will help us feel confident and ready to impress!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your negotiation and advocacy skills during the interview. Think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully engaged with stakeholders. We want to see how you can bring that expertise to the table!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining our innovative planning team.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Planning Officer (Team Manager) in Ellesmere Port
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Planning:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for planning shine through! We want to see how your values align with ours, especially around teamwork and innovation. Share specific examples of how you've contributed to projects in the past.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience and skills. We’re looking for someone who understands planning legislation and can engage with diverse stakeholders, so don’t hold back on showcasing your expertise!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your key points stand out. This will help us quickly see why you’d be a great fit for our team!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it reaches us directly and allows you to keep track of your application status. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Planner Jobs Redactive Publishing Limited
✨Know Your Planning Legislation
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of planning legislation, policies, and procedures. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're not just familiar with the basics but can also navigate complex issues.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Planning Officer, you'll be managing a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, focusing on teamwork, innovation, and empowerment. This will demonstrate your capability to manage and inspire others.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement
Think about how you would engage with diverse stakeholders. Be ready to discuss your negotiation and advocacy skills, and prepare scenarios where you've effectively communicated and resolved conflicts.
✨Practice Your Presentation Skills
Since you'll be presenting items to the Planning Committee, practice your presentation skills. Consider doing mock presentations to friends or family, focusing on clarity and confidence to ensure you can represent the Council effectively.
