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- Tasks: Lead a dedicated planning team and manage diverse development projects.
- Company: Join a progressive council shaping beautiful landscapes in Norfolk.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, generous leave, and relocation package available.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on community growth while enjoying a great work-life balance.
- Qualifications: Qualified Planner with RTPI Membership and management experience required.
- Other info: Exciting opportunities in a dynamic environment with significant development projects.
The predicted salary is between 53000 - 56000 £ per year.
Starting salary between £53,000 - £56,000 per annum, plus essential user car allowance.
Full time – 37 hours with flexible working arrangements working on a hybrid basis.
Based at King’s Court Council Offices, King’s Lynn.
If you are looking for a new challenge for this New Year, we have an opportunity for you as a highly motivated planning professional looking to showcase your skills and experience in our Development Management Service and help shape our service and lead and develop one of our dedicated Area teams.
We are a large borough with diverse landscapes, and you will lead one of our teams covering the historic and growing market towns of King’s Lynn, Downham Market & Hunstanton, the Norfolk Coast National Landscape, the Fens and areas bordering the Brecks. We have 48 Conservation Areas with over 2000 Listed Buildings along with stunning historic estates such as Sandringham and Houghton.
This is an amazing opportunity to work in a beautiful part of the country and be involved with all types of applications relating to rural, housing, urban regeneration, conservation, and coastal planning. The Borough is experiencing significant growth with major developments proposed within the main towns of King’s Lynn, Downham Market and Hunstanton as well as our largest allocation, the West Winch Growth Area. We are also host authority to several Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects, with more in the pipeline, as well as a consultee on those projects abutting our border.
As a fully qualified Planner with RTPI Membership, you will have at least five years post‑qualification experience working in Development Management and management experience including coaching and developing a team. You will also have your own small caseload of complex planning applications and associated appeals and provide sound advice and judgements for a range of audiences, including your team, Councillors, developers, and members of the public.
If this sounds like the perfect new challenge for you, we would love to hear from you. In return, we promote a good work life balance with hybrid working arrangements and a flexible working scheme. We also offer a competitive salary, performance related pay, generous annual leave including office closure between Christmas and New Year, local government pension scheme, employee benefits scheme, and RTPI subscription payment. If you are moving to the area for this role, we can also offer you a relocation package of up to £8k.
Closing date: 28 January 2026.
To apply please click on the 'apply button'.
Principal Planner – Area Team Leader in England employer: The Planner Jobs Redactive Publishing Limited
Contact Detail:
The Planner Jobs Redactive Publishing Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Planner – Area Team Leader in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the planning field, attend local events, and join relevant online groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the council's recent projects and challenges. Show us that you’re not just a planner but someone who’s genuinely interested in shaping the community and tackling its unique issues.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the role of Principal Planner. Highlight your management skills and how you’ve successfully led teams in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team and making a difference in the borough.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Planner – Area Team Leader in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in Development Management. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Principal Planner, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves leading a team, it’s crucial to emphasise your management experience. Share examples of how you’ve coached or developed a team in the past, as we’re keen to see your leadership style in action.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your passion for planning shines through without unnecessary fluff!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application via our website! It’s the easiest 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 The Planner Jobs Redactive Publishing Limited
✨Know Your Planning Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of planning regulations and local policies. Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges and opportunities in the areas you'll be working in, like King’s Lynn and Downham Market. This will show that you're not just a qualified Planner, but someone who genuinely understands the local context.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Planner, you'll need to demonstrate your management experience. Prepare examples of how you've successfully coached and developed a team in the past. Think about specific situations where your leadership made a difference, and be ready to discuss your approach to team dynamics and conflict resolution.
✨Prepare for Complex Scenarios
Expect questions about handling complex planning applications and appeals. Have a few case studies ready to discuss, highlighting your problem-solving skills and sound judgement. This will help you illustrate your ability to provide advice to various stakeholders, from Councillors to the public.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the council's future projects, especially those related to the West Winch Growth Area and Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects. This shows your interest in the role and helps you gauge if the position aligns with your career goals.
