Principal Planning Enforcement Officer

We are looking to recruit an enthusiastic and experienced enforcement officer to take on a key leadership role as a Principal Enforcement Officer in our successful planning service. Our Planning Enforcement function is recognised by our elected members for the critical role that it plays in maintaining public confidence in the planning system. This part of our service has made significant progress over the last few years, and we’re now looking for an ambitious enforcement officer who is ready to shape the next steps.

About the Role

You will lead on a range of enforcement matters and be responsible for ensuring that enforcement complaints are investigated and assessed in accordance with the Council’s enforcement policy. You will use your considerable planning experience to provide expert advice to guide enforcement decisions and progress cases to formal action, where appropriate. You will lead on the development of the enforcement team, working collaboratively to meet the service objectives and improve outcomes for the Council. You will need to establish and maintain strong relationships with Councilors, Town and Parish Councils and other internal and external stakeholders to ensure an effective, customer-focused approach.

About You

To succeed in this role, you will:

• Have experience of planning enforcement work together with knowledge of the planning system
• Ideally, have experience of leading case reviews and mentoring enforcement officers
• Be well organised and self‑motivated with the ability to work independently
• Possess excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• Pay attention to detail and be able to work methodically and collaboratively through the issues.

This role would suit someone who thrives in a strategic, fast‑paced environment and wants to help create beautiful, functional, and inclusive places. If you’re looking to join a team that makes a difference every single day, your perfect career could be waiting for you at South Kesteven District Council.

Why Work for South Kesteven?

South Kesteven is a district rich in opportunity and potential. It is home to innovative entrepreneurs, a base for global businesses, and boasts excellent local schools—all set within an attractive, rural landscape ideally located in the heart of England. Our vision is to make South Kesteven the best place to live, work, and visit — and we know that by working together, we can achieve that. People are at the heart of what we do here at SKDC. We deliver more than 100 services across the district so there’s no limit to where your career can take you. We value our employees and we offer a range of benefits that really make a difference, for everyone.

At South Kesteven, we can offer:

• Flexible, hybrid working arrangements to help you live a balanced lifestyle that works for you
• A generous annual leave entitlement of 25 days (plus Bank Holidays), increasing with length of service
• Access to the generous Local Government Pension Scheme
• Opportunities for career and self‑development
• Low‑cost health care plan
• A Cycle to Work scheme
• Regular well‑being activities

You will be given the chance to grow in your career, taking ownership of your learning journey with exciting opportunities for development within the Council, and you can rest assured that we’re thinking about your future. Not only can we help you in the short‑term with financial schemes to help spread the cost of cars, bikes and technology – you’ll become a member of the generous and trusted Local Government Pension Scheme.

For further information or an informal chat about the role please contact Emma Whittaker on 01476 406080 extension 6362 or e‑mail emma.whittaker@southkesteven.gov.uk. Closing date: 20th January 2026.

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