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- Tasks: Lead on strategic planning projects and mentor junior staff in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join a high-performing Planning Team at a forward-thinking Council.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26-32 days holiday, free healthcare, flexitime, and more.
- Why this job: Shape ambitious developments and make a real impact in your community.
- Qualifications: Experience in planning policy and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Diverse workplace with equal opportunities for all applicants.
The predicted salary is between 42839 - 47181 £ per year.
Principal Planning Officer (Policy) – Permanent
Salary: Salary Grade 9 i.e. £42,839 – £47,181 per annum (pay award pending)
Full Time, 37 hours per week
We are looking for a proactive and experienced Principal Planning Officer (Policy) to join our high-performing Planning Team and play a key role in shaping some of the most ambitious developments in the region. This is your opportunity to lead on complex strategic projects, nationally significant infrastructure proposals, and high impact regeneration schemes.
You will be responsible for progressing key planning policy areas like housing, infrastructure or renewable energy, managing a range of strategic site proposals while mentoring junior staff, managing external consultants, and providing expert planning advice at all levels. You will also play a central role in community outreach and engagement around key developments including transformative projects like the Trent Valley Supercluster.
This senior role requires a sound understanding of planning policy and the wider legislative and political landscape of planning. You will act as the Councils expert witness at local plan examination, liaise with developers, and contribute directly to shaping local and regional growth.
We offer a generous employee benefit package including 26-32 days holiday plus bank holidays, free healthcare cash plan, flexitime and so much more.You can read about all our employee benefitshere.
We value the diversity of our people and actively encourage applications from all sections of the community. We maintain fair and well thought out recruitment processes at every stage to make sure that everyone is treated equally.
To apply please click on the \’apply button\’to upload your CV and covering letter, highlighting your relevant experience, qualifications, skills and achievements.
Please note that the application process will require you to upload your CV. If you don\’t have one to upload, you can download a CV template we have created to help you get started.
Closing date:28 September 2025
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early when we receive sufficient and suitable applications. Therefore, please ensure that you submit your CV as soon as possible so that you can be considered for this role.
Interview date:between 6 and 8 October 2025
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Principal Planning Officer (Policy) – Permanent 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 Planning Officer (Policy) – Permanent
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the planning sector, attend local events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. 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 policies. Show us that you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your passion for shaping local developments and how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to discuss your experience with strategic projects and community engagement. We want to hear how you’ve made an impact in previous roles and how you can bring that expertise to the team.
✨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 high-performing Planning Team.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Planning Officer (Policy) – Permanent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal Planning Officer role. Highlight your experience in planning policy, strategic projects, and any relevant qualifications that match what we're looking for.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for our team. Mention specific projects or experiences that demonstrate your expertise in planning and community engagement.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use quantifiable results where possible to illustrate how you've made an impact in previous roles, especially in areas like housing or infrastructure.
Apply Early: We encourage you to apply as soon as possible! The sooner you submit your application through our website, the better your chances of being considered before we close the vacancy.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Planner Jobs Redactive Publishing Limited
✨Know Your Planning Policies
Make sure you brush up on the latest planning policies and legislation relevant to the role. Being able to discuss how these policies impact local and regional growth will show your expertise and readiness for the position.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask you to solve hypothetical planning challenges or manage community engagement. Think about past experiences where you've successfully navigated similar situations and be ready to share those examples.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Planning Officer, you'll be mentoring junior staff and managing external consultants. Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've effectively led teams or projects in the past.
✨Engage with Community Outreach
Since community engagement is a key part of this role, think about how you would approach outreach for significant projects. Be ready to discuss strategies you've used before or ideas you have for future initiatives, especially for transformative projects like the Trent Valley Supercluster.
