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- Tasks: Manage and process major planning applications to drive strategic regeneration.
- Company: Join Wakefield Council’s dynamic Planning Services team.
- Benefits: Flexible working, competitive salary, and a modern office environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on housing and job growth in your community.
- Qualifications: Experience in planning applications and strong leadership skills.
- Other info: Exciting career development opportunities in a supportive team.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 60000 £ per year.
Principal Planning Officer and Planning Officer vacancies within Wakefield Metropolitan District Council’s (WMDC) Development Management Service. This is an exciting time to join Wakefield Council’s Planning Services Development Management team. Our recently adopted Local Plan sets ambitious housing and job growth targets and to meet this challenge and to ensure that high quality, strategic regeneration initiatives are delivered we are looking for enthusiastic, committed and experienced individuals to join our highly successful Development Management Planning team.
Principal Planning Officer - 244998 (Major Projects) (Development Management) – Grade 11: £47,181 – £50,269 (pay award pending), full time, permanent. The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate significant experience of handling major, strategic planning applications. The position offers line management opportunities; therefore, the successful candidate must be able to demonstrate leadership qualities and the ability to contribute positively to the continued development of the Service.
Planning Officer (Development Management) – Grade 6 - 8 (dependent on experience): £28,598 – £38,220 (pay award pending), full time, permanent. The successful candidate will gain experience dealing with a range of planning applications within a diverse local authority area. You will need to be able to demonstrate that you have the necessary skills to work in a challenging and busy environment, dealing with schemes through the planning process and delivering timely, high-quality outcomes.
For more information about any of these posts and to apply online, please visit the Council’s jobs page by clicking on the 'apply button'. The closing date for all posts is Sunday 8 March 2026. The Planning Service offers flexible working arrangements with staff operating from home and from a modern office environment within Wakefield City Centre and a range of staff benefits.
Principal Planning Officer/Planning Officer (Development Management Service) in Wakefield 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/Planning Officer (Development Management Service) in Wakefield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Wakefield Council on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the team and the role, plus it shows our genuine interest.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching recent projects the Development Management team has tackled. We want to show that we’re not just interested in the job, but also in how we can contribute to their exciting plans.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions related to planning and development management. We can even do mock interviews with friends or family to boost our confidence and refine our answers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after the interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and remind them of our enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a great way to keep the conversation going.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Planning Officer/Planning Officer (Development Management Service) in Wakefield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Principal Planning Officer or Planning Officer roles. Highlight your relevant experience in handling major planning applications and any leadership qualities you possess. We want to see how you fit into our ambitious goals!
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your skills; demonstrate them! Use specific examples from your past experiences that show how you've successfully navigated the planning process and delivered high-quality outcomes. This is your chance to shine, so let us know what you can bring to the table!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Avoid jargon and make sure your passion for planning comes through. We appreciate straightforward communication, so make it easy for us to see why you’re the right fit for our team.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to apply through our website by clicking on the 'apply button'. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. 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 Policies
Familiarise yourself with the recently adopted Local Plan and any relevant planning policies. Being able to discuss how these policies influence decision-making will show your understanding of the role and the challenges faced by the Development Management Service.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
If you're applying for the Principal Planning Officer position, be ready to share examples of your leadership experience. Discuss how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past, as this will demonstrate your capability to contribute positively to the team.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world planning scenarios. Think about past experiences where you navigated complex planning applications and be prepared to explain your thought process and outcomes.
✨Highlight Your Communication Skills
Effective communication is key in planning roles. Be prepared to discuss how you've engaged with stakeholders, presented proposals, or resolved conflicts. This will illustrate your ability to work in a busy environment and deliver high-quality outcomes.