At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage planning applications and support the team in delivering quality services.
- Company: Join the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, a forward-thinking organisation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 32 days annual leave, flexible working, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace that values diverse talent and offers excellent growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on the community while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Qualified Planner with knowledge of planning law and experience in managing applications.
The predicted salary is between 46355 - 50446 £ per year.
We have an exciting opportunity to join us as a Principal Planning Officer! This is a full-time permanent role with hybrid working, and a salary of £46,355 - £50,446 per annum (with the possibility to reach up to £55,120 per annum if significant experience can be demonstrated).
Why the Royal Borough? This is a fantastic time to join an ambitious and forward‑thinking organisation in a place with centuries old connections to the crown. The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead comprises towns and villages that are strategically located in the heart of the Thames Valley on the M4 corridor, connected to both the GWR and Elizabeth Line. The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead takes pride in its exceptional team of dedicated professionals who are passionate about providing quality services to the community. The Council values a collaborative and inclusive work environment, fostering creativity and innovation in all aspects of its operations. Joining the team means being part of a forward‑thinking organisation that continually strives to improve and make a positive impact on the community.
- Strategic and large allocated development sites.
- Interesting, varied, and challenging workload at all levels.
- Commitment to ensuring that future developments are at the forefront in terms of design quality, sustainability and maximising the provision of affordable housing in the Borough.
- Hybrid working – with flexibility.
- Support from team leaders (2 DM Area teams and a Majors Team) and DM Manager.
- The opportunity to develop and grow your career.
- Easy access to and from London on the Elizabeth line.
- A fantastic environment from the Wind in the Willows to The Crown.
The Role: We currently have a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious individual to join our Planning Service as a Principal Planning Officer within one of our two Area Teams. You will play a key role in assisting the Team Leader in the day-to-day management of the Planning Service and ensuring an efficient and cost‑effective development management service for all our customers and stakeholders. As a Principal Planning Officer, you will deal with a wide range of applications, pre‑application enquiries and appeals. The role would include presenting items to planning committee and acting as the Council witness in hearing and public inquiries. A key part of this role would also include assisting and deputising for the Area Team Leader(s) including report checking, making delegated decisions and mentoring junior staff. If you are a qualified Planner with an up‑to‑date knowledge of planning law and have handled a wide range of all types of planning applications, as well as experience in submitting, presenting and managing planning appeals and deputising for the Team Leader, then we want to hear from you.
What we offer:
- 32 days annual leave.
- Flexible working including flexi leave and a hybrid working pattern for a better work‑life balance.
- Generous Local Government Pension scheme includes life cover (3 times of annual salary); and an Additional Voluntary Contribution (AVC) scheme to enhance your pension provision.
- Free employee parking close to the offices.
- Give As You Earn scheme.
- Employee Assistance Programme providing counselling, advice and information.
- Access to discounts and deals with hundreds of retailers, including discounted gym memberships and travel deals.
RBWM values a collaborative and inclusive work environment, fostering creativity and innovation in all aspects of its operations. As an equal opportunities’ employer, we encourage applications from all as we believe diverse talent makes us stronger. If you have a disability, are a current or former member of the armed forces or have been part of any formal care system up to the age of 25, you will be guaranteed an interview, should you meet the minimum requirements for the role.
If you wish to discuss this position informally, please contact Alison Long (DM North Area Team Leader) at alison.long@rbwm.gov.uk. Closing date: Sunday 28 June 2026. We reserve the right to close the advert prior to the stated end date.
Principal Planning Officer in Windsor employer: The Planner Jobs Redactive Publishing Limited
The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and inclusive work environment that values creativity and innovation. With a commitment to employee growth, flexible hybrid working arrangements, and a generous benefits package including 32 days of annual leave and a robust pension scheme, this is a fantastic opportunity for those looking to make a meaningful impact in a vibrant community. Join a dedicated team that is passionate about delivering quality services and shaping the future 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 in Windsor
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees of the Royal Borough 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 law knowledge. We want to see you confidently discuss recent changes and how they impact the role. Show us you're not just a planner, but a passionate advocate for quality development!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your presentation skills! As a Principal Planning Officer, you'll be presenting to committees. We suggest doing mock presentations with friends or family to get comfortable speaking about your ideas and plans.
✨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 forward-thinking team at the Royal Borough.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Planning Officer in Windsor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for the Principal Planning Officer role. We want to see how your background aligns with our values and the specific requirements mentioned in the job description.
Showcase Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for planning and community development shine through in your application. We love candidates who are genuinely excited about making a positive impact in the Royal Borough, so don’t hold back on sharing your motivations!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your key achievements and experiences are easy to spot. This will help us quickly see why you’d be a great fit!
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to submit your application through our official website. This way, we can easily track your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Planner Jobs Redactive Publishing Limited
✨Know Your Planning Law
Brush up on the latest planning laws and regulations before your interview. Being able to discuss recent changes or landmark cases will show that you're not just qualified, but also genuinely interested in the field.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples of your past work with planning applications and appeals. Highlight any instances where you successfully managed a challenging case or mentored junior staff, as this aligns perfectly with the role's requirements.
✨Understand the Borough's Vision
Familiarise yourself with the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead's strategic goals, especially regarding sustainability and affordable housing. This will help you demonstrate how your values align with theirs during the interview.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, and future developments in the borough. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if the organisation is the right fit for you.
