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- Tasks: Lead complex planning projects and shape strategic policies for sustainable growth.
- Company: Join Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council, a supportive and innovative workplace.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, professional development, and a focus on wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on communities and influence key planning decisions.
- Qualifications: Experienced in planning policy with strong negotiation and communication skills.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with excellent career advancement opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Are you ready to take the next step in your planning career and shape the strategic direction of a diverse and ambitious borough? Do you thrive on leading complex projects, influencing key decisions, and driving high-quality planning policy? Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council is looking for an experienced, confident, and forward-thinking Principal Planning Policy Officer to join our Planning Policy team. This is your opportunity to make a meaningful difference and help deliver a Local Plan that will guide sustainable growth, protect our unique character, and support thriving communities.
About the Role
As our Principal Planning Policy Officer, you will play a pivotal role in delivering a high-performing planning policy service. Acting as a trusted deputy to the Planning Policy Team Leader, you will lead on the most complex and high-profile projects, those that demand strategic thinking, political awareness, and expert judgement. This is an influential post, offering the chance to help shape long-term development across the borough and ensure our emerging planning policies reflect both local priorities and national ambitions.
Responsibilities
- Leading on major, sensitive, and cross-cutting planning policy projects, using your expertise to shape outcomes and negotiate effectively with stakeholders.
- Driving the monitoring, review, and delivery of the Local Plan, ensuring policies remain robust, evidence-based, and responsive to change.
- Producing high-quality reports, guidance, and policy statements that support decision-making at all levels.
- Representing the Council at key meetings, hearings, inquiries, and public exhibitions.
- Providing authoritative, expert planning policy advice to Members, senior officers, colleagues, partners, and the public.
- Mentoring and supporting team members, helping to build capability and foster a collaborative, high-performing environment.
- Contributing to regeneration and environmental enhancement programmes, helping to deliver places people are proud to call home.
You will be an experienced planning professional with the confidence, strategic awareness, and leadership skills to guide complex workstreams and influence major projects, and you will hold a recognised degree in Town Planning (or related discipline) and RTPI membership.
Qualifications
- Significant post-qualification experience in planning policy within a local authority or similar context.
- A strong understanding of planning legislation, policy frameworks, and procedures.
- Excellent negotiation, analytical, and communication skills.
- The ability to manage projects effectively, balance competing priorities, and work collaboratively across teams and disciplines.
Benefits
- A friendly, inclusive, and supportive working environment.
- Excellent opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
- A culture that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Flexible working arrangements and a strong focus on wellbeing.
Discover what it’s like to work at Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council and explore the benefits we offer.
Principal Planning Officer in Kings Hill employer: Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council
Contact Detail:
Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Planning Officer in Kings Hill
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the planning field. Attend local events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out 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
Showcase your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience with complex projects and your strategic thinking skills. Share specific examples of how you've influenced key decisions or driven successful outcomes in your previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the council's current projects and policies. This will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also show that you're genuinely interested in the role and the borough's future. Tailor your responses to reflect their priorities and ambitions.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows that you’re keen on joining our team at Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council. Let’s make a difference together!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Planning Officer in Kings Hill
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Principal Planning Policy Officer. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Expertise: Don’t hold back on showcasing your planning policy experience! Share specific examples of complex projects you've led and how your strategic thinking made a difference. We want to see your skills in action!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is key. Keep your language straightforward and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate well-structured applications that get straight to the point.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and allows you to keep track of your progress!
How to prepare for a job interview at Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council
✨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 development will show your expertise and strategic thinking.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led complex projects in the past. Highlight your ability to influence decisions and negotiate with stakeholders, as this is crucial for the Principal Planning Officer role.
✨Demonstrate Your Analytical Abilities
Be ready to discuss how you approach problem-solving and analysis. Bring examples of reports or policy statements you've produced that demonstrate your analytical skills and attention to detail.
✨Engage with the Council's Vision
Familiarise yourself with Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council's goals and priorities. Showing that you understand their vision for sustainable growth and community support will set you apart as a candidate who is genuinely interested in the role.
