Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead diverse planning projects and manage complex applications in a dynamic team.
- Company: Join Telford & Wrekin Council, an award-winning local authority committed to innovation and community.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, a secure pension, and exclusive employee discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on community development while enjoying a supportive and inclusive work culture.
- Qualifications: Ideal for those with planning experience and a passion for shaping vibrant communities.
- Other info: Work from modern offices in Telford, a lively town rich in heritage and natural beauty.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Are you looking for a challenge, and a diverse range of work? Do you want to work in an innovative, positive team that shapes and develops the places we live and work in? If so, we want to hear from you.
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our highly innovative and motivated Development Management Team as a Principal Planning Officer. You will be fundamental to our success, delivering a varied range of planning and development management services.
We are an award-winning, forward-thinking local authority that values its employees. As part of our team, you’ll enjoy:
- Generous Annual Leave allowance – including additional leave purchase schemes.
- Flexible & Hybrid Working – to support work-life balance.
- Local Government Pension Scheme – a secure and competitive pension plan.
- Learning & Development Opportunities – to enhance your career progression.
- Employee Benefits Scheme – including discounts on shopping, travel, and leisure.
- Health & Wellbeing Support – including an employee assistance programme.
Working as part of a professional, friendly and driven team, as Principal Planning Officer you will be responsible for a full range of development control, minerals and waste matters, including a caseload of complex and significant planning applications, and related appeals and developer enquiries, and to input to the wider professional work of the Planning Service.
There will also be opportunities to work on projects located outside of the Borough, acting as a consultant on behalf of private clients in relation to planning matters, including the preparation, submission and management of planning applications, and appeals.
You will be based in our modern Southwater Offices within heart of Telford Town Centre - a destination of vibrant places and experiences where people love to live, work and play. Sitting in the heart of Shropshire, Telford is the gateway between the Midlands and Wales. Rich in heritage and natural beauty, the borough has a vibrant town centre that’s currently expanding and a 450 acre Town park with numerous leisure facilities.
Being part of the Development Management team will ensure you will be play a part in the development and creation of creative and positive places for those who live and work in Telford, building a safe and sustainable environment for future generations to enjoy.
Interviews will take place on week commencing 21st July 2025.
At Telford & Wrekin Council, we know that having a diverse workforce is key to providing the best possible services to our community. We celebrate having a diverse and inclusive culture where people are able to be themselves at work, and everyone has a voice.
Posts working with children or vulnerable groups will be subject to an appropriate criminal records check. It is an offence to apply for a role that involves engaging in regulated activity with children and adults in vulnerable circumstances if you are barred from working with one or both of these groups.
We value our employees and offer staff rewards and plenty of opportunities for personal development and career progression including:
- Competitive rates of pay
- Automatic access to a secure, flexible and tax efficient Local Government Pension Scheme
- Staff benefits and discounts including salary sacrifice schemes
- Free on-site parking
- Generous leave entitlement (24 days rising to 32 days) plus 8 bank holidays and an additional concessionary day
- Free access to our employee assistance programme and confidential counselling
- Flexible and mobile working policy - we are well adapted to a hybrid model of working which includes a combination of time spent in the office and at home.
Please note that Telford & Wrekin Council do not hold a sponsorship licence for visas.
Principal Planning Officer employer: WMJobs
Contact Detail:
WMJobs Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Planning Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the local planning policies and regulations in Telford & Wrekin. Understanding the specific challenges and opportunities within the area will help you demonstrate your knowledge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the planning field, especially those who have experience working with Telford & Wrekin Council. Attend local planning events or seminars to make connections that could provide insights or referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with complex planning applications and appeals. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully navigated similar situations in your previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your ability to work collaboratively within a team. Highlight any past experiences where you contributed to a positive team environment, as this aligns with the council's emphasis on teamwork and innovation.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Planning Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Principal Planning Officer position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with these expectations.
Craft a Strong CV: Ensure your CV is up-to-date and clearly outlines your relevant experience in planning and development management. Use bullet points for clarity and focus on achievements that demonstrate your capability in handling complex planning applications.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should express your enthusiasm for the role and the organisation. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your problem-solving skills and ability to work within a team, as well as your commitment to creating sustainable environments.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects attention to detail, which is crucial in planning roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at WMJobs
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly read the job description and understand the responsibilities of a Principal Planning Officer. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with the specific tasks mentioned, such as managing complex planning applications and working on development control.
✨Showcase Your Knowledge
Demonstrate your understanding of current planning policies and regulations relevant to the role. Bring examples of how you've applied this knowledge in previous positions, especially in relation to minerals and waste matters or appeals.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
Since the role involves working within a team, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in past projects. Emphasise your ability to contribute positively to a team environment and how you can help shape the places we live and work in.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask at the end of the interview. This shows your interest in the role and the organisation. You might ask about the team's current projects or how they measure success in the Development Management Team.