At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape the future of communities through thoughtful planning and development management.
- Company: Bromsgrove District Council, committed to creating great places and supporting its team.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, competitive salary, and professional development support.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive team culture and modern offices in vibrant locations.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on local communities while mentoring the next generation of planners.
- Qualifications: Degree-level qualification and full RTPI membership with planning experience.
The predicted salary is between 35700 - 39600 £ per year.
Permanent, Full-Time 37 hours per week. Pay: £40,777 – £45,091 per annum (SCP 30 – 34). At Bromsgrove District Council we believe that great places have the power to transform lives. As a Principal Planning Officer you will be at the heart of shaping the future of two unique communities – helping to protect what makes them special while guiding thoughtful, well‑designed growth for generations to come. We also believe in trust, flexibility and balance. We warmly welcome requests for 100% home working, flexible hours, compressed weeks, part‑time working and job‑share. We want brilliant people, and we are committed to helping them thrive.
Who are we? We are a shared Planning Service across Bromsgrove District Council and Redditch Borough Council – a partnership built on stability, collaboration and ambition. Our team brings together experienced Planners with new talent at the start of their careers. What connects us is simple: we care deeply about the places we serve, and we support each other to deliver our very best work.
Where are we? North Worcestershire offers a landscape rich in character and contrast:
- Bromsgrove – a beautiful rural district rooted in its historic market town
- Redditch – a former market town re‑imagined as a New Town, blending urban energy with green, open landscapes
These communities have strong identity, proud histories and exciting futures – places where thoughtful planning truly matters.
What will you be doing? This is a role for someone who wants to make a difference. You will handle a diverse caseload of major and minor schemes that shape the look, feel and opportunity of the District and Borough. Your work will include:
- Leading meaningful conversations at the pre‑application stage
- Managing your caseload with confidence and independence, whilst championing high‑quality development
- Ensuring residents and applicants receive a clear, fair and responsive service
- Robustly defending decisions through the appeal process
- Taking a lead role in planning enforcement to safeguard our environment
You will also help grow the next generation of Planners. Through our established buddy system you will mentor and support our Planning Officers and Planning Assistants – sharing your expertise, encouraging their development and helping them build strong, resilient careers. Our team works primarily from home, with the option to use our Bromsgrove or Redditch offices whenever you wish.
What do you need to be shortlisted?
- A degree‑level (or higher) qualification
- Full Chartered Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute
- At least three years of planning experience, including one year in Development Management
Why join us? This is more than a job – it is a chance to help shape the District and Borough with distinct character and significant potential. You will be joining a team that is proud of its work, confident in its direction and committed to supporting each other through periods of change and growth. We offer a workplace where you can stretch your skills, deepen your knowledge and make a visible impact. You will also benefit from:
- Full payment of RTPI subscription fees
- Certainty and clarity through two adopted Local Plans (January 2017)
- A home working‑focused culture with all IT equipment provided
- Targeted support for CPD and long‑term progression
- A flexible working scheme that supports real work‑life balance
- 25 days annual leave plus statutory holidays
- Modern offices in central Redditch, close to public transport and shops
- Historic, characterful offices in Bromsgrove Town Centre
- Free, secure parking at both locations
Your first few weeks will include face‑to‑face training, guidance and support – ensuring that you feel confident, connected and ready to make your mark. After that, you are free to shape the working pattern that suits you best.
What next? Need further information? Please contact Dale Birch, Development Management Manager, direct line 01527 881341 or email d.birch@bromsgroveandredditch.gov.uk. The closing date for the receipt of completed applications is midnight on Monday 23 March 2026. The interviews will be held virtually via Microsoft Teams week commencing Monday 30 March 2026 (alternative dates can be made available if requested). If this progressive and exciting role interests you, please select the Apply Now button.
Principal Planning Officer (Development Management) in Redditch employer: WMJobs
At Bromsgrove District Council, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values trust, flexibility, and work-life balance. As a Principal Planning Officer, you will not only have the opportunity to shape vibrant communities but also benefit from a supportive work culture that encourages professional growth through mentorship and continuous development. With a focus on home working, competitive pay, and a commitment to employee well-being, we offer a fulfilling environment where your contributions truly matter.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Planning Officer (Development Management) in Redditch
✨Get Your Portfolio Game On Point
As an aspiring architect, your portfolio is your golden ticket. Make sure it's not just a collection of your best work, but tells a story about your design process and creative thought. Showcase a range of projects, from conceptual sketches to final renderings—think of it as a visual CV!
✨Slide into Networking Events
Architecture thrives on community connections, so keep an eye out for local architecture meetups, exhibitions, and lectures. These events are gold for meeting industry professionals, and who knows? You might just bump into someone from WMJobs who can give you the insider scoop on their hiring process!
✨Learn the Software Inside Out
Make sure you're up to speed with design software like AutoCAD, Revit, and SketchUp. Being able to discuss your proficiency during interviews can really set you apart. Plus, if you can mention particular projects where you’ve used them, you’ll demonstrate both skill and practical experience.
✨Refine Your Interview Skills
Interviews for architecture roles can get quite technical, so practice answering questions about your design process and decision-making strategies. Prepare for potential design challenges they might put forward in interviews—show them you can think on your feet and come up with innovative solutions!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Planning Officer (Development Management) in Redditch
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Design Skills:Architecture is all about creativity and technical skills, so make sure your portfolio is front and centre! Include a range of your best projects, showcasing different styles and techniques. Don't forget to explain your design process and the challenges you overcame for each project – it gives hiring managers a glimpse into your thought process!
Tailor Your CV to Architecture:When putting together your CV, highlight relevant experience in architectural design software, like AutoCAD or Revit. Plus, if you have any internships or coursework that involved real-world projects, be sure to mention them. We want to see not just what you've done, but how it relates directly to this role at WMJobs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to WMJobs. Talk about specific projects or values of theirs you admire, and how you see yourself contributing to their team. We want to feel your enthusiasm – let it shine through your words!
Use Professional Terminology:Don't shy away from using industry-specific jargon that demonstrates your expertise! Terms like 'sustainability', 'scale', and 'aesthetics' can not only show your knowledge but also help you connect with the hiring team. Just ensure it's done in a way that's relatable and not overly technical, so we can see your passion clearly!
How to prepare for a job interview at WMJobs
✨Master the Technical Questions
In an architecture interview, be ready to tackle some technical questions about building codes, design principles, and software like AutoCAD or Revit. Brush up on your knowledge of materials and components, as you might even face scenarios to solve during the interview that showcase your problem-solving skills in real-time.
✨Bring Your Portfolio to Life
Your portfolio is your golden ticket! Make sure it not only showcases your best work but also highlights your design thinking process, from sketches to final outputs. During the interview, be prepared to discuss the projects in detail—what challenges you faced, how you overcame them, and what you learnt.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability
In today's architecture landscape, sustainability is key. Be sure to highlight any projects that involved eco-friendly designs or your understanding of sustainable practices. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the trends but are genuinely passionate about creating a better future through your designs.
✨Engage with Your Interviewers
Architecture is a collaborative field, so showing that you're a team player is essential. When conversing with the interviewers, actively listen and respond to their ideas. This isn’t just about you showing off your skills, but also about connecting and demonstrating how well you’d fit into their team at WMJobs.
