Description Job Title: Principal Planning Officer, Planning Obligations and Major Infrastructure Salary: £54,999– £61,638 per annum (pro rata if part-time) Grade: G Contract Type: Fixed Term (or Internal Secondment) (Maternity Cover for 10 months) Working Hours: 37 hours per week Please note this a maternity cover role for 10 months which will commence in May 2026 About the department This role sits within the Place Directorate which is a forward-looking team, responsible for shaping sustainable growth, delivering major infrastructure, and ensuring high-quality planning services across the borough. The team works collaboratively across council services, developers, and the community to manage planning obligations, guide development, and maximise local benefits. As Principal Planning Officer, you will play a central role in delivering the council’s strategic objectives by leading the management and monitoring of S106 agreements, influencing nationally significant infrastructure projects, and ensuring developments contribute positively to Thurrock’s long-term growth and community well being. About the Role As a Principal Planning Officer- Planning Obligations and Major Infrastructure, you will be responsible for: Management and Monitoring of S106 Agreements and CIL Lead on the full range of Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) and S106 work, including collection, analysis, and reporting. Maintain robust systems to monitor financial contributions, performance against agreed measures, and ensure timely allocation for spending in line with corporate objectives NSIP and Major Infrastructure Engagement Shape and influence nationally significant infrastructure projects (NSIPs) and other major developments to secure policy compliant planning decisions, maximise community benefits, and support local growth objectives. Provide expert input at relevant stages, including Development Consent Orders and community engagement. Policy, Guidance, and Compliance Develop, advise on, and implement planning policies, guidance, and best practice related to S106, CIL, and NSIPs. Ensure legislative, contractual, and procedural compliance, including Environmental Impact Assessment regulations, energy sector developments, and related supply chain considerations. Stakeholder, Member, and Committee Engagement Present complex and/or controversial planning matters clearly to Committees, Members, and external stakeholders. Build strong relationships across council services, community groups, and statutory consultees to support transparent, evidence-based decision-making. Continuous Improvement and Service Leadership Proactively identify opportunities to improve processes, systems, and service delivery. Lead projects to enhance efficiency and quality, coach colleagues to develop skills, and provide professional advice on high-risk or precedent setting issues. Monitoring, Reporting, and Financial Oversight Oversee key performance indicators, budget processes, and internal/external reporting requirements. Ensure effective monitoring of S106/CIL contributions, compliance with statutory obligations, and delivery of high-quality outcomes aligned with Council-wide objectives. This role offers the chance to make a real difference by securing developer contributions and infrastructure delivery that improve local services and community facilities What We’re Looking For We’re looking for someone who has: Proven experience in planning at a senior level, including negotiation with applicants, presenting evidence at public enquiries, hearings, or tribunals, and involvement in nationally significant infrastructure projects (NSIPs). Demonstrated experience managing S106 agreements and/or Community Infrastructure Levy data administration systems, ensuring accurate, timely, and efficient monitoring and reporting. Ability to set challenging targets, manage performance, and develop staff to ensure a motivated, high-performing team capable of meeting service objectives. Proven track record of delivering creative, practical solutions to complex challenges, using data and evidence to drive continuous improvements and maintain a “can-do” approach to service delivery Essential qualifications: Membership or working towards membership of an appropriate professional body, e.g., Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI). DBS Check: N/A Benefits of Working with Us At Thurrock Council, we value our employees and offer a comprehensive benefits package, including: Generous annual leave entitlement Local Government Pension Scheme Flexible and hybrid working opportunities (where applicable) Ongoing training and professional development Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support Staff discounts and local offers A supportive and inclusive working environment Closing Date (Redeployment Only): 5th March 2026 Closing Date (Internal & External): 22nd March 2026 Interview Date: To Be Confirmed Additional Information If you have any questions about the role or interview process, please contact: Priscilla Omede – Principal Planning Officer, Planning Obligations and Major Infrastructure pomede@thurrock.gov.uk | 01375 652856 To view the Job Profile and Person Specification, please follow the link below: Download Job Profile (PDF Document) If the Job Profile and Person Specification list any qualifications as essential, please also upload copies of those relevant qualifications.