Principal Planning Officer (Team Manager)
Grade CWAC NJC - Grade 12
Salary Min £54,992 per annum / Salary Max £62,778 per annum
Cheshire West and Chester Council is a place where everyone can Thrive – through our core values of Teamwork, Honesty, Respect, Innovation, Value for Money and Empowerment.
Our borough features a rich and varied landscape, with a wide range of urban and rural communities including the main centres of Chester, Ellesmere Port, Northwich and Winsford. We are a friendly, supportive and innovative planning team dealing with around 4000 planning‑related applications each year, offering the opportunity to get involved in a great variety of development proposals benefitting the social, economic and environmental diversity of the area whilst protecting the countryside and Green Belt and preserving and enhancing our distinct heritage – including the beautiful walled city of Chester with its concentration of listed buildings and Area of Archaeological Importance.
Responsibilities
Your main responsibility will be to manage one of five teams of planners and senior planners, and to work with other team managers and the Senior Planning Manager to improve the service and shape its future direction. You will also have a small caseload of your own applications and, from time to time, work with our planning enforcement and planning policy teams. You will be expected to present items to the Planning Committee, represent the Council at external meetings, and occasionally act as expert witness in hearings and public inquiries. Site visits and remote meetings may also be required.
Qualifications
You should have an in‑depth knowledge of planning legislation, policies and procedures, as well as strong negotiation and advocacy skills to effectively engage with diverse stakeholders. The role requires the ability to make balanced judgments and sound decisions. A full UK driving licence and access to a car is required to carry out site visits and attend remote meetings.
Benefits
Hybrid worker role: working time is split between home and our modern offices in Ellesmere Port. We are committed to flexible working practices and promoting a healthy work/life balance. The council has adopted a Local Living Wage, meaning all employees will receive a minimum of £13.45 per hour for all contracted hours.
Equal Opportunities
Cheshire West and Chester Council are committed to equality and diversity in employment. Please see our Equality Policy for more information.
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