5-6 months contract with a Local Authority
Job Summary:
• The Principal Planner will play a pivotal role in leading the delivery of strategic and complex planning applications across the borough.
• Through advanced Development Management, placemaking, and supervisory expertise, the postholder will contribute to the borough’s regeneration and sustainable growth in line with the Local Plan.
• The role involves deputising for the Strategic Applications Team Leader, managing team operations, and ensuring the timely and high-quality delivery of planning services.
Key Duties/Accountabilities (Sample):
• Lead and manage the processing of complex and strategic planning applications, ensuring statutory deadlines are met.
• Deputise for the Team Leader in managing the strategic planning team, contributing to service delivery planning, budget management, and performance monitoring.
• Provide high-quality pre-application advice, negotiate planning obligations, and secure community benefits through S106 agreements.
• Present applications and advice at Planning Committee and represent the Council in public inquiries and appeal hearings.
• Supervise and develop Planning Officers, supporting performance reviews, training, and professional development.
• Contribute to regeneration and placemaking through innovative development proposals.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation, including planning and local government law, and operate within constitutional procedures.
• Champion customer service, equalities, and diversity within service delivery and team management.
Skills/Experience:
• Minimum of 5 years' experience in Development Management with several years focused on complex or strategic schemes.
• Strong knowledge of planning policy, legislation, and the London planning context, including regeneration and placemaking.
• Demonstrable supervisory experience, including performance management and team development.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including report writing and public speaking.
• High-level negotiation, presentation, and decision-making skills, including the ability to handle politically sensitive cases.
• Proficiency in project management, time/prioritisation, and use of planning and office-based IT systems.
• Proven ability to manage customer relationships and complex stakeholder engagement.
• Experience presenting at Planning Committees and acting as a lead officer at public inquiries and appeals.
Additional Information:
• The closing date: 16/05/2025 @17:00.
• We are working from home but there may be an occasional need to go into the office/attend Committee meetings.