Principal Planning Officer – MB3 (£51,356 - £58,165)
37 hours, Full-Time | Permanent | Hybrid: Stopford House and homeworking (minimum 2 days in the office each week)
About the Role
As a Principal Planning Officer, you’ll play a key role in supporting the Area Team Manager and helping our Development Management service run smoothly. You’ll guide and support junior officers, share your expertise, and help create a positive, collaborative team environment.
Alongside this, you’ll manage your own caseload of complex or sensitive applications, using your planning judgement to deliver clear, timely, and high‑quality decisions. You’ll work closely with colleagues, partners and residents, offering professional advice and helping us deliver development that genuinely benefits Stockport.
Key Responsibilities
* Support the Area Team Manager and Development Management service operations.
* Guide and support junior planning officers.
* Manage a caseload of complex or sensitive planning applications.
* Deliver clear, timely, and high‑quality planning decisions.
* Work closely with colleagues, partners, residents, and stakeholders.
* Provide professional advice and contribute to community benefit.
About You
You’re someone who enjoys planning, people and problem‑solving in equal measure. You’re a chartered RTPI member with extensive experience in Development Management, and you feel confident supporting and guiding less experienced officers. You communicate openly, build strong relationships and stay calm when things get busy. You’re comfortable handling complex applications, negotiating solutions and offering clear, balanced advice in a political environment. You enjoy helping others grow, spotting opportunities to improve how things are done, and working as part of a supportive team.
Qualifications & Skills
* Chartered RTPI member.
* Extensive Experience in Development Management.
* Strong communication and relationship‑building skills.
* Ability to manage complex applications and negotiations.
* Experience working in a political environment.
* Commitment to Stockport Council values: putting people first, working together, treating everyone with respect.
Additional Information
This post is politically restricted under the 1989 Local Government and Housing Act, and you must seek the council’s permission before taking up any additional appointments or positions.
Stockport Council holds a Visa sponsorship licence, but this role does not currently qualify.
We have made a commitment to improve the employment opportunities for people with disabilities, care leavers and ex‑military personnel. As part of the Guaranteed Assessment Scheme, you will be guaranteed to be shortlisted for Assessment if you meet both the criteria for the scheme and the essential job role criteria.
If you have completed the GM Elevate (Leadership Development) Programme, please indicate this within the “About You” or “Supporting Statement” section of your application. Please also email recruitment@stockport.gov.uk.
For more information about this role, contact Suzanne Broomhead at Suzanne.broomhead@stockport.gov.uk for an informal discussion.
Commitment to Equality and Diversity
Stockport Council is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive workforce culture. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and communities. We aim to provide inclusive employment policies, inclusive staff engagement forums, and work to develop our diverse workforce.
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