Principal Planning Officer within Development Management Team (Planning)
£55,323 - £65,181
Grade 13 – 15 (Career Grade)
Contract: Permanent, full-time
Join Our Team: Principal Planning Officer (Development Management)
About the Job
Help shape a fast-growing, high performing borough
Want to join a supportive, collaborative team known for high performance and innovation, and make a visible difference across a diverse and dynamic borough? We are recruiting two talented Principal Planners to join our Development Management Team.
A career-grade pathway
We are hiring on a career grade basis. Appointment level will reflect your experience and competencies, with a clear, supported pathway to progress as you demonstrate growing technical leadership, case complexity and impact.
Your Responsibilities
You will lead a personal caseload of major and complex applications, from pre-application stage to decision and delivery. You will be negotiating high-quality outcomes, including design, sustainability and robust S106 packages. You will produce clear, balanced officer reports and present confidently at Planning Committee. You will be mentor and quality-assure colleagues, championing best practices and service improvements (including smarter digital ways of working).
We are seeking candidates with:
Extensive understanding and proficiency in legislation and policies related to town and country planning. Demonstrated development management experience in of dealing with major schemes and intricate projects. Excellent communication, and negotiation skills, particularly when dealing with developers, strategic authorities, and key stakeholders. Advanced analytical, research, and numerical abilities.
Membership or eligibility for membership in the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI). Significant experience in senior-level team management within Development Management, notably in the public sector.
Why Join Us?
At Ealing, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment. Join a team renowned for high performance and innovative practices and contribute to a vibrant borough rich in culture and opportunity.
Reporting to a Development Management Team Manager, you will be based at Perceval House, Ealing, working alongside experienced managers who will support your development and progression.
Ready to Make Your Mark?
Read the role profile and submit your application by 9 October 2025.
For more information, or an informal chat, contact Alex Jackson at. Don't miss this opportunity to be part of one of the UK's top-performing planning authorities. Apply now and help shape the future of planning at Ealing!
You must have the right to work in the UK. Evidence for the right to work in the UK will be requested at the interview stage.
It is an exciting time to join us, here at Ealing Council. If you would like to make a positive difference to our residents and borough, then we are looking forward to hearing from you.
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Ealing Council is committed to creating good jobs and delivering on its connected communities’ agenda. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive.
We therefore welcome applications from all residents of the borough, we particularly welcome applications from candidates who are entering the employment market in the early stages of their career and mid-career professionals, who are currently underrepresented in Ealing’s workforce.
Please note all applications will be determined on merit.
Ealing council is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. Ealing follows safe recruitment practices to protect children and vulnerable adults. The post holder will be subject to an enhanced disclosure and barring check.
This post is subject to Ealing Council's enhanced vetting process.
Role profile