Principal Planning Officer (2 posts)
Salary: £51,801 - £59,724 per annum
Grade: G
Hours: 37 Hours Per Week
Permanent Contracts
About the Role
Thurrock Council's Planning Service is committed to delivering high-quality, transparent, and efficient planning decisions to support sustainable development and growth. As a Principal Planning Officer, you will play a key role in providing expert advice and ensuring a customer-focused approach to planning decisions. You will lead on complex and high-risk development management cases, contribute to service improvements, and mentor colleagues to enhance the quality and efficiency of the planning process.
Key Responsibilities
1. Case Leadership: Take responsibility for a full range of development management casework, including negotiating Planning Performance Agreements, providing pre-application advice, and processing highly complex or high-risk applications. Ensure all work is carried out efficiently and meets corporate and national targets.
2. Problem Solving: Proactively identify issues and propose creative solutions to deliver high-quality, customer-focused planning services that adapt to current and future requirements.
3. Project Delivery: Lead the implementation of projects aimed at achieving organisational objectives, driving continuous improvements, and ensuring efficiency in service delivery.
4. Report Preparation: Prepare well-written, accurate, and robust reports and correspondence that provide clear recommendations based on planning policies and other material considerations.
5. Record Management: Maintain up-to-date and accurate electronic and paper records for all casework to ensure compliance and consistency across the service.
6. Mentoring and Coaching: Support the development of team members by sharing expertise, facilitating skills development, and encouraging self-reliance in resolving technical and operational issues.
7. Committee Representation: Present complex and/or controversial planning cases to committees and public meetings, offering clear and concise expert advice to Members and stakeholders.
8. Expert Guidance: Provide professional advice on complex or high-risk planning issues, including interpreting new legislation and initiatives affecting development management.
9. Performance Monitoring: Support the Team Leader in monitoring key performance indicators, targets, and customer service standards. Ensure proactive measures are taken to meet or exceed these benchmarks.
10. Decision Authority: Act as an authorised signatory for planning application decisions within the service.
Skills and Experience Required
- Substantial experience in development management, including handling complex and high-risk planning applications.
- Expert knowledge of planning legislation, policies, and best practices.
- Demonstrated ability to manage a diverse workload and meet challenging deadlines.
- Proven track record of delivering high-quality reports and presenting complex information effectively to varied audiences, including committees and public meetings.
- Strong problem-solving and negotiation skills, with a focus on achieving positive planning outcomes.
- Effective leadership and mentoring abilities to support and develop team members.
- Competence in maintaining accurate records and managing performance monitoring systems.
- A customer-focused approach, ensuring high levels of service delivery.
Why Join Us?
As a Principal Planning Officer, you will work on challenging and high-profile projects, contributing to the borough's sustainable growth and development. This role offers the opportunity to shape Thurrock's future while developing your leadership skills and professional expertise in a supportive and dynamic environment.
Advert Closing Date: 9th February 2025
Interview Date: TBC
For further information, please contact Ashley Baldwin at
To view the Job Profile and Person Specification, please follow the link below:
Download Job Profile (PDF Document)
"If you encounter an error message when opening the Job Profile link please refresh the error page"