Principal Planning Officer – NSIP & EIA
Contract: 6 months
Rate: £50–£60 per hour
Location: East Midlands
Start: ASAP
We are currently recruiting for an experienced Principal Planning Officer to join a major project on an initial 6-month contract, with the opportunity to work on complex and high-profile infrastructure planning matters.
The successful candidate will have strong experience across Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), with the confidence and technical knowledge to manage complex planning matters and work closely with a range of stakeholders.
The Role
You will take a lead role in supporting the planning function across major infrastructure projects, providing expert planning advice and ensuring applications and associated matters are progressed effectively.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Managing complex planning applications and major infrastructure projects.
- Providing specialist advice on NSIP and EIA applications.
- Reviewing planning submissions, environmental statements and supporting technical documentation.
- Coordinating with applicants, consultants, statutory consultees and internal stakeholders.
- Providing advice on planning policy, legislation and development management matters.
- Identifying and resolving complex planning issues to maintain project momentum.
- Preparing reports, recommendations, briefings and planning advice for senior stakeholders.
- Attending project meetings and representing the planning function where required.
- Ensuring planning matters are effectively managed and progressed within agreed timescales.
About You
We are looking for a confident and technically strong planning professional who can operate at Principal level and hit the ground running.
You will ideally have:
- Previous experience working as a Principal Planning Officer, Principal Planner or equivalent.
- Strong experience dealing with NSIPs and major infrastructure projects.
- Proven experience with EIA applications and environmental assessment.
- A strong understanding of UK planning legislation, policy and development management.
- Experience managing complex planning matters and competing priorities.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- The ability to provide clear, commercially aware and pragmatic planning advice.
- Confidence working independently and alongside multidisciplinary project teams.
Contract Details
- 6-month initial contract
- £50–£60 per hour
- East Midlands
- Site-based working only
- Immediate/short-term availability preferred
- Opportunity to work on a major infrastructure project with significant planning exposure
If you are a Principal-level planning professional with NSIP and EIA experience and are interested in a site-based contract, please get in touch to discuss the opportunity.