Rate: Negotiable
Contract: 6 Months Temporary Contract
Start Date: 7th September 2026
Hours: 37 Hours per Week
The Opportunity
We are recruiting for an experienced Principal Planning Officer to join a busy Planning Applications service on an interim basis. This is an excellent opportunity for a highly skilled planning professional to lead a team managing a significant caseload of major planning applications within a district experiencing considerable development pressure.
Working within the Development Service, you will provide leadership and operational oversight to a team comprising an Assistant Team Leader and 10 Senior Planners, ensuring applications are progressed efficiently and effectively through to determination.
Key Responsibilities
Manage and support a team of planning professionals dealing with major planning applications.
Provide leadership, guidance and technical expertise across complex planning matters.
Review, sign off and authorise planning reports.
Support officers in progressing applications through the planning process and committee stages.
Assist with expediting decision-making and improving application turnaround times.
Present and attend Planning Committee meetings, held regularly on Wednesday evenings in Stratford-upon-Avon.
Work collaboratively with internal stakeholders, elected members, developers and consultees.
Undertake site visits across the district as required.
About You
To be considered for this role, you will possess:
Chartered Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI).
Extensive experience managing major planning applications within a local authority environment.
Proven experience leading and managing planning teams.
Strong report writing and decision-making skills.
Significant experience presenting applications and recommendations to Planning Committees.
Excellent communication, stakeholder management and leadership capabilities.
Desirable Experience
Experience working within an authority without a five-year housing land supply.
Background in managing planning challenges associated with significant development pressures.
Experience driving service improvements and expediting planning processes.
Working Arrangements
Hybrid working available.
Minimum office attendance of two days per week.
Regular attendance at Planning Committee meetings and district-wide site visits required.
Apply Now
If you are an experienced Planning Manager or Major Applications Team Leader looking for your next interim assignment, we'd like to hear from you. Apply today with your CV to be considered for this opportunity.
Blue Arrow is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to helping find great work opportunities for great people
Salary description
£50000.00 - £60000.00 per year