Principal Planning Officer

Job Description

To lead and supervise a team engaged in Strategic Planning and Development in accordance with the preparation and implementation of the Local Development Plan, Developer Obligations, Economic Strategy and Projects.

 

Responsibilities

To be responsible for the day to day leadership and supervision of Officers engaged in the Local Development Plan, Developer Obligations, Economic Strategy and Projects including regeneration and placemaking within the context of structures, plans and procedures developed for the Strategic Planning and Development Service, Statutory Responsibilities and Regulation.

 

To provide a professional service for the Council, staff and the public in the preparation and delivery of Development Plans, Economic Strategy, Developer Obligations, Projects and the facilitation of development.

 

To obtain authority for and then make decisions under Delegated Authority.

 

The Individual

Significant experience of Development Plans (3 years minimum post MRTPI)

 

Leadership or Supervision of Development Plans, Developer Obligations or other Planning staff

 

Experience in Developer Obligations and/or understanding of infrastructure requirements to support the delivery of Local Development Plans

 

 

A degree in Town Planning

 

 

Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute

 

Evidence of continuing professional development

 

Effective presentation and negotiation skills

 

 

Effective written and verbal communication skills

 

 

Numeracy

 

Working knowledge of Microsoft Office including Word and Powerpoint

 

 

Understanding of Local Government/Planning issues

 

Effective organisational and time management skills

 

Analytical abilities

 

Ability to interpret and apply Planning Legislation and Policies, and use judgement

 

Report Writing

 

You will be expected to travel efficiently and effectively between various work locations within Moray to meet the operational requirements of the Service. Due to the rural nature of Moray this is normally undertaken by use of a car/van

 

Proven ability to plan and manage own workload

 

Effective negotiation skills

 

 

Working on long term plans

 

Teamwork, Team Leadership

 

 

Ability to relate well to Customers

 

Flexibility

 

Ability to form productive working relationships

 

 

Self-motivated and ability to motivate staff

 

Self-confidence

 

Appreciation, acceptance and commitment to the importance of confidentiality

 

Ability to work flexibly to meet the needs and demands of the service

 

Ability to work in an open plan office

 

Ability to work in different offices dependent on service requirements

 

 

 

Closing Date: 19 June 2026
Starting Salary: £59,170.15
£31.39 per hour
36.25 hours per week

Interviews to be held week commencing 29 June 2026

 

For further information contact: Eily Webster, Service Manager – Strategic Planning & Development at eily.webster@moray.gov.uk