Principal Planning Officer

Job Description

To lead and supervise a Development Management Team within the Economy, Enterprise and Operations, including Statutory Responsibilities and Regulations.

 

Responsibilities

To be responsible for the day to day leadership and supervision of a Team within the Development Management function within the context of structures and procedures developed for Growth, Planning, and Climate, Statutory Responsibilities and Regulations.

 

To provide professional advice to the Service Manager, Planning and Building Standards and to the Council, staff and the public and carry out projects on Development Management related matters.

 

To make decisions on Applications for Planning Permission and other Development Management matters in accordance with the Council’s approved delegation scheme.

 

To draft recommendations on complex major Planning Applications, check other Applications being presented to Committee and present Applications to the Planning & Regulatory Services Committee.

 

Represent the Council at Public Inquiries and Hearings in relation to Planning Appeals and S.36 Applications.

 

Contributing to the effectiveness of the service.

 

The Individual

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

 

A degree in Town Planning accredited by the Royal Town Planning Institute

 

Full Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute

 

Negotiating skills

 

Numeracy

 

Understanding of Local Government/Planning issues

 

Analytical abilities

 

Ability to work on own initiative

 

Excellent level of accuracy in work

 

Experience of dealing with major planning applications

 

Ability to contribute effectively to meetings and present at Planning and Regulatory Services Committee

 

Ability to interpret and apply Planning Legislation and Policies, and make assessments

 

Excellent Report Writing skills

 

Leadership or Supervision of Development Management or other Planning staff

 

Ability to develop, review and monitor work systems and data management

 

Ability to handle multiple tasks concurrently

 

IT skills

 

Ability to absorb and process technical and financial information

 

Knowledge and experience of various software packages, including Word, Excel and Access

 

Ability 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

 

Teamwork, team Leadership

 

Ability to relate well to Customers

 

Ability to motivate staff

 

Ability to work effectively in a team, contribute to a team and show initiative to work on your own with minimum supervision

 

Ability to relate well to customers and other professionals

 

Ability to relate well with all levels of staff

 

Excellent communication skills both oral and written

 

Willingness to work in a demanding position where a flexible and corporate approach is required

 

Willingness to accept direction/delegation

 

Ability to work in an open plan office

 

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 different offices dependent on service requirements

 

Ability to make site visits, sometimes requiring access to restricted spaces and physical exertion

 

 

Closing Date: 3 July 2026

 

Starting Salary: £59,170.15

 

£31.39 per hour

 

36.25 hours per week

 

Interviews to be held on week commencing 6 July 2026

 

For further information contact: William Clark, Development Management & Building Standards Manager at William.Clark@moray.gov.uk