Senior Planning Officer

Job Description

To lead on key strategic and local planning projects and processes associated with the Moray Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) and Moray Local Development Plan (LDP). The postholder will play a key role in the preparation of the Moray RSS and LDP and in the delivery of projects associated with town centre and wider regeneration and respective funding bids.

 

Responsibilities

To lead and support the preparation, review and implementation of the Local Development Plan (LDP) and Delivery Plan by co-ordinating input from Council services and external stakeholders and by collating, analysing and interpreting key information to support plan development and implementation.

To support the Service Manager Strategic Planning and Development and Principal Planning Officer Strategic Planning and Development in preparing the Regional Spatial Strategy for Moray.

To contribute to the overall LDP process, including analysing sites, preparing settlement statements, local policy solutions, preparing and implementing the Delivery Plan and public engagement.

To lead on the preparation of other strategies, masterplans and supporting studies and reports as required.

To source and prepare funding bids as appropriate to support the delivery of the LDP and other related strategies.

To prepare and manage complex planning policy projects and ensure delivery within agreed timescales and budgets.

Contribute to the effectiveness of the service.

 

The Individual

Significant experience of Development Plans 

Knowledge of new planning processes and policies from Planning (Scotland) Act 2019

Experience of leading teams of officers to deliver planning projects

A degree in Town Planning or related subject

Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute

Evidence of continuing professional development

Excellent presentation and negotiation skills

Excellent 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

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: 11 September 2026

Starting Salary: £52,478.40

£27.84 per hour

36.25 hours per week

 

Interviews to be held on week commencing 14 September 2026

 

For further information contact: Eily Webster, Strategic Planning and Development Manager at Eily.Webster@moray.gov.uk