Principal Development Manager Officer in London)

Job Title: Principal Development Management Officer

Salary: £58,000 – £65,000 per annum

Hours: 35 hours per week

Location: Barking, London

The Role

Working within the Development Management function, you will play a key leadership role in delivering complex and high-profile planning projects. You will collaborate closely with senior colleagues across planning, transport, infrastructure, and design functions, as well as elected members and key stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead on a wide range of Development Management and Spatial Planning projects, including pre-application advice, planning applications, and appeals
• Manage complex major and strategic applications of regional and national significance
• Represent the organisation at hearings, public inquiries, and examinations
• Prepare and present high-quality reports and briefings to committees, elected members, and senior stakeholders
• Undertake robust planning assessments in line with the Local Plan, regional strategies, and national policy frameworks
• Manage a complex personal caseload while supporting workload distribution across the team
• Supervise and mentor junior staff, contributing to team development and performance
• Engage with developers, stakeholders, and the wider community to support high-quality development outcomes
• Provide expert advice on conservation, listed buildings, ecology, and tree preservation matters
• Deliver professional guidance to the public and stakeholders, including in challenging or sensitive situations

About the Team

The Planning function has undergone significant transformation, with a focus on delivering a commercially aware, efficient, and customer-focused service. The team operates in a dynamic environment, supporting ambitious regeneration and growth objectives.

Candidate Requirements

Essential Experience & Knowledge

• Degree in Town Planning (or related discipline) with eligibility for professional membership (e.g. RTPI), or working towards accreditation
• Strong working knowledge of planning legislation, policy, and practice
• Proven experience handling complex planning applications and major developments
• Experience mentoring or supporting junior staff
• Demonstrable ability to innovate and improve service delivery
• Understanding of how legislative and policy changes impact planning services
• Experience working in a high-pressure environment with competing priorities
• Strong IT skills, including use of standard office and planning systems

Additional Information

• Competitive salary and benefits package, including 30 days annual leave and pension
• Hybrid working arrangements, with a minimum of two office days per week

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