Job Title: Principal Development Management Officer
Salary: £58,000 – £65,000 per annum
Hours: 35 hours per week
Location: Barking, London
Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a leading organisation in the appointment of an experienced Principal Development Management Officer to join a high-performing and fast-paced Development Management Team in one of London’s most significant growth areas.
This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated and commercially aware planning professional to contribute to a forward-thinking service recognised for delivering best‑in‑class performance. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong technical expertise, exceptional organisational skills, and a proactive, solutions‑led approach, alongside a clear commitment to high‑quality customer service.
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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