Job Summary
We are seeking to appoint an experienced Principal Development Management Officer within a fast-paced Development Management Team in one of London’s key growth areas. This is an opportunity to join a dynamic, forward-thinking Development Management Team with a ‘best nationally’ level of performance. At all levels, you will need to be able to demonstrate a keen interest in town planning, outstanding organisation, be solutions-led and have excellent customer service skills.
Job Salary
£58,000 - £65,000Closing Date
March 27, 2026Job Description
Key responsibilities for the role will be (but are not limited to):
– To lead on all types of Development Management projects or Spatial Planningtasks as necessary including pre-application, application and appeal work. In particular to deal with complex major development and strategic major applications of regional and national significance including all pre-application and application work associated with these or complex Spatial Planning tasks including the creation of sound Planning policy, and appeal work including leading at Public Examinations/Inquiries.
– To prepare and present written or oral reports and briefings to the Lead Member, Cabinet, Planning Committees, Members’ Forum and other bodies, and to attend and lead meetings with Members as necessary, and to support the preparation and management of agendas and meetings as required by the Development Management Team Leader or Head of Statutory Planning and Building Control.
– To make high quality planning assessments drawn from a spatial policy basis having regard to the Local Plan, Regional Plans and the NPPF.
– To manage a complex personal workload, dealing with a variety of schemes or Spatial Planning tasks across the Borough, as well as the daily allocation and supervision of work to junior staff and support for senior staff and the best allocation of resources
– To liaise with a wide range of public and private bodies in order to provide the planning input to projects securing the redevelopment or improvement of land in the Borough.
– To line manage and contribute to the wider function and success of the Development Management Team.
– To work on conservation, listed building, ecological and tree preservation matters, and the processing of applications for works to trees.
– To provide technical and procedural advice and problem-solving to the public on site, in meetings, by phone or correspondence in circumstances that can be confrontational and would require an immediate response.
Person Specification
Essential experience
– A recognised degree in Town Planning and sufficient post qualification experience to qualify for membership of RTPI or a related degree and ability to gain entry to course leading to a professional qualification*.
– A comprehensive knowledge of the practical application of the legislation and standards relating to the Planning Act
– Experience of supporting and/or mentoring junior members of a team and to devise innovative solutions for service delivery.
– A knowledge of how to assess the impact of legislative or administrative changes affecting the service and to proactively implement changes to comply with those requirements.
– The ability to undertake complex Development Management projects or Spatial Planning work and in a high-pressure environment.
– Demonstratable successful innovation, initiative and consistent achievement in a planning environment
– The ability to manage, lead and motivate staff and foster their professional development
– IT literate with experience of using Word, PowerPoint and other software packages to record and manage data.
– Able to listen and respond sensitively to the needs of the community and to deliver the service around the needs of customers.
– To build effective and productive working relationships with colleagues and elected members.
– A proven record or experience of communicating in person, by telephone and in writing in a calm, courteous and confident professional manner.
– Demonstrable understanding of the equality and diversity agenda, and experience of embedding a fair and ethical approach within a team and wider organisation
*Candidates on a recognised RTPI accredited course at post graduate level with demonstrable experience of working on strategic large scale major applications will be considered.
Essential Skills
– Able to work successfully in a team
– Creative and innovative in solving complex problems
– Able to think and work proactively, “self-start” and work autonomously with the minimum of direct supervision
– Scrupulous attention to detail, particularly with regard to technical aspects of operational processes and practices, accuracy of records and reports, efficiency and accuracy around schedule and diary management
– At ease in the presence of company directors, senior client representatives and able to command a sense of personal professional gravitas without being overbearing
– Have a corporate approach to managing her/his areas of responsibility, seeing the bigger picture, supporting fellow executives and board members in meeting their objectives
– Able to work under pressure, organise and prioritise own work and that of others, ensuring agreed programmes and project requirements are met and customer demands accommodated
– Strong influencing and persuasion skills
– Strong analytical skills
– Strong reporting writing and communications skills, abilities to flex communication style and approach to meet the needs of a diverse range of stakeholder groups
– Ability to prioritise under pressure
Competitive salary range of £58,000 - £65,000 p.a. plus company benefits including 30 days annual leave and pension.
Working arrangements are currently hybrid with two compulsory days in the office per week (subject to change). Our office is at MAKE IT Barking, 15 Linton Road, Barking, London IG11 8HE.
Be First will review applications as received and reserves the right to end its recruitment to these roles prior to the final deadline where an exceptional candidate presents themselves.
Please submit an up-to-date CV and a cover letter of no more than 2 A4 pages setting out how you meet the requirements of the role. A Cover Letter and CV should be submitted no later than 4pm Friday 27th March 2026.