Principal Planning Officer (Policy)

• Join_us_at_Tonbridge___Malling_BC
• Principal_Planning_Officer_Policy_JD_January_26

Please apply online. If this is not possible, please contact a member of the HR team by emailing personnel.services@tmbc.gov.uk

Are you ready to take the next step in your planning career and shape the strategic direction of a diverse and ambitious borough? Do you thrive on leading complex projects, influencing key decisions, and driving high‑quality planning policy?

Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council is looking for an experienced, confident, and forward‑thinking Principal Planning Policy Officer to join our Planning Policy team. This is your opportunity to make a meaningful difference and help deliver a Local Plan that will guide sustainable growth, protect our unique character, and support thriving communities.

About the Role

As our Principal Planning Policy Officer, you will play a pivotal role in delivering a high‑performing planning policy service. Acting as a trusted deputy to the Planning Policy Team Leader, you will lead on the most complex and high‑profile projects, those that demand strategic thinking, political awareness, and expert judgement.

This is an influential post, offering the chance to help shape long‑term development across the borough and ensure our emerging planning policies reflect both local priorities and national ambitions.

Key Responsibilities

• Leading on major, sensitive, and cross‑cutting planning policy projects, using your expertise to shape outcomes and negotiate effectively with stakeholders.
• Driving the monitoring, review, and delivery of the Local Plan, ensuring policies remain robust, evidence‑based, and responsive to change.
• Producing high‑quality reports, guidance, and policy statements that support decision‑making at all levels.
• Representing the Council at key meetings, hearings, inquiries, and public exhibitions.
• Providing authoritative, expert planning policy advice to Members, senior officers, colleagues, partners, and the public.
• Mentoring and supporting team members, helping to build capability and foster a collaborative, high‑performing environment.
• Contributing to regeneration and environmental enhancement programmes, helping to deliver places people are proud to call home.

About You

You’ll be an experienced planning professional with the confidence, strategic awareness, and leadership skills to guide complex workstreams and influence major projects.

You will bring:

• A recognised degree in Town Planning (or related discipline) and RTPI membership.
• Significant post‑qualification experience in planning policy within a local authority or similar context.
• A strong understanding of planning legislation, policy frameworks, and procedures.
• Excellent negotiation, analytical, and communication skills.
• The ability to manage projects effectively, balance competing priorities, and work collaboratively across teams and disciplines.

If you are ready to lead, inspire, and make a tangible impact, we want to hear from you.

Why Join Us?

This is an exciting opportunity to join a council that is ambitious, supportive, and committed to delivering high‑quality planning for its communities.

We offer:

• A friendly, inclusive, and supportive working environment
• Excellent opportunities for professional development and career advancement
• A culture that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement
• Flexible working arrangements and a strong focus on wellbeing

Discover what it’s like to work at Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council and explore the benefits we offer: Working for us – Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council

For further information on this role please contact Kelly Sharp (Planning Policy Manager) at kelly.sharp@tmbc.gov.uk or Jenny Knowles (Planning Policy Team Leader) at jenny.knowles@tmbc.gov.uk. (Direct candidates only, strictly no agencies please)