Principal Planning Officer - Team Leader (ref:421)

• Principal_Planning_Officer_-_Team_Leader_421_-_Job_Description_and_Person_Specification

Please apply online via the link provided.

Closing date: Thursday 23 July 2026
Interview date: Wednesday 5 August 2026

Please apply online via Winchester City Council's website.

Exciting Career Opportunity
Winchester City Council is offering a purposeful and fulfilling career opportunity within the Planning Department to ensure a high-standard and efficient service.

We are seeking a proactive Team Leader to join our Planning Development Management Service and play a role in shaping our historic city, market towns, rural villages and countryside in accordance with local and national policies and guidance. Our recently adopted Local Plan places sustainability at its heart, with a focus on responding to and mitigating the challenges of climate change, affordability, and phosphate and nitrate nutrient pollution.

About You
For the role of Team Leader, we are looking for a person with sound knowledge of current planning legislation who is capable of managing planning performance within the area-based teams to ensure the timely and efficient processing of planning applications and post-decision matters and appeals.

You must have good judgment, be able to identify and respond effectively to evolving needs, and have the ability to build strong, credible working relationships, contributing positively to the delivery of high-quality customer service.

Experience of presenting at Planning Committee is required, and you will be a member of the RTPI or eligible for membership.

What Winchester Offers
Our offices are based in the heart of Winchester’s historic Cathedral City, and we operate hybrid working with 50% of our time working from home and 50% working in the office, including at least one day each week together as a team.

We foster a friendly and supportive team culture, where collaboration and mutual respect which underpin everything we do. We believe that people perform at their best when they feel empowered. These values and approach are embodied in our corporate values.

Successful candidates will benefit from:

• Local government pension scheme
• 26 to 33 days annual leave (depending on length of Local Government Service) plus all Bank Holidays
• Flexi time scheme
• Paid membership fees to the RTPI (if applicable)
• UK healthcare cash plan, employee assistance programme, discount memberships at Winchester Sport and Leisure Park and other employee benefits

For an informal discussion about the role available and working for Winchester City Council please contact Sarah Armstrong, Service Lead: Built Environment (01962 848063) or Antonia Liu, Planning Manager (01962 848212).