Principal Development Management Officer

About the role

Penguin Recruitment is supporting a leading organisation in London to appoint a Principal Development Management Officer. The role sits within a high‑performing Development Management team and offers the chance to lead complex, high‑profile planning projects in one of the capital’s most significant growth areas.

Key responsibilities

• Lead 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 for committees, elected members and senior stakeholders.
• Undertake robust planning assessments in line with the Local Plan, regional strategies and national policy frameworks.
• Maintain 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.

Required profile

• Degree in Town Planning or a related discipline with eligibility for professional membership (e.g., RTPI) or working towards accreditation.
• Strong technical expertise in planning and development management.
• Exceptional organisational skills and a proactive, solutions‑led approach.
• Commitment to delivering high‑quality customer service.

Required skills