Senior Planning Officer – Major Projects

About the role

Guildford Borough Council is looking for a Senior Planning Officer to lead major and complex planning projects. The role is temporary, running from August to January, and combines office‑based work with one day per week of hybrid attendance.

Key responsibilities

• Manage strategic, major and complex planning applications from pre‑application through determination.
• Lead Planning Performance Agreement (PPA) applications and ensure timely delivery.
• Negotiate planning obligations, including Section 106 Agreements.
• Prepare and present reports and recommendations for the Planning Committee.
• Conduct site visits, brief elected Members and attend stakeholder meetings.
• Liaise with applicants, developers, agents, elected Members, consultees and internal departments.
• Ensure compliance with planning legislation, policy and statutory requirements.

Required profile

• Proven experience managing major and complex planning applications.
• Experience negotiating Section 106 Agreements.
• Ability to prepare Planning Committee reports.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Sound professional judgement on complex planning matters.
• Proactive and organised approach to competing priorities.

Required skills

What we offer

• Hourly rate of £52.50, rising to £61.69 after 12 weeks.
• Hybrid working with one day per week in the office.
• 37‑hour week, Monday‑Friday.
• Experience working on high‑profile public sector projects.