Surrey - with hybrid working, Surrey Principal Planning Officer – Development Management Salary: £51,133 - £54,832 Location: The Burys, Godalming, Surrey GU7 1HR / Hybrid working Hours: Full time, 37 hours per week About the role We are seeking an experienced and motivated Principal Planning Officer to join our Development Management service, working within the Strategic Sites team . This is a key professional role, leading on complex, high‑profile and major planning applications from pre‑application stage through to determination and delivery on site. You will play a pivotal part in shaping significant development across the borough, working closely with developers, elected members, communities and partner organisations to secure high‑quality and sustainable outcomes. Reporting to the Development Lead, you will also provide support and leadership within the team, acting as a deputy when required and contributing to service performance and improvement. Key responsibilities Lead on major, complex and high‑profile planning applications, including strategic sites Project manage development proposals from pre‑application through determination and delivery Prepare and present reports to Planning Committee and advise elected members Negotiate with developers to maximise community benefits, including affordable housing and infrastructure contributions Provide paid pre‑application advice on major and complex schemes Make delegated decisions in line with the Council’s Scheme of Delegation Represent the Council at appeals, hearings and public inquiries, acting as expert witness where required Build and maintain effective relationships with councillors, applicants, agents, residents and statutory consultees Support, mentor and line‑manage planning officers as required Ensure decisions are robust, defensible and aligned with national and local planning policy About you You will be a confident and experienced planning professional with a strong track record in development management and major applications. You will be comfortable operating in a politically sensitive environment, balancing competing priorities and delivering high‑quality outcomes. Essential requirements include: Degree in Planning or a related discipline Full Chartered Membership of the RTPI (or the ability to achieve this within the probationary period) Significant experience of dealing with complex and major planning applications Strong negotiation, analytical and decision‑making skills Excellent written and verbal communication skills Experience of presenting at committee and/or representing an authority at appeal A commitment to customer service, equality and continuous improvement Why join us? Waverley is an ambitious and forward‑thinking authority, committed to professionalism, collaboration and wellbeing. We offer: Hybrid and flexible working arrangements A supportive and experienced management team Opportunities for professional development and CPD Local Government Pension Scheme The opportunity to work on strategic and high‑impact development projects Please note: No agencies or speculative CVs please. Direct applications only.