Principal Planning Officer, Planning Obligations and Major Infrastructure

Job Description

Job Title: Principal Planning Officer, Planning Obligations and Major Infrastructure
Salary: £54,999– £61,638 per annum (pro rata if part-time)
Grade: G
Contract Type: Fixed Term (or Internal Secondment) (Maternity Cover for 10 months)
Working Hours: 37 hours per week

Please note this a maternity cover role for 10 months which will commence in May 2026

About the department

This role sits within the Place Directorate which is a forward-looking team, responsible for shaping sustainable growth, delivering major infrastructure, and ensuring high-quality planning services across the borough. The team works collaboratively across council services, developers, and the community to manage planning obligations, guide development, and maximise local benefits.

As Principal Planning Officer, you will play a central role in delivering the council’s strategic objectives by leading the management and monitoring of S106 agreements, influencing nationally significant infrastructure projects, and ensuring developments contribute positively to Thurrock’s long-term growth and community well being.

About the Role

As a Principal Planning Officer- Planning Obligations and Major Infrastructure, you will be responsible for:

• Management and Monitoring of S106 Agreements and CIL
  Lead on the full range of Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) and S106 work, including collection, analysis, and reporting. Maintain robust systems to monitor financial contributions, performance against agreed measures, and ensure timely allocation for spending in line with corporate objectives
• NSIP and Major Infrastructure Engagement
  Shape and influence nationally significant infrastructure projects (NSIPs) and other major developments to secure policy compliant planning decisions, maximise community benefits, and support local growth objectives. Provide expert input at relevant stages, including Development Consent Orders and community engagement.
• Policy, Guidance, and Compliance
  Develop, advise on, and implement planning policies, guidance, and best practice related to S106, CIL, and NSIPs. Ensure legislative, contractual, and procedural compliance, including Environmental Impact Assessment regulations, energy sector developments, and related supply chain considerations.
• Stakeholder, Member, and Committee Engagement
  Present complex and/or controversial planning matters clearly to Committees, Members, and external stakeholders. Build strong relationships across council services, community groups, and statutory consultees to support transparent, evidence-based decision-making.
• Continuous Improvement and Service Leadership
  Proactively identify opportunities to improve processes, systems, and service delivery. Lead projects to enhance efficiency and quality, coach colleagues to develop skills, and provide professional advice on high-risk or precedent setting issues.
• Monitoring, Reporting, and Financial Oversight
  Oversee key performance indicators, budget processes, and internal/external reporting requirements. Ensure effective monitoring of S106/CIL contributions, compliance with statutory obligations, and delivery of high-quality outcomes aligned with Council-wide objectives.

This role offers the chance to make a real difference by securing developer contributions and infrastructure delivery that improve local services and community facilities

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for someone who has:

• Proven experience in planning at a senior level, including negotiation with applicants, presenting evidence at public enquiries, hearings, or tribunals, and involvement in nationally significant infrastructure projects (NSIPs).
• Demonstrated experience managing S106 agreements and/or Community Infrastructure Levy data administration systems, ensuring accurate, timely, and efficient monitoring and reporting.
• Ability to set challenging targets, manage performance, and develop staff to ensure a motivated, high-performing team capable of meeting service objectives.
• Proven track record of delivering creative, practical solutions to complex challenges, using data and evidence to drive continuous improvements and maintain a “can-do” approach to service delivery

Essential qualifications: Membership or working towards membership of an appropriate professional body, e.g., Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI).

DBS Check: N/A

Benefits of Working with Us

At Thurrock Council, we value our employees and offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Flexible and hybrid working opportunities (where applicable)
• Ongoing training and professional development
• Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support
• Staff discounts and local offers
• A supportive and inclusive working environment

Closing Date (Redeployment Only): 5th March 2026

Closing Date (Internal & External): 22nd March 2026

Interview Date: To Be Confirmed

Additional Information

If you have any questions about the role or interview process, please contact:

Priscilla Omede – Principal Planning Officer, Planning Obligations and Major Infrastructure

pomede@thurrock.gov.uk | 01375 652856

To view the Job Profile and Person Specification, please follow the link below:

Download Job Profile (PDF Document)

If the Job Profile and Person Specification list any qualifications as essential, please also upload copies of those relevant qualifications.

About us

Why Thurrock?

Working at Thurrock Council gives you the opportunity to join an organisation that is changing at pace, one where you can make a real difference to the lives of the people we serve.

Thurrock Council is moving towards a new community leadership approach which involves linking with local partners and communities as we shape our improvement for the years ahead.

This is an exciting time to join us, to shape the future success of our changing organisation and to have a positive influence on our borough.

Our location

Thurrock is located on the north bank of the river Thames. Our urban centres are a vibrant mix of established towns and new young communities, with a diverse and growing population of around 160,000 residents.

We are an emerging cultural and arts centre, home to the production centre for the Royal Opera House and the National Skills Academy for Creative and Cultural Skills. We have excellent retail and leisure opportunities, including Lakeside Shopping Centre, country parks, forests, and marshes.

Thurrock is just half an hour journey away from the centre of London by train and well connected by road.

Staff benefits

We offer lots of staff benefits, including a generous annual leave entitlement and hybrid working. We champion flexible working and job share applications are welcome.

Further information can be found here Employment benefits | Working for the council | Thurrock Council

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Thurrock Council is committed to equal opportunities. As a Disability Confident Employer, disabled people will be offered an interview where they meet all essential criteria on the person specification.

We serve a diverse community where people are different yet equal. Diversity underpins everything we do.

For further information about Thurrock Council please visit our website: Thurrock Council