Major Project Officer (Planning)
| Posting date: | 31 March 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £407.28 to £533.71 per day |
| Additional salary information: | Pay: PAYE £407.28 per day / Umbrella £533.71 per day |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 01 April 2026 |
| Location: | Sittingbourne, Kent |
| Remote working: | Hybrid - work remotely up to 4 days per week |
| Company: | Neway International Ltd |
| Job type: | Contract |
| Job reference: | OR25983 |
Summary
Neway International are seeking a Major Project Officer (Planning) to join our client Swale and Maidstone Borough Council.
Location: East Street, Sittingbourne, Kent, ME10 3HT
Hours: 34 per week
Start date: 13 April 2026
Pay: PAYE £407.28 per day / Umbrella £533.71 per day
Work pattern: Minimum 1 day per week in the office
About the Client
Swale and Maidstone Borough Council’s Planning Services team manages a wide range of development proposals across the borough, ensuring high‑quality, sustainable growth. The service plays a key role in delivering major housing and regeneration projects that support local communities and strategic planning objectives.
The Role
The Major Project Officer will manage a varied caseload of major planning applications, with a particular focus on housing developments. The role includes providing expert planning advice, progressing complex applications through to determination, and mentoring a Senior Planning Officer — including signing off their cases.
Key Responsibilities
Manage and progress major planning applications, particularly housing schemes.
Provide professional planning advice to applicants, stakeholders and internal teams.
Lead on negotiations to secure high‑quality development outcomes.
Mentor and support a Senior Planning Officer, including reviewing and signing off their casework.
Prepare reports, recommendations and documentation for committees and senior officers.
Ensure all work complies with planning legislation, policy and local procedures.
Candidate Requirements
Essential:
Strong experience handling major planning applications.
Knowledge of housing development, planning policy and statutory processes.
Ability to manage complex caseloads and deliver high‑quality outcomes.
Experience mentoring or supporting junior planning staff.
Excellent communication, negotiation and report‑writing skills.
Desirable:
Local authority planning experience.
RTPI membership or eligibility.
Additional Information
This is a senior, autonomous role requiring confidence in managing major applications and supporting team development. Hybrid working is available with a minimum of one office day per week.
Location: East Street, Sittingbourne, Kent, ME10 3HT
Hours: 34 per week
Start date: 13 April 2026
Pay: PAYE £407.28 per day / Umbrella £533.71 per day
Work pattern: Minimum 1 day per week in the office
About the Client
Swale and Maidstone Borough Council’s Planning Services team manages a wide range of development proposals across the borough, ensuring high‑quality, sustainable growth. The service plays a key role in delivering major housing and regeneration projects that support local communities and strategic planning objectives.
The Role
The Major Project Officer will manage a varied caseload of major planning applications, with a particular focus on housing developments. The role includes providing expert planning advice, progressing complex applications through to determination, and mentoring a Senior Planning Officer — including signing off their cases.
Key Responsibilities
Manage and progress major planning applications, particularly housing schemes.
Provide professional planning advice to applicants, stakeholders and internal teams.
Lead on negotiations to secure high‑quality development outcomes.
Mentor and support a Senior Planning Officer, including reviewing and signing off their casework.
Prepare reports, recommendations and documentation for committees and senior officers.
Ensure all work complies with planning legislation, policy and local procedures.
Candidate Requirements
Essential:
Strong experience handling major planning applications.
Knowledge of housing development, planning policy and statutory processes.
Ability to manage complex caseloads and deliver high‑quality outcomes.
Experience mentoring or supporting junior planning staff.
Excellent communication, negotiation and report‑writing skills.
Desirable:
Local authority planning experience.
RTPI membership or eligibility.
Additional Information
This is a senior, autonomous role requiring confidence in managing major applications and supporting team development. Hybrid working is available with a minimum of one office day per week.