Working Pattern: Full Time

Interview Type: In Person

SMART Working: We aim to offer flexibility wherever possible. Many of our colleagues work from home one or more days a week and/or adjust their hours. We call this SMART working - giving you the freedom to shape your working pattern around your life, whilst still delivering great outcomes. Speak with the hiring manager about the range of flexible working options available for this role.

About the Role

Working within one of the area Development Management teams you will play a supporting role in bringing forward through the planning system and in partnership with the private sector and key stakeholders opportunities for investment in Trafford, together with corporate projects, strategies and priorities and to deliver homes, jobs and a return on investment for both the public and private sectors.

Your main priority will be to process planning applications, related consents, appeals, pre-application enquiries and to support the heritage, tree protection and planning compliance functions of the Council.

You will be required to negotiate and deliver improvements to development proposals and deliver high quality development in accordance with the Council’s aspirations.

You will prepare reports to senior officers and Members of the Planning Committee on matters relevant to the planning and development process and prepare written statements for appeals and to attend associated site inspections.

You will contribute to providing a high quality development management service and ensure the achievement of government targets, Council objectives and the delivery of the place shaping agenda.

You will apply your knowledge and experience in providing planning advice to partners, developers, investors, residents, Members and other stakeholders, negotiating and delivering improvements to development proposals and delivering high quality development.

About You

The post is an exciting opportunity for a motivated individual to support the delivery of our development management service. The post holder will be expected to assist in the delivery of high quality, sustainable development and the provision of an efficient and effective planning service in Trafford through the processing of planning applications, appeals and pre-application enquiries.

We are looking for talented, ambitious, enthusiastic and experienced professionals with a keen eye for improving the quality of the built environment. We welcome applicants with relevant public or private sector experience.

We offer flexible and hybrid working but also a supportive office environment with plenty of people to collaborate with and gain knowledge from face to face. The Planning Service has a structure in place which allows progression and succession planning for talented people.

Your style and approach will reflect our values and behaviours: you will be committed to continually improving the way we do things to ensure effective outcomes; valuing and respecting others’ contribution. You will enjoy taking personal responsibility to resolve issues and change what you do and how you do it to make a difference.

You will hold an RTPI accredited planning qualification (or be in the process of obtaining such a qualification), or other relevant qualification and have knowledge of planning processes and systems and have 2 years or more of relevant experience in development management and an understanding of Town and Country Planning and related legislation as it relates to development management and heritage.

You will be welcomed into a friendly environment where your personal and professional development will be encouraged. You will have the opportunity to work and grow in a people-centred and values based organisation that promotes a positive permission culture. Your opinions matter so you will have the opportunity to shape how we do things here at Trafford.

Additional Information

This advert may close early if we receive a high number of applications, so please apply as soon as possible.

Find Out More.

For the full details of this opportunity, please refer to the role profile linked below.

If you have any questions or would like an informal chat you can get in contact with the hiring manager, please contact Helen Milner, Planning and Development Manager East Team, on 0161 912 5868 or Stephen Day, Planning and Development Manager West Team, on 0161 912 4512.

About us...

Trafford is a vibrant, inclusive borough at the heart of Greater Manchester. Home to 235,000 residents, four thriving town centres, over 11,000 businesses, and 60+ parks and green spaces. We’re a place where community and opportunity meet. With excellent transport links, a proud heritage as the birthplace of the NHS, world-class sporting venues and outstanding schools, Trafford is a fantastic place to live, work, and thrive.

Why Trafford?

We’re more than just a local authority; we’re a team of passionate people committed to making a real difference. We deliver essential services that matter, from education and social care to business support, licensing, libraries and leisure and much more. No matter what your role is with us, you will help us to create a borough where all our “residents, businesses and communities thrive.”

Our Culture...

Our values are at the heart of everything we do. They’re not just words on a wall, they shape how we work together, make decisions, and support each other every day.

They help us create a workplace where everyone feels valued, heard, and inspired to do their best. If you share these values and want your work to have real purpose and impact, Trafford is the perfect place to grow your career.

What you'll love about working with us...

Alongside a competitive salary, we offer a wide range of benefits designed to support your wellbeing, development and work-life balance:

  • Generous Leave: Start with 26 days of annual leave (plus bank holidays), with options to carry over or buy extra days.
  • Flexible Perks: Discounts on car leasing, cycle to work, home tech, plus family friendly policies and hybrid working
  • Invest in your future: Join our generous Local Government Pension Scheme for peace of mind.
  • Grow with us: We'll support your development at every stage! Through leadership programmes like our EPIC Manager, LEAP into leadership and senior leadership. Plus, you'll have access to specialist qualifications and personal coaching to unlock your full potential.
  • Wellbeing First: Guided wellbeing walks and “Tea and Talk” sessions, and events like World Mental Health and National Fitness Day.
  • Connect with us: Connect with colleagues through our staff forums or join our Let’s Talk events to network, share ideas, and hear about the exciting work happening across our council.
  • Be Celebrated: For all your hard work, ideas and contributions through at our annual Time to Shine event, our cheers for peers’ scheme or through our EPIC Star Awards.

Guaranteed Assessment Scheme...

We have made a commitment to improve the employment opportunities for people with disabilities, care leavers, carers, and ex-military personnel by way of a Guaranteed Assessment Scheme. Our application form asks you to indicate if you meet any of the criteria within this scheme. To find out more and if you qualify please click here. If you apply under this scheme you will need to demonstrate that you meet the essential requirements of the job as set out in the ‘About You’ section of the role profile.

Greater Manchester Continuous Service...

We will recognise your previous service with other public sector organisations. This means that if you are joining us from a participating organisation, you can retain valuable service-related benefits such as annual leave entitlement. You can find out if this applies to you by visiting Greater Manchester Continuous Service Commitment | greater.jobs


Using AI in Your Application

At Trafford Council, we’re always open to new and innovative tools, including AI, that can help people work smarter. However, when it comes to job applications, what matters most to us is you. We really want to see your personality, your experience, and what excites you about joining our team.

If you choose to use AI for support, please be sure to read the instructions carefully and make sure your application is written in your own words, reflecting your genuine skills, knowledge and enthusiasm. Please see our guide on using AI in your application.

We’re looking forward to hearing your story.

Key Information...

  • Pre-Employment Checks: If offered a role, as a minimum we’ll need to verify your right to work in the UK, receive two satisfactory references, and medical check. Some roles may also require a DBS check and/or police vetting, which will be noted on the role profile.
  • Please note: We are not a licensed sponsor and will not be able to support with your work visa.
  • Privacy Notice: We respect your privacy. For details on how we collect, process, and protect your data, please click here: Recruitment and employment privacy notice | Trafford Council privacy notice | Trafford Council

Make an Impact. Apply Today....

If you are passionate about making a difference and want to be part of a team shaping a better Trafford for our residents, businesses and communities then we'd love to receive an application from you.

We want everyone to feel confident and supported throughout our recruitment process. If you need any help, adjustments or support at any stage, please get in touch with us at recruitment@trafford.gov.uk

After reviewing the role profile and submitting your application, successful candidates will be invited to a values-based interview to learn more about your skills and experience. This is your opportunity to show how you connect with our EPIC values and can contribute to our vision.

Supporting Documents

↗ Role profile

Ready to apply?

Location

Talbot Road, , Trafford, M32 0TH, United Kingdom

Job ID

1879