Royal Greenwich

Job IntroductionPrincipal Planning Officers (Strategic Development Team)Royal Borough of GreenwichLocation: Woolwich, LondonSalary: £45,750 - £52,194 (depending on experience)Contract: Permanent / Full-timeAbout the RoleThe Royal Borough of Greenwich is experiencing significant growth and transformation, with a high-profile pipeline of regeneration and major development schemes. We are seeking motivated and skilled Principal Planning Officers to join our Strategic Applications Team, playing a key role in shaping the future of the borough.You will manage a varied caseload of major and strategic planning applications, including large residential, mixed-use, and regeneration developments. Working at the heart of the Council's growth agenda, you will help deliver high-quality, sustainable development while balancing competing priorities.Key ResponsibilitiesAssess and determine complex major planning applications and pre-application proposalsProvide clear, professional advice to developers, agents, and internal stakeholdersLead on negotiations to secure high-quality design, planning obligations, and policy compliancePrepare detailed committee reports and present applications to Planning CommitteeCollaborate with colleagues across planning, regeneration, transport, and infrastructure teamsContribute to the delivery of the borough's strategic regeneration objectivesEngage effectively with members of the public, councillors, and stakeholderAt PO4 level, you will additionally take on leadership responsibilities including deputising for the Deputy Team Manager, overseeing complex caseloads with minimal supervision, managing performance targets, commissioning consultants and leading key regeneration focused projects.What We're Looking ForYou'll bring:At least three years' post qualification experience and eligibility for membership of an appropriate professional body (e.g., RTPI).Strong knowledge of planning legislation, the NPPF, London Plan and local policy.Excellent written and verbal communication skills.A solution focused, creative and pragmatic approach to problem solving.The ability to manage your workload independently and work to changing deadlines.A commitment to delivering high quality customer focused services.Alignment with the Council's values of public service, equality, respect and continuous improvement.Why Join Us?At the Royal Borough of Greenwich, we are committed to creating a supportive and inclusive working environment where you can thrive.We offer:Competitive salary and Local Government Pension SchemeFlexible and hybrid working optionsGenerous annual leave entitlementProfessional development and career progression opportunitiesThe chance to work on exciting regeneration and development projectsFor an informal discussion please contact Beth Lancaster at or Diversity Statement: Royal Borough of Greenwich values the diversity of its community and aims to have a workforce that reflects this. We therefore encourage applications from all sections of the community.Advert Close: All vacancies close at midnight unless otherwise stated.Early Advert Close: Royal Borough of Greenwich reserves the right to close any job advert earlier than the advertised closing date where there is reason to do so (for example high volume of applications).How Applications are Scored: Each application is scored according to how well the supporting statements addresses each point on the Person Specification for the role. Candidates will be short-listed for interview on the extent to which they meet the specific points within the Person Specification. The Person Specification is supplied with the job advert. When completing your application, please use the supporting statements section to tell us how you meet each of the points on the Person Specification. We need to have this information in order to consider your application.Salary: Salaries advertised are for a standard working week of 35 hours unless otherwise stated. Please use this 'Salary Calculator to help you calculate a pro rata salary.Our Staff Values: Our Staff Values are important to us. Candidates will be continuously assessed against our staff values throughout the recruitment process. Where candidates demonstrate views and behaviours that do not meet the standards of our staff values, we reserve the right to reject their application/ registration.Salary Career Graded PO3-PO4 - £45,750 to £52,194Frequency AnnualJob Reference royalgreenwich/TP/917/805Contract Type PermanentClosing Date 13 July, 2026Job Category PlanningBusiness Unit Place and GrowthLocation Woolwich, London, United KingdomLevel of Disclosure and Barring Service, DBS, check required No DBSPosted on 12 June, 2026

Royal Greenwich is seeking a Sport, Leisure and Libraries Manager for a 1-year fixed-term contract based at the Woolwich Centre. This role includes overseeing the GLL leisure contract, leading service modernisation, and contributing to the borough's Physical Activity and Sport Strategy. The ideal candidate will have substantial experience in leisure management and excellent communication skills to engage with various stakeholders. The position offers generous annual leave, a local government pension, and access to staff benefits.

About the role Sport, Leisure and Libraries Manager - 1 year fixed term contract to work from the Woolwich Centre, with regular visits to 7 leisure centres and 12 libraries. Salary: £52,194 (PO5). Responsibilities include senior client management of the GLL leisure contract, strategic oversight of the library service, leading service modernisation, shaping capital programmes and partnerships, and contributing to the borough's Physical Activity and Sport Strategy. Your responsibilities Act as senior client manager for the GLL leisure contract, ensuring strong performance, robust service monitoring, financial integrity and value for money. Lead service modernisation, savings programmes and contract reviews to improve outcomes for residents. Contribute to strategic oversight of the library service. Report progress to the Head of Sport, Leisure and Libraries, Directors and Members. Contribute materially to refreshing the Physical Activity and Sport Strategy in partnership with Public Health, and to operational delivery of the refreshed Playing Pitch Strategy and a new Libraries Strategy. Represent sport, leisure and library infrastructure needs within the Thamesmead Infrastructure Delivery Plan and other major regeneration frameworks. Work with internal and external partners on capital projects, including Section 106 and CIL funded schemes. Represent the service at internal and external forums and deputise for the Head of Service when required. Who you are Substantial experience of leisure and facility management with a strong track record of managing complex external contracts and driving performance improvement. Experience working with strategic partners across sport, physical activity and wellbeing, including NGBs, Sport England, Arts Council England, the NHS and the GLA. Developed or contributed to strategies and action plans in sport, physical activity or related fields. Excellent communication skills, able to speak confidently at all levels, from operational delivery to senior leadership audiences. Ability to operate at pace with multiple workstreams, tight deadlines and competing priorities. A background in leisure, sport, libraries or a related public service area is essential. Knowledge of local government procurement and contract management is highly desirable, as is report writing (decision reports) and interpreting complex information into briefings for Directors and Members. Willingness to apply relevant skills from adjacent fields, if not all essential criteria are met. What we offer Meaningful role at the heart of Greenwich's sport, leisure and library services. Base at the Woolwich Centre with regular visits to leisure centres and libraries; scope for some remote working. Local Government Pension Scheme. Generous annual leave entitlement. Access to discounted GLL leisure facilities and a range of staff benefits. Learning and development support to help you grow in your role and progress in your career. Reasonable adjustments We want to remove any barriers candidates might face during the recruitment process. Please let us know if you have a disability and would like the advert in an alternative format, or if you would like to discuss how we can adjust the interview process to best support you. Contact Asad Sajid at or . Diversity Statement Royal Borough of Greenwich values the diversity of its community and aims to have a workforce that reflects this. We encourage applications from all sections of the community.