01/09/2026
*NEW JOB* - ASSISTANT PLANNING OFFICER (STRATEGIC ROJECTS)
APPLY HERE --> https://www.wmjobs.co.uk/job/274702/assistant-planning-officer-development-management-strategic-projects/
2-year fixed term contract
Are you looking to kickstart your career in planning? We have an exciting opportunity for an Assistant Planning Officer to join our friendly and forward-thinking Development Management team in our strategic projects team working on development across the UK Central Programme at Solihull Council.
This is a career-graded role, designed to help you grow and succeed. You’ll receive tailored training and dedicated support from experienced colleagues to develop your skills and progress in your planning career.
What you’ll do:
Deliver a timely, end-to-end planning service by processing planning and related applications, as well as permitted development enquiries.
Provide clear, professional communication and excellent customer service to applicants, stakeholders, and elected members throughout the planning process.
Ensure all applications meet Solihull Council’s procedural requirements and comply with planning legislation.
What we’re looking for:
• Minimum of 5 GCSEs (grades A–C / 4–9) or equivalent qualification.
• Experience in a customer service environment, with strong written, verbal, and telephone communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and resilience to handle and resolve challenging calls relating to dispute
• Strong organisational and prioritisation skills, with the ability to meet fixed deadlines.
Applicants must also be able to drive, have a driving licence and own a car (or have access to a suitable vehicle) that is appropriately insured for business purposes, however for disabled applicants, reasonable adjustments will be made where required.
Why join Solihull?
Our borough is a fantastic place to live and work, with plenty to explore. We’re home to UK Central programme, one of the largest growth programmes in the country, encompassing major developments such as Birmingham Airport, Jaguar Land Rover, Arden Cross, HS2, and the NEC.
You’ll gain experience across a diverse range of planning work, from vibrant urban areas to countryside and protected Green Belt land. We’re currently delivering a progressing a revised Local Plan and working hard to do what is needed to support and welcome the transformative impact of the arrival of HS2 across the borough.
Our ambition is to deliver high-quality development in the right locations while protecting and enhancing our natural and historic environment. We champion excellent design, community benefit and delivery of a cohesive network of green and blue infrastructure.
In return we can offer:
• A friendly, supportive and inclusive working environment.
• A wide range of learning and development opportunities
• Generous annual leave entitlements.
• Flexible and hybrid working.
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme – a 24-hour independent, free and confidential advice and support service.
• Family and carer-friendly policies.
• Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Exclusive employee benefits and staff discounts.
To apply, please click on the link above.
Closing date: 13th September 2026
Interviews will be held 24th or 25th September 2026
Please be advised that should we receive a sufficient number of applications, we reserve the right to close this vacancy prior to the advertised closing date. We therefore encourage early submission of your application to avoid disappointment.