Assistant Planning Officer

Assistant Planning Officer Grade 6 £33,143 - £36,363 (bar at £35,412) per annum pro rata About The Role

Manchester is one of the world's greatest cities. A city with a reputation for innovation. A reputation for creativity. A thriving regional economy and a proud sense of identity. We are a city with a rich history, a vibrant present-day, and much to look forward to in the future.

This is an opportunity to play a key role in shaping this dynamic modern city. The role is within the Central Development Management Team of the Manchester Planning Service - a high profile, frontline service within the City Council. We are looking for a talented, ambitious town planner, who is committed to Manchester, and its vision, in order to realise outcomes for our residents, businesses and visitors.

The Central Team is responsible for the implementation of the Council's planning policies for the ongoing physical regeneration of the City Centre. We have a number of nationally significant development areas including Corridor Manchester, First Street, Great Jackson Street and Piccadilly East as part of meeting our housing and economic growth objectives.

The team is also responsible for managing the growth of the City Centre into a number of strategically important regeneration areas, including Victoria North, Strangeways, Ancoats and New Islington, Holt Town and the Etihad Campus, in order to create great places that bring people and communities together, attract investment and ensure that Manchester continues to thrive.

About the Candidate

Candidates would help ensure that new developments are in line with Council priorities, ensuring the highest standard of design together with meeting Manchester's ambitious target of being a Zero Carbon City by 2038.

Working closely with the Planning Service's Urban Design, Heritage and Sustainability Team, the role would also require knowledge and understanding of historic buildings, other designated assets and climate objectives, together with relevant legislation, to ensure the City's growth responds positively to the historic environment and climate change objectives.

The role would be office based in the Town Hall Extension in the centre of Manchester with candidates expected to undertake site visits, where initiative and professional judgement would need to be demonstrated in order to make sound planning decisions.

Extensive engagement with elected members, residents, businesses and other stakeholders including heritage organisations would be a key requirement of the role in order to provide high levels of performance, customer service and deliver high quality development proposals in Manchester. There would also be close liaison with other council services to support corporate objectives and Council projects and initiatives.

About Us

We're the local council for one of the UK's most vibrant and diverse cities.

Working for Manchester isn't just a job - it's an opportunity to contribute to a city that leads change and transforms lives. Whether it's strengthening communities or driving innovation in public services, you'll play a vital role in creating opportunities and shaping a brighter future for everyone.

Our Manchester is our vision for a fairer, greener, and healthier city - a vision shaped by the people of Manchester. It guides everything we do at the Council and is brought to life through the Our Manchester behaviours:

• We take time to listen and understand
• We work together and trust each other
• We show that we value our differences and treat each other fairly
• We 'own it' and we're not afraid to try new things
• We're proud and passionate about Manchester

Benefits we offer

• Generous holiday allowance-Enjoy up to 26 days annual leave per year plus bank holidays. Increasing to 31 days after five years of local government service. Want more leave? You can purchase up to two additional weeks.
• A buzzing pension-You'll be enrolled in the UK's largest local government pension scheme, with plenty of options to top up your benefits. Includes life cover of three-times your salary as a lump sum.
• Enhanced parental and carers leave-Take advantage of our enhanced family leave options, designed to provide ample time for you to bond with your new born or support your family during critical life events.
• Brilliantperks-Access a range of discounts, from saving on the weekly shop to holidays and days out with MCR+. Plus discounts on phone contracts, cycle to work scheme, free flu jabs and eye tests, and more.
• Learn and grow-We are dedicated to nurturing talent and providing you with the tools to thrive. Take part in a diverse set of learning opportunities, from workshops and training sessions through to apprenticeships and qualifications. All this begins with our comprehensive onboarding process.
• A Good Employment Charter member-We are committed to offering secure, flexible work and embedding fairness into everything we do. We review pay annually, recognize three trade unions, and are constantly working to offer the best possible health and wellbeing support throughout all stages of your working life.
• Up to 3 days volunteering leave-Give back to the community with three days pro-rate of paid volunteering leave, in addition to existing benefits.

Creating an Inclusive Team at Manchester City Council

At Manchester City Council, we're dedicated to creating a workplace that truly reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We actively welcome applications from people of all ages and backgrounds, particularly from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic communities, Disabled people and young people.

To discuss the role, please contact Jennifer Atkinson (Principal Planning Manager) on or

For more information about the role or any adjustments, email .

To apply please click on the 'apply button'

Closing Date: 31 March 2026 - 11.59pm