Assistant Planning Officer

About The Role

Working Hours: 35 Hours per week

Contract Type: Full‑Time, Permanent

Closing Date: 31 March 2026

Closing time: 11.59pm

Interview Method: In Person (Face to Face)

Applicants must have existing right to work in the UK, as visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application. However, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.

Qualification – Must hold a Degree in Planning

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.

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

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.

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…