Assistant / Graduate / Planning Officer (Career Grade)

Hillingdon Council; London; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking passionate individuals to join their Development Management team in London. This role offers a unique opportunity to grow your planning career while working alongside a supportive and experienced team. You'll engage with various planning applications, providing vital advice and guidance to residents and stakeholders. With a commitment to your professional development, this role lays a strong foundation for your future in planning. Enjoy a flexible work environment and a range of benefits that prioritize your work-life balance and wellbeing.

Benefits

Flexible Working Hours

Generous Holiday Entitlement

Discounts at Leisure Centres

Cycle Purchase Scheme

Local Government Pension Scheme

Mental Health Support

24-hour Confidential Advice

Travel Support

Free Car Parking

Discount on Golf Fees

Qualifications

• Degree or diploma in Town & Country Planning or related field.
• Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Determine a diverse portfolio of planning applications.
• Provide high-quality advice through our pre-application service.

Skills

Communication Skills

Organizational Skills

ICT Skills

Planning Application Process

Proactive Engagement

Education

Degree in Town & Country Planning

Diploma in related discipline

Tools

Service-specific Software

Job description

About the role

This is an excellent opportunity to join a high-performing Development Management team. We are recruiting to a career grade role, and will appoint at Assistant Planner, Graduate Planner, or Planning Officer level depending on your qualifications and practical experience.

This role is ideal for ambitious, capable individuals eager to progress in their planning careers. You’ll benefit from the support of a highly experienced and friendly team while gaining hands-on experience across a wide variety of planning applications and appeals.

You will:

1. Determine a diverse portfolio of planning applications, from householder to minor and (depending on experience) major developments.
2. Provide high-quality advice through our pre-application service.
3. Offer general guidance to residents, applicants, agents, councillors, and colleagues.
4. Contribute to planning appeal work, including preparing submissions to the Planning Inspectorate.

This role will provide a strong foundation for your professional growth and development in planning.

About You

We’re looking for candidates who are passionate about planning and delivering great outcomes for our communities.

You should have:

• A degree or diploma in Town & Country Planning or a related discipline (e.g., geography, architecture, construction, or design) at graduate or postgraduate level.
• Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), or be working towards it.
• Experience in the end-to-end planning application process, ideally within a local authority setting.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to produce clear, concise reports.
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities effectively.
• A positive, proactive approach and willingness to engage with residents, communities, and stakeholders.
• Strong ICT skills, including the ability to learn and use service-specific software.

A full UK driving licence is essential for this role.

For a detailed list of essential criteria, please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification.

For further information, or an informal discussion about the role, please contact Chris Brady - Area Planning Team Leader - Central and South ([e-mail]).

We reserve the right to close the recruitment process before the advertised date.

About us

We value our employees and are committed to ensuring that they enjoy a fulfilling and rewarding career with us. We understand that a happy and motivated workforce is essential for the success of our organisation. That is why we offer a wide range of employee benefits to enhance your work-life balance, financial wellbeing, health, and professional development.

Here’s a comprehensive overview of the fantastic benefits we provide:

Work Life Balance

• Flexible Working Hours – We recognise the importance of flexibility in managing your work and personal life.
• 36 Hour Week – Enjoy a standard 36-hour workweek for all full-time staff.
• Generous Holiday Entitlement – You will receive a minimum of 26 days annual leave each year, in addition to bank holidays. This entitlement increases to a maximum of 37 days after 10 years of service.

Health & Wellbeing

• Hillingdon Sport Leisure – Stay active and healthy with discounts at council-owned leisure centres and swimming pools across the borough.
• Cycle Purchase Scheme – Promote eco-friendly commuting with our cycle purchase scheme.
• Discount on Golf Fees – Enjoy up to 30% discounts on green fees at council-owned golf courses.
• Financial Benefits – Secure your future with access to the Local Government Pension Scheme and membership to the Credit Union.
• Vivup Benefits – Access a variety of offers and discounts through our Vivup Benefits.
• Eye Care – We contribute towards eye tests and lenses for Display Screen Equipment.
• Mental Health Support – Our mental health first aiders are trained to identify, understand, and help employees experiencing mental health issues.
• Support and Counselling Services – Access free 24-hour confidential advice and counselling as well as a legal advice service for you and your immediate family.

Commute with Ease

• Travel Support – Make your daily commute easier with our season ticket loans and free car parking. We also provide bicycle parking, lockers, and showers at the Civic Centre.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Statement

At the London Borough of Hillingdon, we are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. This means all employees, job applicants, and others who work for us will be treated fairly. Our workforce aims to be representative of all sections of society and Hillingdon residents, welcoming applicants from a wide variety of backgrounds. We strive to ensure our recruitment process is free from discrimination and bias, and we provide reasonable adjustments for applicants with disabilities. Join us in building a workplace where everyone feels respected, able to give their best, and be themselves, whilst contributing to our organisation's success.

Additional Information

Due to an expected high volume of applications, we may close this role early. We recommend applying as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.