Major Projects Planner

ZipRecruiter; City Of London; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A London Borough Council in the UK is seeking a Major Projects Planner to lead complex development management projects, negotiate stakeholder agreements, and provide expert advice. The ideal candidate will have a post-graduate qualification in Town Planning and significant experience in urban planning issues. This role offers a competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Local Government Pension Scheme

Flexible working arrangements

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• 5+ years' knowledge of legislative, policy, and procedural frameworks.
• Extensive post-qualification experience in Development Management.
• Proven experience negotiating complex applications.

Responsibilities

• Lead various complex Development Management projects.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to secure community benefits.
• Prepare and present reports on Development Management issues.

Skills

Knowledge of planning law

Negotiation skills

Effective writing and presentation

Project management

Education

Post-Graduate qualification in Town Planning

Tools

GIS

Planning databases

Microsoft Word

Job description

About the Role

As a Major Projects Planner, you will be a senior expert within the team, responsible for managing complex projects and providing specialist advice. You will deputise for senior managers as required and play a key role in the team's success.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Project Leadership: Taking lead responsibility for a full range of complex and strategically important Development Management projects, including major applications and appeals at Public Inquiries.
• Negotiation & Stakeholder Management: Working collaboratively with developers and stakeholders to resolve potential conflicts and negotiating to secure significant financial and other community benefits through S.106 legal agreements.
• Expert Advice & Communication: Acting as the Council's senior expert spokesperson on Development Management issues, preparing and presenting high-level, complex reports, and representing the Council at committees and other public forums.
• Team Contribution: Mentoring more junior staff, contributing to the team's performance management, and helping to develop a positive and customer-friendly planning service.

About You

We are looking for a highly motivated and experienced planner with a deep understanding of urban planning issues and a track record of successfully managing major applications.

To be considered for this role, you must meet the following mandatory criteria:

• Qualifications: You must hold a Post-Graduate qualification in Town Planning and have membership of, or be eligible for, the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI).

You will also have:

Experience:

• A minimum of 5 years' knowledge of the legislative, policy, and procedural frameworks within which the planning service operates.

Extensive post-qualification experience in Development Management.

• Proven experience negotiating on complex applications to secure community benefits.
• Experience mentoring staff.

Skills & Knowledge:

• A thorough knowledge of planning law and procedures as they relate to complex applications (including those with Environmental Impact Assessments) and appeals.
• The ability to produce and present clear, concise, and effective reports, both written and oral.
• Excellent skills in negotiation, persuasion, and influence.
• The ability to manage an extensive and demanding workload to meet performance targets with minimal supervision.
• A working knowledge of relevant IT systems such as Word, planning databases, and GIS.

Why Work for Hackney?

Join a forward-thinking London borough committed to delivering excellent services. We offer:

• A competitive salary and a generous Local Government Pension Scheme.
• A commitment to your continuous professional development.
• Flexible working arrangements to support a healthy work-life balance.
• The opportunity to work on a diverse and exciting range of major developments.

Please note: This post is politically restricted and will require you to be able and willing to attend meetings or undertake work outside of normal working hours.