Senior Planning Officer

Find Apprenticeships; Kings Hill; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority is actively seeking a Senior Planning Officer to join its Development Management team. This role involves managing complex planning applications, mentoring junior colleagues, and representing the Council in public inquiries. The ideal candidate will have significant urban planning experience, strong negotiation skills, and a post-graduate qualification in Town Planning. This position offers a chance to shape sustainable development in a vibrant community.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in a senior Development Management team, preferably urban.
• Track record in managing major, complex planning applications.
• Experience negotiating S106 agreements.

Responsibilities

• Manage a diverse range of complex and major planning applications.
• Provide mentorship to junior colleagues in planning.
• Prepare and present complex reports to committees.

Skills

Urban Development Understanding

Negotiation Skills

Communication Skills

Mentorship

IT Literacy

Education

Post-graduate qualification in Town Planning

GCSE Grade in English Language and Mathematics

Tools

Microsoft Office

GIS

Social Media

Job description

Description

Our local government clients are recruiting a Senior Planning Officer to join a busy and high-performing Development Management team. This is a unique opportunity to work on a diverse range of complex and major planning applications, helping to shape a borough renowned for its innovation, culture, and growth. In this key role, you will not only manage a challenging caseload but also serve as a mentor to junior colleagues and an expert voice. If you are passionate about achieving high-quality, sustainable development in a vibrant inner-city context, we want to hear from you.

Your Key Responsibilities will include:

• As a Senior Planner, you will be a leader within the team, driving forward positive planning outcomes that benefit our community.
• Taking a lead role in managing a full range of Development Management casework, from pre-application advice through to major applications and appeals.
• Acting as the lead officer for the Planning Appeal function, with a special focus on representing the Council at Public Inquiries.
• Leading negotiations with developers on complex applications to secure financial and other community benefits through Section 106 legal agreements.
• Preparing and presenting high-level, complex reports to committees and other public forums.
• Providing mentorship, guidance, and support to junior members of the planning team to aid their professional development.
• Deputising for the Area Team Leader as required, contributing to the team's performance management and strategic direction.

Qualification Essential

• GCSE Grade (or equivalent) in English Language and Mathematics.
• Post-graduate qualification in Town Planning and current (or eligible) membership of
• the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI).
• Advanced user Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, Outlook, Social Media, GIS.

Qualifications, Knowledge, and Experience Requirements - Criteria to be Evaluated at the Shortlisting Stage.

We are seeking a proactive and highly skilled planner with a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with urban development.

To thrive in this role, you will need:

• Significant experience working at a senior level within a Development Management team, preferably in an urban environment.
• A proven track record of successfully managing major, complex planning applications and leading on appeals.
• Demonstrable experience in negotiating S106 agreements to secure community benefits.
• The ability to mentor and motivate colleagues, along with excellent communication skills to effectively engage with developers, residents, and councillors.
• Extensive knowledge of current planning legislation, policies, and best practices.
• Experience in the building industry codes of practice, measured terms and building contract forms.
• Ability to administer contracts and supervise work in progress.
• Highly IT literate skilled in all Microsoft packages. To make good and proper use of the IT systems, entering and retrieving information accurately and appropriately, ensuring that databases and other casework records are correct and up to date.
• Oversee the expenditure budget to ensure efficient allocation and adherence to contractual standards.
• Coordinate repairs and maintenance activities to ensure timely completion and adherence to quality standards.

Essential Compliance Requirements

• Three Years of Reference

A pre-engagement screening is mandatory for this role. Please be prepared for this additional step in the application process.

Diamond Blaque Group, a leading provider in the public sector, is acting as an employment agency for this vacancy. Our organisation is deeply committed to fostering an environment of equal opportunity and diversity in the workplace.