Urban Design Officer (Career Grade) Maternity Cover

Urban Design Group; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority is seeking a passionate Urban Design Officer to join the Design and Conservation Team in Greater London. The role focuses on developing well-designed spaces while contributing to planning applications and training programs. Candidates should have a background in architecture or urban design and thrive in collaborative environments. Benefits include enhanced leave, hybrid work, and access to employee support programs. The position is full-time, with an office base in Sevenoaks and a closing date for applications on 4th January 2026.

Benefits

Enhanced annual leave of 25 days

Extra Christmas closure day

Hybrid working

Generous Local Government Pension Scheme

Employee discounts and benefits

Free parking

Access to BUPA Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Strong background in architecture and/or urban design is essential.
• Must possess exceptional communication and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team setting.

Responsibilities

• Prepare site-specific development briefs for the Local Plan.
• Provide high-quality design input on planning applications.
• Support the delivery of in-house training programmes.

Skills

Passionate about creating well-designed spaces

Exceptional communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Understanding of design value in planning

Proactive team player

Education

Background in architecture and/or urban design

Job description

Sevenoaks District Council is preparing to deliver 17,000 new homes through its emerging Local Plan, and achieving design excellence is at the heart of this ambition.

Our district is predominantly Green Belt and includes areas of National Landscape, creating unique opportunities for innovation in planning and placemaking.

This role sits within our dynamic and forward‑thinking Design and Conservation Team, working alongside our second Urban Design Officer to support the delivery of an ambitious work programme. This is an opportunity to develop place‑making skills across a range of contexts from rural settings to urban town centres and play an integral role in shaping the vision for masterplans across the district, promoting exceptional design quality, sustainability and biodiversity.

We are looking for someone with a strong background in architecture and / or urban design who :

• Is passionate about creating well‑designed spaces and places
• Brings exceptional communication and problem‑solving skills
• Understands how design can add real value to the planning process
• Is a proactive team player who thrives in a collaborative environment

You will work closely with both the Development Management and Planning Policy teams, using your expertise to prepare site‑specific development briefs for the Local Plan and provide high‑quality design input on planning applications. You will also play a key role in delivering our in‑house training programme and contributing to the wider teams objectives.

This post is for 37 hours a week and will be based at our Council Offices, Argyle Road, Sevenoaks Kent TN13 1HG. We currently operate a hybrid‑working model, with a minimum of two days a week in our Sevenoaks office.

Why work with us?

Were proud to be a high‑performing local authority that values innovation, collaboration and people‑first service. Youll be joining a team that is passionate about its work and is committed to learning, development, and continuous improvement.

Other benefits include :

• Enhanced annual leave of 25 days (excluding bank holidays)
• Extra Christmas closure day
• Hybrid working
• Generous Local Government Pension Scheme
• Opportunities to join in with social activities
• Free parking
• Employee benefits including discounts on shopping, travel, days out and more,
• Tusker car salary sacrifice scheme and discounts with your MOT
• Access to BUPA Employee Assistance Programme, a free, 24 / 7, confidential counselling and wellbeing support service

If you have any questions relating to this role please contact Rebecca Lamb, Design and Conservation Manager

Please note that agencies will not be entertained.

Do you want to ensure you have the best chance of being shortlisted?

Read the Job Description and Personal Specification attached to the role and ensure that your supporting statement explains how you meet the essential requirements, as your application will be judged against these criteria.

Closing date :

Sunday 4th January 2026

Interviews (in person) : Friday 9thJanuary 2026