At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead planning for the Heathrow Development Consent Order and shape community outcomes.
- Company: Join the award-winning London Borough of Ealing, a top performer in planning services.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid working, competitive salary, public sector pension, and generous holiday days.
- Other info: High career progression opportunities with a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on local communities and influence significant infrastructure projects.
- Qualifications: Degree in Town and Country Planning or equivalent, with experience in Development Management.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 48000 £ per year.
Your new company Hays are pleased to have partnered with the London Borough of Ealing to recruit a Career Grade Senior Planning Officer to join the team. The London Borough of Ealing celebrated ranking Platinum by the Planning Magazine for the decision-making service, putting them in the top 12 Authorities across the country in 2024. The council's platinum rating means it performed on average between 33-35% above the national quality threshold, meaning it was rated as the top London borough and placing it amongst the top performers in the country.
The Planning team is a very stable department with the entire service being permanently employed by the Council, meaning the team acts well together to deliver a quality level of service to applicants.
We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated planning professional to lead the Council's response to the Heathrow Development Consent Order programme - one of the most significant infrastructure planning projects affecting the borough. This is a high-profile opportunity to play a central role in shaping the Council's engagement with a nationally significant infrastructure project. The postholder will provide specialist planning expertise, coordinate technical input across council services, and manage engagement with Heathrow Airport Limited, statutory consultees and other key stakeholders.
The successful candidate will help ensure that the Council is well positioned throughout the DCO examination and implementation process, including the preparation of evidence, submissions and negotiations within fixed statutory timescales. The role will be critical in protecting the Council's interests and securing the best possible outcomes for local communities, including in relation to environmental impacts, transport, regeneration, housing, employment, place-shaping, infrastructure improvements and mitigation measures.
Working across Development Management, Planning Policy and wider council services, the postholder will coordinate complex technical responses, manage programme deadlines, support negotiations and help identify opportunities for funding, infrastructure improvements and community mitigation associated with the Heathrow DCO programme. This is a role for someone who can operate confidently in a complex, fast-moving and politically sensitive environment. The successful candidate will need strong planning judgement, excellent stakeholder management skills and the ability to work collaboratively across disciplines while maintaining focus on statutory deadlines and strategic outcomes.
For the right candidate, this is an opportunity to make a tangible contribution to the Council's response to a nationally significant infrastructure project and to help influence outcomes that will affect residents, businesses and places across the borough.
What you'll need to succeed:
- You will be qualified with a degree accredited by the RTPI or RICS in Town and Country Planning or equivalent.
- You will need to have experience in Development Management, including assessing planning applications across both residential and commercial areas.
- You must be confident writing appeal statements and providing practical advice on development proposals, being able to explain complex planning issues to a range of stakeholders.
- You will need to demonstrate a passion for creating sustainable and vibrant spaces that benefit the wider community.
What you'll get in return:
- The service offers flexible hybrid working with one core day in the office and flexible working around that.
- The salary banding has recently been benchmarked and now ranges from £40000 to £48000 plus public sector pension and holiday days.
- The Principals and Team Leaders in the service were all promoted internally, so career progression is high on the agenda within the Borough, and they pride themselves on developing staff.
Senior Planning Officer in London employer: Bimplus
Join a well-established principal contractor in Solihull, where your expertise as a Site Manager will be valued in a supportive and hands-on work culture. With a strong reputation for delivering projects safely and professionally, this company offers excellent opportunities for professional growth and development, ensuring you can take ownership of your projects while contributing to long-term client relationships.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Planning Officer in London
✨Dive into Local Government Events
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✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Bimplus and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
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We think you need these skills to ace Senior Planning Officer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Bimplus and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Bimplus
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Bimplus, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Bimplus.
