At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead major planning applications and provide expert advice to local authorities.
- Company: Join Capita, a market leader in Planning Resilience with a flexible work culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy a zero hours contract with competitive pay for the hours you work.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to professional growth and service improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on community planning while enjoying flexibility in your work schedule.
- Qualifications: 8+ years of planning experience and membership in the Royal Town Planning Institute required.
The predicted salary is between 13 - 16 € per hour.
We’re looking for a skilled and experienced Principal Planning Consultant to join our market-leading Planning Resilience team at Capita. This is a flexible contract opportunity, open to applicants across the UK and Northern Ireland, where you’ll be paid for the hours you work. As the Principal Planner, you’ll demonstrate at least 8 years of experience within Planning Policy or Development Management. You will lead on major planning applications, provide expert advice on local plans, and help drive service improvements for our Local Authority clients. This role will be paid on an hourly rate based on variable hours, depending on work available.
What you’ll be doing:
- Process major planning applications in a timely manner, producing robust reports and recommendations to achieve desired and deliverable outcomes.
- Undertake pre-application discussions on major proposals, some under Planning Performance Agreements.
- Prepare and present evidence on appeals for external clients.
- Work with clients and partner Councils on a range of projects across strategic planning and development management including Local Plans and supporting evidence, Supplementary Planning Documents, CIL/S106 and Sustainability Appraisal.
- Provide high quality timely professional advice and direction on planning matters, being proactive and problem-solving as required by the client.
- Lead consultation and engagement activities, including coordination and review of public consultation representations and responding to queries from the public or Councillors as required.
- Contribute to the delivery and improvement of business management systems, procedures and processes.
- Provide support and guidance to peers and more junior staff and ensure contemporary planning issues and legislation are cascaded and understood.
- Support the growth of the team by contributing to business development, securing repeat work and applying a commercial lens to all work undertaken.
- Provide consistently high quality professional advice on planning matters to clients, the public, councillors and others as necessary.
- Negotiate with applicants and a wide range of stakeholders to obtain high quality outcomes within given time constraints set out in contractual arrangements with clients.
- Provide concise, accurate, justified and timely reports and recommendations on major planning applications and pre-application discussions, applying current legislation and policy changes as appropriate.
- Stay up to date with current and emerging policy development at local, regional and national levels so that clients are well-positioned to benefit from existing policies and potential changes.
- Be involved in service improvements and business operations to ensure resilience, competitive edge, efficiency and effectiveness going forward.
What we’re looking for:
- Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute.
- Minimum of 8 years of relevant experience, including proven expertise as an expert witness at Planning Inquiries/Local Plan Examinations.
- Demonstrable experience as a Principal Planning Officer or Consultant in the public sector; experience across both public and private sectors is advantageous.
- A high level of knowledge, understanding and application of current and emerging planning legislation.
- Full, clean UK Driving License with willingness to travel to meet client requirements.
Principal Town Planning Consultant - Zero Hours Contract in Virginia Water employer: Capita
Capita is an exceptional employer that values flexibility and professional growth, offering a zero hours contract for the Principal Town Planning Consultant role. With a commitment to innovation and inclusivity, employees benefit from a supportive work culture that encourages skill development and collaboration across diverse teams. This home-based position allows for a balanced work-life dynamic while contributing to meaningful projects that enhance local communities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Town Planning Consultant - Zero Hours Contract in Virginia Water
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the planning sector, attend industry events, and engage on platforms like LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that Principal Planning Consultant gig.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of current planning legislation and local policies. We want you to be the go-to expert in the room, so practice articulating your experience and how it aligns with the role. Show them you’re ready to lead major planning applications!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase your problem-solving skills! During interviews, share examples of how you’ve tackled challenges in past projects. We love hearing about your proactive approach and how you’ve driven service improvements for clients.
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we’re always looking for talented individuals like you to join our team and make a difference in the planning world.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Town Planning Consultant - Zero Hours Contract in Virginia Water
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in Planning Policy or Development Management. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your expertise!
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on specific projects or major planning applications you've led. We love to see quantifiable results, so if you’ve improved processes or outcomes, let us know!
Be Clear and Concise:Your written application should be easy to read and straight to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets to the heart of your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Capita
✨Know Your Planning Legislation
Make sure you brush up on current and emerging planning legislation. Being able to discuss recent changes and how they impact local plans will show your expertise and keep you ahead of the game.
✨Prepare for Real-World Scenarios
Think about major planning applications you've worked on and be ready to discuss them in detail. Highlight your problem-solving skills and how you've navigated challenges in past projects to demonstrate your capability.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Be prepared to talk about your experience in leading consultations and engaging with various stakeholders. Share specific examples of how you've successfully negotiated outcomes and managed public queries.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Planner, you'll need to guide junior staff and contribute to team growth. Be ready to discuss how you've supported colleagues in the past and your approach to fostering a collaborative work environment.
