At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage diverse planning applications and lead pre-application discussions for positive outcomes.
- Company: Local Authority with a supportive and established planning service.
- Benefits: Competitive hourly rate, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Great opportunity for career growth and mentorship within a dynamic team.
- Why this job: Step into a senior role and make a real impact on local development projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in Local Authority Development Management and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 43 - 48 £ per hour.
A Local Authority is seeking an experienced Senior Planning Officer to join their Development Management team on an interim basis. This is an excellent opportunity to work within a supportive and well-established planning service, managing a varied caseload whilst contributing to the delivery of development across the borough.
Role Specific
- Managing a varied caseload of planning applications ranging from householders and minor developments through to complex and small major schemes, offering scope to further develop experience on more complex and strategic applications.
- Leading pre-application discussions and negotiating positive outcomes with applicants, agents and key stakeholders.
- Preparing high-quality delegated and committee reports, presenting recommendations and defending decisions at appeal where required.
- Negotiating planning obligations, conditions and mitigation measures to secure policy-compliant development.
- Building effective relationships with councillors, consultees, developers and members of the public whilst providing sound planning advice.
- Providing technical guidance and support to colleagues, with opportunities to develop mentoring and leadership responsibilities.
- Contributing to service improvements, process development and performance targets within the Development Management function.
- Applying planning legislation, policy and professional judgement to a range of development proposals.
About You
- Experience working within a Local Authority Development Management team.
- Confident managing your own caseload and working to statutory deadlines.
- Strong understanding of planning legislation, policy and Development Management processes.
- Experience presenting applications at Planning Committee meetings would be beneficial.
- Experience dealing with appeals, enforcement matters or compliance issues would be advantageous.
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
We are keen to hear from experienced Planning Officers looking to step into a Senior Planner position, as well as established Senior Planners seeking a new challenge. If you have a solid Development Management background, experience managing your own caseload and the ability to exercise sound planning judgement, we would encourage you to apply. The team can offer support and development in areas where you may not yet have exposure, making this an excellent opportunity for planners ready to take the next step in their career.
Please contact Ryan Williamson for a confidential discussion on this role, or email if you are short of time to chat.
SPEC - Senior DM Planner employer: Carrington West
Join a forward-thinking Local Authority in the Midlands, where you will be part of a supportive and well-established planning service that values employee growth and development. With a hybrid working model and a focus on mentoring, this role offers an excellent opportunity to manage a diverse caseload while contributing to meaningful development across the borough. Experience a collaborative work culture that encourages innovation and professional advancement, making it an ideal environment for ambitious planners.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SPEC - Senior DM Planner
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the planning sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of planning legislation and recent developments in the field. Be ready to discuss how you've managed complex cases and what strategies you used to negotiate with stakeholders.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your communication skills! During interviews, highlight your experience in presenting at Planning Committee meetings and how you’ve built relationships with councillors and the public. This is key for a Senior Planning Officer role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way in landing that dream job.
We think you need these skills to ace SPEC - Senior DM Planner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in Development Management. We want to see how your skills match the specific requirements of the Senior Planning Officer role.
Showcase Your Experience:Don’t hold back on detailing your past projects and caseload management. We’re looking for candidates who can demonstrate their ability to handle a variety of planning applications, so give us the good stuff!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and structure your thoughts logically. We appreciate a well-organised application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Carrington West
✨Know Your Planning Legislation
Brush up on the latest planning legislation and policies relevant to the role. Being able to discuss specific examples of how you've applied these in your previous roles will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory, but you can also put it into practice.
✨Showcase Your Caseload Management Skills
Prepare to discuss how you've successfully managed a varied caseload in the past. Think of specific instances where you met deadlines or navigated complex applications, as this will demonstrate your ability to handle the responsibilities of the Senior Planning Officer role.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement Scenarios
Since building relationships is key, think of examples where you've effectively engaged with councillors, developers, or the public. Be ready to share how you’ve negotiated positive outcomes and provided sound advice, as this will highlight your communication skills.
✨Practice Your Presentation Skills
If you have experience presenting at Planning Committee meetings, rehearse how you would present a case. If not, consider how you would approach it. Being able to articulate your recommendations clearly and confidently will be crucial, especially if you need to defend decisions at appeal.
