At a Glance
- Tasks: Help shape the future of Central Bedfordshire through strategic planning and policy development.
- Company: Join a leading Unitary Authority at the heart of national growth discussions.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive pension, and numerous staff discounts.
- Other info: Great career progression opportunities and commitment to professional development.
- Why this job: Be part of exciting projects like the Oxford to Cambridge Corridor and Universal Studios resort.
- Qualifications: Master's degree in planning or related field; RTPI membership preferred.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
This is an exciting time for Central Bedfordshire. As one of the largest Unitary Authorities in the country, our unique geographical location means we are at the focus of national conversations around growth. The government has reintroduced the Oxford to Cambridge Corridor as a priority area for development and economic investment, which along with potentially significant investment in infrastructure, has the potential to act as a great catalyst for future growth in Central Bedfordshire.
Working within the Strategic Growth team, you will be responsible for helping to deliver the Council's statutory and non-statutory Planning functions including the creation of evidence-based policies and guidance. You will be involved in policy planning projects from conception to conclusion including supporting the commissioning and preparation of evidence for the Council to support the new Local Plan.
The new Local Plan is in the early stages of development and will hopefully be one of the front-runners delivered under the new Planning Regulations. Now is a great time to be joining the team. You will be involved from the early stages right through to examination and adoption.
Your Role: As a Planning Officer, you will be part of the Strategic Plan Partnership team within Strategic Growth, supporting Managers, Principal and Senior Officers as well as managing your own workload. Your ability to communicate effectively, work under pressure, prioritise and manage workloads to meet identified deadlines all to a high standard, is therefore essential.
You will play a big part in helping to achieve the Council's priorities and objectives. With both internal and external customers depending on your skills, you will find your greatness using your professional expertise in a strategic as well as local environment.
You'll work across the full range of Planning disciplines, and with a variety of customers, including Councillors and developers looking to you for specialist support and guidance, it's vital that you understand and uphold best practice.
You will have a relevant Master's Degree (or equivalent qualification), be a Member, or working towards becoming a member, of the Royal Town Planning Institute and have some relevant experience working in a forward planning environment within a local authority.
With emerging political and commercial awareness, and good communication skills, you will have a desire for helping to influence others and working in partnership and be committed to evidence-based decision making.
Central Bedfordshire Council has its own vision and values that are integral to everything we do. Our area vision is to make Central Bedfordshire 'A great place to live and work'.
Benefits include membership of the competitive Local Government Pension Scheme from day one, agile working (plus laptop and smartphone), Flexitime scheme and many other staff discounts. A full overview of benefits on offer is included in the Recruitment Pack.
There are excellent opportunities for career progression within Central Bedfordshire Council. We are a recognised RTPI Learning Partner, demonstrating our commitment to the training and development of our staff.
Join us, and take advantage of a generous rewards package, agile working and the chance of continuous professional development. Find your greatness playing your part in our area's growth.
Planning Officer in Shefford employer: Central Bedfordshire Council
Central Bedfordshire Council is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where you can contribute to significant growth initiatives in one of the largest Unitary Authorities in the UK. With a strong commitment to employee development, including membership in the RTPI Learning Partner programme, and benefits such as agile working, flexitime, and a competitive pension scheme, you will find ample opportunities for career progression while making a meaningful impact in your community. Join us to be part of exciting projects that shape the future of Central Bedfordshire.
Contact Details:
Central Bedfordshire Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Officer in Shefford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the planning field. Attend local events, join relevant groups on social media, and don’t be shy to reach out to professionals for a chat. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you get the chance to meet potential employers or colleagues, make sure to highlight your experience and what you can bring to the table. Tailor your pitch to show how you can contribute to Central Bedfordshire's growth and planning projects.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the Council’s current projects and priorities. Knowing about the Oxford to Cambridge Corridor and the new Local Plan will help you stand out. Be ready to discuss how your background aligns with their goals and how you can help achieve them.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Central Bedfordshire team. Let’s make your dream job a reality together!
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Officer in Shefford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the Planning Officer role. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Experience:Don’t just list your qualifications; share specific examples of your past work in planning or related fields. We want to see how you've tackled challenges and contributed to projects, especially in a local authority setting.
Communicate Clearly:Effective communication is key in this role. Ensure your written application is clear, concise, and free of jargon. We appreciate straightforward language that gets your point across without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it reaches us directly and allows you to keep track of your application status easily. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Central Bedfordshire Council
✨Know Your Planning Policies
Familiarise yourself with the current planning policies and regulations, especially those relevant to Central Bedfordshire. Being able to discuss how these policies impact local development will show your understanding of the role and its significance.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Planning Officer, effective communication is key. Prepare examples of how you've successfully communicated complex information to different stakeholders, such as Councillors or developers. This will demonstrate your ability to engage with various audiences.
✨Demonstrate Your Project Management Experience
Be ready to discuss your experience managing planning projects from start to finish. Highlight specific instances where you met deadlines and delivered high-quality work under pressure, as this aligns with the expectations of the role.
✨Express Your Passion for Local Growth
Show enthusiasm for contributing to Central Bedfordshire's growth and development. Discuss your vision for the area and how you can play a part in achieving the Council's objectives, which will reflect your commitment to the community.
