At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage complex planning applications and provide expert advice to ensure effective decision-making.
- Company: Local Authority with a commitment to high-quality planning services.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive pay, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Full-time role with bi-weekly payments and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on community development while enhancing your planning expertise.
- Qualifications: Experience in local authority planning and a relevant degree or qualification.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
6 Month Contract With A Local Authority
Job Purpose
To support the delivery of a high-quality planning service by managing a complex caseload of planning applications, providing professional planning advice, and ensuring applications are processed effectively in accordance with relevant legislation, policies, and best practice. The postholder will be responsible for managing major and complex planning applications from pre-application discussions through to determination and post-decision stages. They will provide expert planning recommendations, lead on appeals, and work collaboratively with applicants, stakeholders, elected Members, and internal teams to deliver a customer-focused planning service. The role will contribute to the effective delivery of strategic planning objectives by ensuring high standards of professional planning advice, decision-making, and customer service.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage an individual caseload of planning applications, including major and complex developments, ensuring applications are progressed efficiently and effectively.
- Prepare high-quality planning assessments, reports, and recommendations for delegated and committee decisions.
- Lead and manage planning applications through all stages, including pre-application discussions, formal submissions, determination, and post-decision processes.
- Provide professional planning advice to applicants, developers, colleagues, Members, and other stakeholders.
- Assess proposals against national planning policy, local development plans, planning guidance, and other relevant material considerations.
- Coordinate consultations and engage with internal and external stakeholders to support effective decision-making.
- Negotiate with applicants and agents to achieve high-quality development outcomes and resolve planning issues.
- Lead on planning appeals, including preparing evidence, coordinating responses, and representing the Council where required.
- Support the delivery of an efficient, customer-focused planning service, ensuring applicants and stakeholders receive clear and timely advice.
- Identify opportunities for service improvements and contribute to the development of planning processes and procedures.
- Provide mentoring, guidance, and support to colleagues where appropriate.
- Ensure all planning work is undertaken in accordance with statutory requirements, professional standards, and organisational policies.
Requirements
Experience
- Significant experience working within a local authority planning environment or similar planning service.
- Proven experience managing a complex planning caseload, including major applications.
- Experience preparing planning reports and presenting clear recommendations.
- Experience managing applications from pre-application stage through to determination and post-decision processes.
- Experience leading or supporting planning appeals.
- Experience engaging effectively with applicants, developers, consultees, elected Members, and other stakeholders.
Skills and Knowledge
- Strong knowledge and understanding of the planning system, legislation, national policy, and development management procedures.
- Ability to analyse complex development proposals and provide sound professional recommendations.
- Strong negotiation and problem-solving skills with the ability to achieve positive planning outcomes.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear reports and present planning matters effectively.
- Ability to manage competing priorities, deadlines, and a varied workload.
- Strong customer service focus with the ability to deliver a professional and responsive planning service.
Qualifications
- Relevant degree or professional qualification in town planning or a related discipline.
- Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) or working towards professional membership desirable.
Additional Information
- Location: Local Authority Planning Service / Hybrid working arrangement
- Hours per week: Full time
- Bi-Weekly Payments
Principal Planning Officer in Greenwich employer: Civic Recruitment Limited
Civic Recruitment Limited is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment where strategic leadership in the Special Educational Needs service can truly make a difference in children's lives. With a strong focus on collaboration and professional development, employees are encouraged to grow their skills while contributing to meaningful outcomes in the Bromley community. The supportive culture and commitment to high-quality services make this an attractive opportunity for those looking to lead impactful change.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Planning Officer in Greenwich
✨Get Engaged in Local Politics
Dive into your local council meetings or community boards. These spaces are packed with people who are already in the public sector and might have insider tips on upcoming temporary roles. Plus, you can connect directly with key decision-makers.
✨Stay Alert for Seasonal Recruitment
Many public sector jobs ramp up during certain times of the year, especially around election seasons or local budget planning periods. Keep your eyes peeled for recruitment drives during these windows, as they're prime times for temporary positions.
✨Leverage Online Job Portals
Don’t forget to check government job boards or websites like the local council's site for temporary postings. This is where many roles first get advertised, and applying directly here can speed things up.
✨Tap Into Your University Resources
If you're at university, make the most of your career services to discover opportunities in the public sector. They often have connections with local government employers who are looking for temporary staff and can help you polish your approach.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Planning Officer in Greenwich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Emphasise your understanding of public policy:In your application, make sure to highlight any knowledge or experience you have related to public policy, governance or community engagement. Show us how you can contribute to the public sector’s mission, especially if you've worked on relevant projects or initiatives before!
Tailor your CV to the sector's expectations:When crafting your CV, focus on including experiences that showcase your ability to work within government structures or similar environments. Use clear, concise language and consider adding any volunteer work or internships that reflect your commitment to public service.
Show flexibility and willingness to learn:Since this is a temporary role, it’s crucial to convey your adaptability and eagerness to pick up new skills quickly. In your cover letter, let us know how you plan to make the most of this short-term experience and what you hope to learn from it.
Include relevant certificates and training:If you've completed any training or have certifications that are relevant to the role (like public administration, project management, or data analysis), don't forget to mention them. These can really make you stand out in the application process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Civic Recruitment Limited
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Public Service
In the government and public sector, showing that you're genuinely passionate about serving the community is key. Get ready to share examples where you've contributed to social good or tackled community issues, as this will resonate with interviewers from Civic Recruitment Limited.
✨Prepare for Policy and Regulatory Questions
Expect questions about policies, regulations, or recently implemented government initiatives. Brush up on the latest news relating to public sector developments—being informed will help you demonstrate that you're ready to hit the ground running, especially in a temporary role.
✨Flexibility is Your Best Friend
Since this is a temporary role, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly. Share examples where you've successfully taken on new challenges or adjusted to different team dynamics, that'll show Civic Recruitment Limited that you’re reliable and can effectively support various projects without a long onboarding process.
✨Prepare to Showcase Teamwork Skills
In the public sector, collaboration is vital. Be ready to discuss past experiences working in teams, especially in diverse environments. Highlight how you've contributed positively to group settings—this could really set you apart from other candidates in this temporary role.
