Senior Planning Casework Manager in Birmingham

Senior Planning Casework Manager in Birmingham

Birmingham Full-Time 44000 - 48000 Β£ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead planning casework for major infrastructure projects and provide strategic advice to Ministers.
  • Company: Join the Department for Transport, a key player in shaping the UK's transport future.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous pension contributions, and flexible working options.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on national infrastructure while developing your career in a supportive environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience in planning legislation and excellent written communication skills are essential.
  • Other info: Access to professional development opportunities and a diverse, inclusive workplace.

The predicted salary is between 44000 - 48000 Β£ per year.

Find out exactly what skills, experience, and qualifications you will need to succeed in this role before applying below.

Department for Transport

Location: Birmingham, Leeds, London, Newcastle-upon-Tyne (Hybrid)

Salary: Β£44,241 - A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%

National Salary: Β£44,241; London Salary: Β£48,581

Contract Type: Permanent – Flexible working, Full-time, Job share, Part-time Available Positions: 1

We have a fantastic opportunity for a Senior Planning Casework Manager to join the Transport Infrastructure Planning Unit (TIPU). TIPU provides advice to Ministers on a range of planning applications including for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIPs) submitted under the Planning Act 2008 such as development of strategic roads, aviation and major harbour projects. These Applications grant powers critical to the delivery of such projects that are central to the Government's policies for economic growth.

The post holder will work in a friendly team responsible for ensuring that robust and timely advice is provided to Ministers on such applications. This involves assessing the merits of projects against planning, transport and environmental policies and legislation, preparing formal, legally robust decision letters and making recommendations to Ministers and maintaining the propriety of the decision-making process.

Top Responsibilities
  • Assess the merits of applications for Development Consent Orders made under the Planning Act 2008 seeking consent for projects including strategic roads, aviation and major harbour projects.
  • Identify issues from often lengthy recommendation reports and lead on resolving these with guidance from managers and lawyers.
  • Assess applications against planning, transport and environmental policies and legislation.
  • Confidently draft well-argued and legally robust decisions and advice to ministers to strict statutory deadlines.
  • Work closely with our environmental manager and lawyers to ensure advice to ministers and final decision documents are robust managing their input to ensure statutory deadlines are met.
  • Respond to briefing requests, correspondence, FOIs and press queries relating to your cases.
Benefits
  • Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary.
  • 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days annual leave).
  • 8 Bank Holidays plus an additional Privilege Day to mark the King’s birthday.
  • Access to the staff discount portal.
  • Excellent career development opportunities and the potential to undertake professional qualifications relevant to your role paid for by the department, such as CIPD, Prince2, apprenticeships, etc.
  • Joining a diverse and inclusive workforce with a range of staff communities to support all our colleagues.
  • 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme providing free confidential help and advice for staff.
  • Flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance.
About You

To be successful in this role you will need to have the following experience:

  • Have experience and/or knowledge of planning, planning legislation and/or planning policy.
  • Proactively forward plan and track ongoing work, ensuring the delivery of high-quality outcomes.
  • Prioritise and recognise key areas of work that will need urgent attention.
  • Have excellent written communication skills. Experience of drafting technical detail for a non-technical audience ensuring attention to detail.

How to Apply: Read the full description and apply at CS Jobs using the link provided. This vacancy closes at 23:55 on Sunday 22nd February 2026.

Senior Planning Casework Manager in Birmingham employer: Department for Transport

The Department for Transport is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment where employees can thrive. With flexible working options, generous annual leave, and a substantial pension contribution, we prioritise work-life balance and employee well-being. Our commitment to professional development ensures that you will have access to career growth opportunities and the chance to undertake relevant qualifications, making this role not just a job, but a meaningful career path in the heart of the UK's transport planning sector.
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Contact Detail:

Department for Transport Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🀫

We think this is how you could land Senior Planning Casework Manager in Birmingham

✨Tip Number 1

Get to know the company and its values before your interview. Research the Department for Transport and understand their role in planning and infrastructure. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.

✨Tip Number 2

Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to planning legislation and policy. We recommend using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your relevant experience.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you. Think about asking about team dynamics or upcoming projects in the Transport Infrastructure Planning Unit.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and reiterate your interest in the role. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance of landing that Senior Planning Casework Manager position!

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Planning Casework Manager in Birmingham

Planning Legislation Knowledge
Planning Policy Understanding
Analytical Skills
Attention to Detail
Written Communication Skills
Technical Drafting
Project Management
Problem-Solving Skills
Stakeholder Engagement
Time Management
Decision-Making Skills
Collaboration with Legal Teams
Ability to Work Under Pressure
Proactive Planning

Some tips for your application 🫑

Know Your Stuff: Before you start writing, make sure you understand the role inside out. Check out the job description and highlight the key skills and experiences they’re looking for. This will help you tailor your application to show that you’re the perfect fit!

Be Clear and Concise: When it comes to written applications, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. Make sure your points are easy to follow, especially when discussing your experience with planning legislation and policy.

Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how they relate to the role. Use specific examples from your past work to illustrate your expertise in drafting decisions and managing complex cases. This will make your application stand out!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need to complete your application smoothly!

How to prepare for a job interview at Department for Transport

✨Know Your Planning Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of planning legislation and policy. Familiarise yourself with the Planning Act 2008 and be ready to discuss how it applies to Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects. This will show that you're not just interested in the role, but that you understand the core responsibilities.

✨Showcase Your Communication Skills

Since you'll be drafting decision letters and providing advice to ministers, it's crucial to demonstrate your written communication skills. Prepare examples of past work where you've had to convey complex information clearly and concisely, especially to non-technical audiences.

✨Be a Problem Solver

Highlight your ability to identify issues and lead on resolving them. Think of specific instances where you've tackled challenges in previous roles, particularly those related to planning or project management. This will illustrate your proactive approach and readiness to take charge.

✨Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect scenario-based questions that assess your ability to prioritise and manage multiple tasks under tight deadlines. Practice articulating how you would handle urgent requests or conflicting priorities, as this is key to succeeding in a fast-paced environment like TIPU.

Senior Planning Casework Manager in Birmingham
Department for Transport
Location: Birmingham

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