Town Planner

This job is with JCDecaux, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community.

Newly qualified planners and those looking to expand on their existing experience can build on an early career in planning in a busy planning office. The position requires a talented, dynamic and commercially aware Planner with principal responsibility being to provide the link between the JCDecaux Development Teams and Planning Departments within Local Authorities. The team provides planning support to all Development Divisions; however, the majority of your time and day-to-day work will concern the development proposals for the large and small format roadside teams. Retail, Rail and Airport Divisions will also look to you for guidance on planning legislation and controls and where required, submit applications for Planning Permission, Listed Building Consent and/or Advertisement Consent.

What you'll be doing...

The day-to-day role of a planner typically involves:

• Giving pre-application planning advice.
• Preparing planning documentation.
• Managing the planning application process.
• Dealing with planning appeals and offering representation where required.
• Communicating with all stakeholders involved in the planning process.

Responsibilities will vary according to organisation and sector but may include a combination of:

• Managing a variety of planning applications, appeals and pre-application enquiries.
• Producing planning application reports.
• Delivering excellent customer service to a range of stakeholders.
• Communicating with relevant parties regarding the status of planning applications and queries.
• Updating planning IT systems with required data and project status notifications.
• Supporting and driving service improvement projects.
• Keeping up to date with planning regulations, policy and legislation.
• Prioritising your workload and taking a flexible approach to changes in direction.
• Maintaining continual professional development in accordance with requirements of the professional institute.

A little bit about you...

The skills you are most likely to need include:

• Outstanding time management skills with an ability to manage planning application deadlines and submission dates.
• Strong organisation skills with an ability to juggle multiple projects and prioritise associated administration.
• Excellent communication, both written and verbal, with a high standard of report writing and confidence to speak with senior leaders, architects, town planners and external practitioners.
• Analytical skills to assess the viability of planning proposals and assess their suitability against the various planning policies.
• Creative thinking with a talent for practical problem solving.

The following experience would stand you in good stead for a planning officer role:

• Minimum of one year's experience working in the UK as a planner either in the public or private sector.
• A demonstrable understanding of planning policy and development management legislation.
• An ability to communicate clearly and negotiate confidently.
• A track record of excellent time management skills and an ability to work under pressure.
• An understanding of, if not experienced in, the planning process from start to completion.
• Evidence of previous report writing.
• Experience using IT systems including database management.
• Excellent administrative capabilities.
• Experience of managing conflicting workloads and priorities.
• Evidence of working as a team player with an ability to lead on projects when required.
• Outstanding IT skills with a track record of using data management systems and a variety of software packages.
• Great team player and self-motivated.

QUALIFICATIONS

For a planner role you will most likely need the following qualifications:

• Chartered membership of The Royal Town Planning Institute or working towards membership.
• Minimum degree qualification in town planning or related discipline.
• Full and clean driving licence may be required.

A little bit more about us...

We believe in building a diverse and inclusive culture and positive employee experience. We are One Team, more than just ourselves. We are customer first, we understand, and help solve our customers' problems. We Test & Learn, we are empowered to learn and grow, unafraid of change. We choose to care, we are committed to doing the right thing, the right way. It's really important to us that we give as much to our colleagues as they give to us. Our latest Belonging Survey showed that our colleagues feel valued and listened to as we continue to build an environment where everyone can thrive, grow, belong and be their authentic selves. We believe that diversity of thought, experience and background provides the platform for great creativity. We are committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of race, colour, ancestry, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability or gender identity. Many of our colleagues work flexibly in many different ways. Please talk to us at interview about the flexibility you need. We can't promise to give you exactly what you want, but we do promise not to judge you for asking.

About our recruitment process....

1. You find or get sent this job advert, read it, and feel like you'd be a great addition to the JCD family.
2. You send in your application to let us know you're interested.
3. We see your application, get excited, and give you a call.
4. You'll meet us twice, depending on the role prepare a presentation and we'll get to know each other.
5. You'll begin your journey with us, we're excited to support and develop you throughout your career.