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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage and process major planning applications while leading negotiations and advising developers.
- Company: Join LWM, a dynamic company owned by Lichfield District Council, serving over 100,000 residents.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, private healthcare, hybrid working, and free parking in a vibrant office.
- Why this job: Be part of an ambitious team making a real impact on local development and infrastructure.
- Qualifications: Degree in Town and Country Planning with extensive experience in Development Management and planning policy.
- Other info: Flexible application support available; we value diversity and encourage all to apply.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are LWM, a company wholly owned by Lichfield District Council, a local authority in the heart of England that provides local services to over 100,000 residents. Our District is a beautiful place to live and work, with its historic city centre which has the impressive Lichfield Cathedral and is the birthplace of Samuel Johnson.
Our organisation is ambitious, innovative, and highly driven to be the best in all that we do. We want to further this growth potential in all key areas of the business by hiring great people. In return, we can build stronger foundations, provide quality services, and help support our company objectives longer term.
THE ROLE
We have an exciting opportunity for a highly experienced Senior Planner with a strong commercial background to join our ambitious team at LWM Planning, part of LWMTS. Our experienced Planners work on a wide range of projects from national and international Commercial Employment, enterprise, and logistical opportunities, HS2 and infrastructure, including strategic and major planning projects, throughout the district and UK.
JOB PURPOSE
To support and process specific major applications within LWMTS (Lichfield West Mids. Trading Services) on behalf of Lichfield District Council. This includes delivering pre-application advice, the drafting and implementation of planning performance agreements, the assessment of major planning applications and the management of appeals. The role also includes liaising and delivery of bespoke planning work for private clients and other local authorities across the UK and helping the team generate income and meet key targets.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Manage and process major planning applications, particularly those of a complex nature.
- Lead on negotiating and seeking resolution where required.
- Contribute to the negotiation of Section 106 and CIL Obligations.
- Contribute to and process bespoke private planning consultancy work and projects as required.
- Advise and guide developers on local development opportunities through the pre-app and planning performance agreement processes.
- Contribute to planning appeals work, including the co-ordination of appeal work.
- Play a key role in the production and review of planning procedures and protocols.
- Represent the council and LWM Planning at local and national level.
- Contribute to councillor training and support, including attending councillor drop-in sessions, delivering councillor training sessions and being the key point of contact for queries relating to applications processed by the team.
- Contribute to the planning policy and service improvement/transformation reports to the council’s cabinet and any other relevant committees.
SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
- Degree or Diploma in Town and Country Planning.
- Extensive knowledge and experience in Development Management and/or planning policy, including the processing of significantly major planning applications.
- Negotiations involving Section 106 Planning and CIL Obligations.
- Knowledge & understanding of planning/environmental law & procedures.
- An ability to analyse problems and provide viable solutions.
- An effective team leader able to demonstrate an understanding of team leadership qualities.
- Capable of taking projects from concept to completion.
- Excellent reporting skills with ability to write clearly and concisely.
- Excellent oral presentational skills.
SKILLS AND BEHAVIOURS
- Excellent Commercial and project management experience.
- Target driven and confident.
- People skills – client liaison and communication are key.
- Excellent organisational and time management skills.
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Ability to ensure targets and deadlines are met.
- A positive and proactive attitude.
- Ability to adapt quickly.
- Attention to detail.
- Full driving license and access to car.
You will also benefit from a fantastic salary package including Private Health Care, 5% Pension contribution, free parking, hybrid working, fab refurbished offices in a central location, plus, more! Be part of our growing team and amazing culture.
NOTE: All offers of employment are conditional offer subject to satisfactory clearances which include: Two satisfactory references covering the last 3 years of employment. Evidence of your right to work in the United Kingdom; and Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check if applicable.
WHAT NEXT?
To be considered for this exciting new opportunity, please send your CV and Supporting statement to Hannah.fox@lwmts.co.uk. If you need any support with completing your application, or any part of the recruitment process, please contact hannah.fox@lwmts.co.uk so that we can discuss reasonable adjustments. We look forward to hearing from you.
Contact Detail:
Lichfield West Midlands Traded Services Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Planner
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Lichfield District Council's recent planning projects and initiatives. Understanding their current focus areas will help you tailor your discussions during interviews and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the planning sector, especially those who have experience with major applications and Section 106 negotiations. Engaging with industry contacts can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples from your past experience that showcase your ability to manage complex planning applications and lead negotiations. Highlighting your successes will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on changes in planning legislation and environmental law. Being knowledgeable about current trends and regulations will not only enhance your expertise but also show your commitment to professional development.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Planner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Senior Planner position. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills, as this will help you tailor your application to highlight relevant experiences.
Craft a Strong CV: Your CV should clearly outline your qualifications, experience in Development Management, and any relevant projects you've worked on. Emphasise your commercial background and any specific achievements related to major planning applications.
Write a Compelling Supporting Statement: In your supporting statement, address how your skills and experiences align with the key responsibilities of the role. Use specific examples to demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and your experience with Section 106 and CIL Obligations.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and supporting statement for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for a Senior Planner role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lichfield West Midlands Traded Services Limited
✨Know Your Planning Legislation
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of planning and environmental law. Being able to discuss relevant legislation confidently will show that you are well-prepared and understand the complexities of the role.
✨Demonstrate Your Negotiation Skills
Since the role involves negotiating Section 106 and CIL Obligations, be ready to share examples from your past experiences where you've successfully navigated complex negotiations. This will highlight your capability in handling similar situations.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Experience
Prepare to discuss specific projects you've managed from concept to completion. Highlight your organisational skills and how you ensured deadlines were met, as this is crucial for the Senior Planner position.
✨Engage with the Team Leadership Aspect
As an effective team leader, be prepared to talk about your leadership style and how you've motivated teams in the past. Providing examples of how you've guided others will demonstrate your ability to lead within the ambitious environment at LWM.
