At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage planning applications and transform community spaces for a better Liverpool.
- Company: Join Liverpool City Council and make a real difference in vibrant communities.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27+ days holiday, flexible working, and health perks.
- Other info: Great career progression opportunities and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that puts residents first and shapes the future of our city.
- Qualifications: Passion for public service and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 27450 - 33550 £ per year.
A bit about us:
Liverpool is home to vibrant, energetic, and engaged communities, people who take real ownership of their local area and are passionate about making our city a better place. We've got ambitious targets to meet and we need people who are driven, dynamic and ready to deliver the very best for our communities. Public service is more important than ever, and this role represents a real opportunity to make a difference to our communities by transforming the way we work and placing our residents at the heart of everything we do.
Working at Liverpool City Council provides an opportunity to contribute to your community and make a positive impact on the lives of residents. Our values shape how we work to deliver public services, and how we communicate with the residents we serve. We care about the best outcomes for local people, through our public services. We are proud of our world-famous thriving city with its rich culture, as well as affordable housing, good schools, beautiful green spaces – there’s really something for everyone!
The role:
In the role of a Planning Officer, you will carry out a full range of development management functions within the development management team and provide a modern, customer focussed and business friendly service. As the Planning Officer you will assess and process the full range of planning applications and also applications for consent to display advertisements and demolish/alter Listed Buildings etc including: the carrying out of all necessary consultations and negotiations; the preparation of recommendations and reports. The Planning Officer will carry out the full validation process for planning applications including the checking of drawings, assessing of fees and permitted development rights. Role of Planning Officer will be dealing with appeals against planning decisions, including the preparation of the Council’s case and the presenting of evidence at hearings, where appropriate as well as dealing with pre application enquiries.
Our offer to you:
- At least 27 days holiday, plus bank holidays rising to 32 after 5 years’ service (pro rata if part time) - option to purchase further days
- Agile working (role dependent) - a “Flexibility First” approach to agile working, where flexibility is the norm rather than the exception
- Part of the Local Government Pension Scheme – option to join the AVC Scheme
- Progression - opportunities and training through a wide range of high quality learning
- Health and Wellbeing - offer including Employee Assistance Programme
- Cycle to Work and Travel Pass Schemes
- Drive Time – a salary sacrifice car lease scheme
- Family friendly policies with enhanced leave
- Discounted Gym Memberships
- Employee Volunteering Scheme
- Medicash
Next steps:
Closing date: Midnight on Friday 4th September 2026
Shortlisting date: W/C Monday 7th September 2026
Interview date: W/C Monday 14th September 2026
Interview type: Face-to-face competency based questions
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early. Once the role has closed, you will not be able to submit an application, and we are unable to reopen the vacancy for you to complete it. We strongly recommend submitting your application well in advance of the closing date to avoid disappointment.
If you would like any further information or an informal discussion, please contact Andrea Dimba at andrea.dimba@liverpool.gov.uk.
Liverpool City Council is committed to fostering a workforce representative of the communities we serve. As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we believe in appointing candidates based on their skills, experience, qualifications, and abilities. To support this commitment, we guarantee an interview to candidates from under-represented groups who meet the minimum essential criteria for the role.
If you require any reasonable adjustments in line with the Equality Act 2010, such as an application form in a different format or additional time to complete your application, please contact us at recruitment@liverpool.gov.uk.
Eligibility to work in the UK will be verified in the final stages of the selection process. All candidates must either already have a right to work in the UK before commencing employment or meet the Home Office criteria for Visa sponsorship. Candidates who require sponsorship should evaluate the Home Office eligibility criteria for a Skilled Worker visa before applying.
Planning Officer in West Kirby employer: Liverpool City Council
Liverpool City Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and community impact. With generous benefits such as holiday entitlements, Agile working options, and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, employees are encouraged to grow and thrive in their roles while making a meaningful difference in the lives of residents.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Officer in West Kirby
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Liverpool City Council, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Liverpool City Council and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Officer in West Kirby
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Liverpool City Council and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Liverpool City Council
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Liverpool City Council, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Liverpool City Council.
