PDP Placemaking Officer in Surrey

PDP Placemaking Officer in Surrey

Surrey Full-Time 33552 - 33552 ÂŁ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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Local Government Chronicle

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Shape public spaces and create thriving communities through innovative placemaking projects.
  • Company: Join Surrey County Council's dynamic Place Commissioning and Engagement Team.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 26-31 days holiday, a generous pension, and wellbeing support.
  • Other info: Flexible working, hands-on experience, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in residents' lives while developing your career in placemaking.
  • Qualifications: Initiative, customer-focused, and some knowledge of infrastructure project design.

The predicted salary is between 33552 - 33552 ÂŁ per year.

This role has a starting salary of £33,552 per annum, based on a 36‑hour working week. We are excited to recruit a PDP Placemaking Officer to join our fantastic team at Victoria Gate in Woking. The position requires a minimum of two days per week in the office and attendance at site visits throughout Surrey, which may include some evenings.

Our Offer to You

  • 26 days holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years’ service and 31 days after 5 years’ service (prorated for part‑time staff)
  • Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
  • A generous local‑government‑salary‑related pension
  • Up to 5 days of carer’s leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year
  • Paternity, adoption and dependants leave
  • An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
  • Learning and development hub with a wealth of resources
  • Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel and shopping
  • A chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residents

About the Role

The newly formed Place Commissioning and Engagement Team brings together the teams responsible for developing and commissioning infrastructure programmes and schemes across Surrey, moving us toward a holistic, place‑based approach that supports our ambitions for towns, villages, communities and residents. The world is moving toward sustainable transport, flood risk management and climate resilience. As a Placemaking Officer you will play a central role in shaping high‑quality public spaces and creating thriving, inclusive communities, championing excellent street and public‑realm design.

Responsibilities

  • Assisting with the preparation of high‑quality project materials such as reports, presentations and engagement materials.
  • Supporting stakeholder and public engagement activities to gather valuable feedback that shapes plans.
  • Coordinating project information and contributing to the development of key project documents, including risk registers, financial reporting and business cases.
  • Providing project and administrative support to senior officers within the Place Commissioning and Engagement Team, ensuring smooth and efficient service delivery.
  • Contributing directly to the Council’s strategic goals and making a meaningful difference to residents, places and communities across Surrey.

What You Will Do

  • Help shape projects that improve public spaces, accessibility and community well‑being.
  • Support Surrey’s ambition to create inclusive, thriving and resilient communities where no one is left behind.
  • Gain hands‑on experience in collaborative, cross‑disciplinary ways of working.
  • Contribute to more effective engagement, ensuring residents’ voices inform decisions.
  • Directly support Surrey’s commitment to being inclusive, collaborative, ambitious and dynamic, and grow professionally within a forward‑thinking service.

Application Requirements

  • Able to take initiative, including ownership of work, work flexibly, get to grips with new areas and respond rapidly to requests for briefs.
  • Customer‑focused and able to build strong working relationships with internal and external partners.
  • Have some knowledge of the design and delivery of infrastructure projects and be self‑motivated to develop further.

Your Application Questions

  • What interests you about developing a career in placemaking, and how does this role align with your skills, experience and career aspirations?
  • Provide an example of a time when you had to manage multiple tasks or adjust your priorities quickly in response to changing demands. How did you organize your work, and what was the outcome?
  • Equality, diversity and inclusion are central to the Council’s values and part of The Surrey Way. Please tell us how you would support and promote inclusion through your work, for example, when contributing to project materials, engagement activities, or the development of public spaces.

Application Deadline

The job advert closes at 23:59 on 06/05/2026 with interviews provisionally scheduled for 18th and 21st of May in person at Victoria Gate, Woking.

Employment Conditions

Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation, moving from a two‑tier system to two new unitary councils in April 2027. If you are employed by Surrey on 1 April 2027, your role will transfer with current terms and conditions to one of the new organisations, supporting local devolution and greater powers for our communities.

Equal Opportunity

We are a disability‑confident employer which means if you have shared a disability on your application form and have evidenced you meet the minimum criteria, we guarantee you an interview. From application to your first day, we are committed to supporting you with any adjustments you need; we value inclusion and warmly welcome you to join and help build a workplace where everyone belongs.

PDP Placemaking Officer in Surrey employer: Local Government Chronicle

At Surrey County Council, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With generous benefits such as 26 days of holiday, a local government pension, and opportunities for learning and development, our team at Victoria Gate in Woking is dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the community while fostering an inclusive environment where every voice is valued.
Local Government Chronicle

Contact Detail:

Local Government Chronicle Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land PDP Placemaking Officer in Surrey

✨Tip Number 1

Get to know the team and the projects they’re working on! Research the Place Commissioning and Engagement Team and understand their goals. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.

✨Tip Number 2

Network like a pro! Attend local events or workshops related to placemaking and community engagement. Connecting with professionals in the field can give you insights and even lead to job opportunities. Plus, it’s a great way to show your passion for creating inclusive communities.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for those tricky interview questions! Think about your experiences managing multiple tasks and how you’ve supported inclusion in past projects. Practising your responses will help you feel more confident and articulate during the actual interview.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the latest updates and resources to help you along the way. Let’s get you that Placemaking Officer role!

We think you need these skills to ace PDP Placemaking Officer in Surrey

Project Management
Stakeholder Engagement
Report Preparation
Public Engagement
Risk Management
Financial Reporting
Community Development
Collaboration
Initiative
Customer Focus
Adaptability
Knowledge of Infrastructure Projects
Communication Skills
Inclusivity Advocacy

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Placemaking: When you're writing your application, let us know why you're excited about a career in placemaking. Share how this role aligns with your skills and aspirations. We want to see your enthusiasm shine through!

Be Specific with Examples: For the question about managing multiple tasks, give us a clear example from your past. Describe how you organised your work and what the outcome was. This helps us understand how you handle pressure and prioritise effectively.

Highlight Your Commitment to Inclusion: Equality, diversity, and inclusion are super important to us. Make sure to explain how you would promote these values in your work, especially when creating project materials or engaging with the community. Show us that you care!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us without any hiccups. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role right there!

How to prepare for a job interview at Local Government Chronicle

✨Know Your Stuff

Before the interview, dive deep into the role of a PDP Placemaking Officer. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities and how they align with your skills. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to creating inclusive communities and improving public spaces.

✨Showcase Your Experience

Prepare specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your ability to manage multiple tasks and adapt to changing demands. Highlight any experience you have in stakeholder engagement or project management, as these will be crucial for this role.

✨Emphasise Inclusion

Since equality, diversity, and inclusion are central to the Council’s values, think about how you can promote these principles in your work. Be ready to share ideas on how you would ensure residents' voices are heard in project materials and engagement activities.

✨Ask Thoughtful Questions

At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the team and projects. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can best fit into their vision for Surrey's communities.

PDP Placemaking Officer in Surrey
Local Government Chronicle
Location: Surrey
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