At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex planning applications and mentor junior officers in a dynamic team.
- Company: Join Camden Council, dedicated to creating a vibrant community for all.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options, competitive salary, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to inclusion and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while advancing your planning career.
- Qualifications: RTPI qualification and experience in local authority planning are essential.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
Starting Salary: £47,525
Job Level: Level 4, Zone 1
Work Location: 5 Pancras Square, Kings Cross, London, N1C 4AG
Hours per week: 36
Contract Type: 12 month fixed term / secondment x2
Closing Date: Wednesday 7th October 2026 at 23:55
Alternative flexible working options available / open to discussion.
Anonymised Application – in keeping with Camden’s commitment to inclusion the recruitment to this role is anonymised and supports the objective of reducing the impact of unconscious bias.
About Us
In Camden we are committed to working together to make our borough the best place to live, work, study, and visit. Partnership with our communities is central to the way we work, so that everyone can access opportunities, and nobody gets left behind. Camden 2025 sets out a vision for the future of the borough, where everyone contributes to achieving a safe, fair, creative and active community. The Council’s Planning service is key to ensuring the delivery of the objectives for the borough.
The Role
We are looking for two Senior Planning Officers to work within our Development Management team. You will work as part of a team, working flexibly according to the needs of the service. As a Senior Planning Officer, you will contribute to providing a responsive, high performing and high quality Development Management Service. You will take the lead on a varied personal caseload including more complex, major and politically sensitive applications and pre-applications. As part of working on a caseload that includes complex and major cases, you will undertake consultation with external and internal consultees, negotiate planning performance agreements as well as securing planning obligations and/or contributions through CIL/S106 to be invested in the Borough’s built environment and infrastructure. You will also have responsibility for the mentoring and supervision of planning officers. A key part of this supervisory role is the moderation process whereby you will check and sign off on other officers’ applications, making sure that decisions comply with relevant legislation and policies / guidance to enable high quality decision making that promotes the Borough’s objectives. Further duties involve the preparation of evidence for appeals including presenting at hearings. There may well also be opportunities to work on specific non-casework projects.
About You
We are looking for enthusiastic, organised and personable planners with strong communication and negotiation skills who are motivated to deliver for the people of Camden. The successful candidates will be working with high caseloads and multiple demands on their time and so will need to be able to work efficiently. A good understanding of the London planning system is essential as well as a keenness to keep up to date with any policy changes. A recognised RTPI qualification is essential and having worked at an officer level within a local authority is an advantage. As well as working well independently, the role also involves working effectively as part of a wider team and so collaborative and delegation skills are also important.
Working for Camden
We’re ready to welcome your ideas, your views, and your rebellious spirit. Help us redefine how we’re supporting communities and creating places, and we’ll redefine what a career can be. At Camden, you’ll receive a host of benefits as well as joining a flexible working employer.
Additional Information
To view the Job Profile, please click HERE. To apply for this job please follow the "Apply" link. In the ‘Why you?’ section of the application you will be required to demonstrate how you meet the role criteria noted in the Job Profile under the “About You” section. To discover more about Camden and our commitment towards diversity, equality and safeguarding, please visit our recruitment website.
Asking for Adjustments
Camden is committed to making our recruitment practices barrier-free and as accessible as possible for everyone. This includes making adjustments or changes for disabled people, neurodiverse people or people with long-term health conditions. If you would like us to do anything differently during the application, interview or assessment process, including providing information in an alternative format, please contact us on 020 7974 6655, at resourcing@camden.gov.uk or post to 5 Pancras Square, London, N1C 4AG.
Senior Planner employer: London Borough of Camden
The London Borough of Camden is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where you can make a real difference in the lives of private renters. With a strong commitment to employee development and a collaborative culture, you will have access to ongoing training and growth opportunities while working alongside passionate professionals dedicated to upholding housing rights. Located in the vibrant heart of London, this role not only provides meaningful work but also the chance to engage with diverse communities and drive impactful change.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Planner
✨Get Engaged in Local Politics
Dive into your local council meetings or community boards. These spaces are packed with people who are already in the public sector and might have insider tips on upcoming temporary roles. Plus, you can connect directly with key decision-makers.
✨Stay Alert for Seasonal Recruitment
Many public sector jobs ramp up during certain times of the year, especially around election seasons or local budget planning periods. Keep your eyes peeled for recruitment drives during these windows, as they're prime times for temporary positions.
✨Leverage Online Job Portals
Don’t forget to check government job boards or websites like the local council's site for temporary postings. This is where many roles first get advertised, and applying directly here can speed things up.
✨Tap Into Your University Resources
If you're at university, make the most of your career services to discover opportunities in the public sector. They often have connections with local government employers who are looking for temporary staff and can help you polish your approach.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Planner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Emphasise your understanding of public policy:In your application, make sure to highlight any knowledge or experience you have related to public policy, governance or community engagement. Show us how you can contribute to the public sector’s mission, especially if you've worked on relevant projects or initiatives before!
Tailor your CV to the sector's expectations:When crafting your CV, focus on including experiences that showcase your ability to work within government structures or similar environments. Use clear, concise language and consider adding any volunteer work or internships that reflect your commitment to public service.
Show flexibility and willingness to learn:Since this is a temporary role, it’s crucial to convey your adaptability and eagerness to pick up new skills quickly. In your cover letter, let us know how you plan to make the most of this short-term experience and what you hope to learn from it.
Include relevant certificates and training:If you've completed any training or have certifications that are relevant to the role (like public administration, project management, or data analysis), don't forget to mention them. These can really make you stand out in the application process!
How to prepare for a job interview at London Borough of Camden
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Public Service
In the government and public sector, showing that you're genuinely passionate about serving the community is key. Get ready to share examples where you've contributed to social good or tackled community issues, as this will resonate with interviewers from London Borough of Camden.
✨Prepare for Policy and Regulatory Questions
Expect questions about policies, regulations, or recently implemented government initiatives. Brush up on the latest news relating to public sector developments—being informed will help you demonstrate that you're ready to hit the ground running, especially in a temporary role.
✨Flexibility is Your Best Friend
Since this is a temporary role, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly. Share examples where you've successfully taken on new challenges or adjusted to different team dynamics, that'll show London Borough of Camden that you’re reliable and can effectively support various projects without a long onboarding process.
✨Prepare to Showcase Teamwork Skills
In the public sector, collaboration is vital. Be ready to discuss past experiences working in teams, especially in diverse environments. Highlight how you've contributed positively to group settings—this could really set you apart from other candidates in this temporary role.
