At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead design and conservation efforts to shape the future of Oxford Street.
- Company: Join the Oxford Street Development Corporation, transforming one of London's iconic locations.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a chance to impact urban regeneration.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for career growth and community engagement.
- Why this job: Be part of a team dedicated to restoring and enhancing a historic area.
- Qualifications: Degree in architecture, urban design, or related field; experience in planning applications.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 € per year.
The Oxford Street Development Corporation has been established to lead the long-term regeneration and transformation of Oxford Street and its surrounding area to deliver a world-class public realm and safer, cleaner streets, and to support high-quality development, culture and economic activity that keeps the area thriving. Our OSDC Board is setting out the strategic direction of the organisation and brings diverse insight and cross-sector expertise including retail, property, leisure, fashion, music, theatre, media, law and politics. You will be joining a rapidly growing organisation fully dedicated to restoring Oxford Street to its former glory and to shape its exciting next chapter.
About the role
The Oxford Street Development Corporation is establishing a new planning service for one of Central London’s most significant and high-profile locations. As Senior Design and Conservation Officer, you will play a leading role in embedding a design-led approach across OSDC’s planning function. You will provide specialist advice on urban design, architecture, heritage, conservation, townscape and public realm matters, supporting high-quality outcomes across pre-application discussions, planning applications, enforcement matters, policy development and the preparation of design briefs and guidance.
This is a key role in helping OSDC establish itself as a design-led Local Planning Authority, ensuring that growth and investment are matched by excellence in architecture, heritage, public realm, accessibility and placemaking. The OSDC area contains a significant number of designated and non-designated heritage assets, as well as nationally important retail, commercial, cultural and public realm environments. The role will therefore require someone who can balance heritage significance with ambitious regeneration, accessibility, sustainability and placemaking objectives.
Working closely with development management, policy, infrastructure and delivery colleagues, you will support the Head of Planning Delivery and Place Shaping in establishing a planning service known for pace, quality, clarity and design leadership. You will also help support OSDC’s Planning Quality Review Group and wider design review processes, ensuring that design advice is clear, robust, constructive and capable of shaping better development as well as contribute to wider policy development, including preparation of the OSDC Local Plan.
What your day will look like
- Lead on design, heritage, conservation, townscape and public realm matters across OSDC’s planning service.
- Provide specialist design and conservation advice on pre-application enquiries, planning applications, listed building matters, enforcement cases and emerging policy work.
- Prepare, commission or contribute to design briefs, development frameworks, site guidance and other design-led material to support high-quality development across the OSDC area.
- Support the operation of OSDC’s Planning Quality Review Group and any related design review processes, including preparing briefs, reviewing material, advising officers and helping ensure recommendations are followed through.
- Assess proposals for their impact on design quality, heritage significance, setting, townscape, public realm, accessibility, sustainability and placemaking outcomes.
- Work collaboratively with applicants, agents, design teams, Historic England, local authorities, amenity societies, community groups and other stakeholders to secure positive and deliverable design outcomes.
- Provide clear design and heritage advice to officers, senior management, members and Planning Committee where required.
- Contribute to the preparation of the OSDC Local Plan, design policies, guidance, characterisation work and wider service improvement.
Skills, knowledge and experience
To be considered for the role you must meet the following essential criteria:
- Degree level qualification in architecture, urban design, conservation, planning, built environment, historic environment or another relevant discipline.
- Membership, or eligibility for membership, of a relevant professional body such as RIBA, RTPI, IHBC, Urban Design Group, Design Council Expert Network or equivalent professional experience.
- Experience of providing design and/or conservation advice on complex planning applications, pre-application proposals, listed building matters, design briefs, development frameworks or planning guidance.
- Experience of managing a caseload of heritage related planning applications, including listed building applications and associated consents.
- Strong understanding of heritage legislation, planning policy, architectural history and statutory development management processes.
- Good understanding of planning legislation, heritage legislation, national and London planning policy, design policy and statutory development management processes.
- Strong communication, analytical and negotiation skills, with the ability to balance design quality, heritage significance, regeneration objectives, deliverability and public value.
Communicating and Influencing… is presenting information and arguments clearly and convincingly so that others see us as credible and articulate and engage with us.
Level 3 indicators of effective performance
- Encourages and supports teams in engaging in transparent and inclusive communication.
- Influences others and gains buy-in using compelling, well-thought-through arguments.
- Negotiates effectively to deliver OSDC priorities.
- Synthesises the complex viewpoints of others, recognises where compromise is necessary and brokers agreement.
- Advocates positively for the OSDC both within and outside the organisation.
Building and Managing Relationships… is developing rapport and working effectively with a diverse range of people; and sharing knowledge and skills to deliver shared goals.
Level 3 indicators of effective performance
- Actively engages partners and encourages others to build relationships that support OSDC objectives.
- Understands and recognises the contributions that staff at all levels make to delivering priorities.
- Proactively manages partner relationships, preventing or resolving any conflict.
- Adapts style to work effectively with partners, building consensus, trust and respect.
- Delivers objectives by bringing together diverse stakeholders to work effectively in partnership.
Decision Making… is forming sound, evidence-based judgements, making choices, assessing risks to delivery, and taking accountability for results.
Level 2 indicator of effective performance
- Takes decisions as necessary on the basis of the information available.
- Makes decisions without unnecessarily referring to others.
- Involves and consults internal and external stakeholders early in decisions that impact them.
- Identifies potential barriers to decision-making and initiates action to move a situation forward.
- Demonstrates awareness of the OSDC’s decision-making processes and how to use them.
Planning and Organising… is thinking ahead; managing time, priorities and risk; and developing structured and efficient approaches to deliver work on time and to a high standard.
Level 2 indicator of effective performance
- Prioritises work in line with key team or project deliverables.
- Makes contingency plans.
Senior Design and Conservation Officer in London employer: London Gov
The Oxford Street Development Corporation is an exceptional employer, dedicated to revitalising one of London's most iconic areas while fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture. Employees benefit from opportunities for professional growth within a dynamic organisation that values design excellence and heritage conservation, all set against the vibrant backdrop of Central London. Join us to make a meaningful impact on urban development and contribute to shaping the future of Oxford Street.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Design and Conservation Officer in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the design and conservation field. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Prepare a portfolio that highlights your best work in urban design and conservation. Make sure it’s visually appealing and easy to navigate. This will help you stand out when you’re chatting with potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! When you get the chance to meet someone from OSDC or a similar organisation, be ready to talk about your experience and how it aligns with their goals. Keep it concise but impactful – you want them to remember you!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got all the latest job openings listed there, and applying directly shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets into the right hands!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Design and Conservation Officer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Design and Conservation Officer role. Highlight your relevant experience in urban design, heritage, and conservation, and show us how you can contribute to the exciting transformation of Oxford Street.
Showcase Your Expertise:We want to see your knowledge shine through! Include specific examples of your past work related to design quality, heritage significance, and planning applications. This is your chance to demonstrate your skills and how they align with our mission at OSDC.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to convey your ideas and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and passion for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way for us to receive your materials and ensures you’re considered for the position. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at OSDC.
How to prepare for a job interview at London Gov
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of urban design, conservation, and heritage legislation. Familiarise yourself with the Oxford Street Development Corporation's goals and recent projects. This will help you demonstrate your expertise and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that highlight your experience with complex planning applications and design briefs. Be ready to discuss how you've balanced design quality with heritage significance in previous roles, as this will be crucial for the position.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you would approach collaboration with various stakeholders, such as local authorities and community groups. Be prepared to share your strategies for building relationships and gaining buy-in, as this is key to achieving positive design outcomes.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare insightful questions about the OSDC's vision for Oxford Street and how the planning service will evolve. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if the organisation aligns with your values and career goals.
