At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage planning applications and provide expert advice in a dynamic team.
- Company: Join a busy planning team in Walsall with a collaborative spirit.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible hybrid working, and valuable experience.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on local development and enhance your planning skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in Development Management and a relevant degree or equivalent.
Hours: 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday
Contract: Temporary – 24 August to 24 November 2026
Hybrid: 2 days per week in Walsall, including every Tuesday
Driving: Full driving licence and access to own vehicle essential
Interview: Microsoft Teams
We are recruiting for an experienced Planning Officer (Development Management) to join a small and busy planning team in Walsall on an initial three-month contract. Priority will be given to candidates who are available immediately or at short notice. The successful candidate will primarily assist with new and reallocated householder and minor planning applications, pre-applications and associated appeals.
The Role
- Manage your own planning caseload and support the delivery of an effective Development Management service.
- Managing householder and minor planning applications.
- Dealing with pre-application enquiries and providing planning advice.
- Assessing planning submissions against relevant legislation and planning policy.
- Undertaking site visits.
- Preparing clear reports, recommendations and correspondence.
- Carrying out consultations and statutory publicity requirements.
- Negotiating with applicants, agents and other stakeholders.
- Monitoring developments to ensure compliance with planning permissions.
- Supporting planning enforcement matters where required.
- Preparing statements and dealing with planning/enforcement appeals.
- Representing the Council at meetings and appeals where required.
- Managing your caseload to meet statutory and local performance targets.
The full specification confirms that the role can also involve investigating alleged breaches of planning control and preparing enforcement notices, statements of evidence and, where required, giving evidence at hearings, inquiries or court.
About You
- Previous practical experience within Development Management, planning policy and/or planning enforcement.
- Experience managing a caseload of householder and minor planning applications.
- Good working knowledge of planning legislation.
- Experience providing appropriate planning advice.
- Ability to interpret scaled building drawings and development layouts.
- Strong report-writing and communication skills.
- Ability to manage your own workload and work to deadlines with minimal supervision.
- Confidence dealing with applicants, agents, members of the public, colleagues and Councillors.
- A planning-related degree or equivalent relevant planning/enforcement experience.
- Full driving licence and access to a vehicle.
These are specifically identified within the Council's person specification.
Working Arrangements
The position is hybrid, but you must be able to attend Walsall two days each week, including Tuesday, which is the Planning Department's all-team office day. There may also occasionally be a requirement to attend Planning Committee or other public meetings outside normal working hours.
£25.27 PAYE | 37 hours | 3-month contract
If you're an experienced Planning Officer who can start at short notice and meet the Walsall hybrid requirement, please apply with your latest CV.
Planning Officer – Development Management in Walsall employer: Lynx Employment Services Ltd
Lynx Employment Services Ltd is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values collaboration and professional growth. With a hybrid working model in Northampton, employees benefit from flexibility while engaging in meaningful projects that impact the public sector. The company prioritises employee development, providing opportunities for continuous learning and advancement within a dynamic legal environment.
Contact Details:
Lynx Employment Services Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Officer – Development Management in Walsall
✨Get Your Foot in the Door
Temporary roles in construction often rely on quick recruitment, so make sure to visit local recruitment agencies that specialise in the construction sector. They usually have a go-to list of companies that need staff urgently, helping us connect with potential employers faster.
✨Leverage Community Connections
Construction is all about connections! Check out local trade events, networking gatherings, or even social media groups focused on your area. Engaging with the community can lead to insider knowledge about temporary job openings that might not be advertised anywhere else.
✨Showcase Your Skills with a Solid Portfolio
Even for temporary gigs, a visual portfolio can really set you apart. Take photos of previous projects you’ve worked on, or if you're fresh in the industry, show examples of your work during training. This can help us demonstrate our hands-on experience to potential employers, like Lynx Employment Services Ltd.
✨Apply Directly at Construction Sites
Don’t overlook the power of walking directly into construction sites. Many temporary positions are filled on the spot, so it’s worth popping by local sites and having a face-to-face chat. Bring your CV and be ready to impress, as companies like Lynx Employment Services Ltd appreciate proactive candidates ready to jump in when needed.
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Officer – Development Management in Walsall
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Experience:In the construction game, having hands-on experience matters! Be sure to showcase any previous temporary roles or projects you've worked on in your CV. Mention specific skills like safety protocols, tools you're familiar with, or types of construction work you've done – this will help you stand out!
Showcase Certifications and Training:If you've got any relevant certifications or training like a CSCS card or health and safety courses, flaunt them! Include them in your CV and mention them in your cover letter. It shows that you're not just ready to get to work but that you've got the essential safety knowledge, which is super important in the construction industry.
Emphasise Flexibility and Availability:For a temporary role, flexibility is key! In your cover letter, make sure to clearly state your availability – are you ready to start immediately? Can you work various shifts? Letting Lynx Employment Services Ltd know how adaptable you are might just get you the edge over other candidates.
Keep it Concise and Clear:When applying for temporary roles in construction, employers often appreciate brevity. Keep your CV and cover letter clear and to the point. Focus on the skills and experiences that align most with what Lynx Employment Services Ltd is looking for. Avoid unnecessary fluff to make it easier for them to see why you’re the perfect fit!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lynx Employment Services Ltd
✨Show Off Your Safety Knowledge
In construction, health and safety is non-negotiable. Get comfortable with specific safety regulations like COSHH or Working at Height – you might get asked how you’d handle risk assessments or unsafe conditions. We need to show that we prioritise safety above all else.
✨Be Ready for Hands-On Scenarios
Expect practical questions or even a mini test where you’ll need to demonstrate basic skills. They might set up a scenario and ask how you would approach a specific task. Let’s prepare by brushing up on our trade skills and thinking through past projects we’ve worked on.
✨Flexibility is Key
Since this is a temporary role, they’ll want to know if you can adapt quickly to different teams and situations. Let's think about past experiences where we've had to adjust on the fly. This will show we’re ready to hit the ground running!
✨Highlight Your Previous Experience
Temporary roles often require hitting the ground running, so make sure to have a few stories lined up that showcase your relevant experience in construction. We want to emphasise skills that might not be on our CV—like teamwork and problem-solving when things don't go to plan.
