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- Tasks: Lead a dynamic planning team and manage diverse development projects.
- Company: Join Maidstone Borough Council, a supportive and innovative local authority.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous holidays, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on community development while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Degree in Town Planning and experience in development management required.
- Other info: Flexible hybrid working and a positive environment where your ideas matter.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
Ready to take your planning career to the next level? In this role, you’ll play a pivotal part in our planning team, leading and managing a group of 6–8 planning officers with varying levels of experience. Alongside team leadership, you’ll manage your own caseload, providing pre‑application advice, determining planning applications, and handling planning appeals to ensure high‑quality development outcomes.
You and your team will deliver expert advice across a diverse range of proposals, including:
- Residential schemes of up to 50 units
- Commercial developments
- HMOs
- Prior approvals
- Agricultural and equestrian projects
- Change of use applications
You’ll ensure planning decisions are robust and reports are clear and well‑reasoned. Acting as the Council’s representative, you’ll negotiate with developers, present cases effectively to the Planning Committee and work closely with elected members. Strong collaboration and innovative thinking will be key to your success.
As a team leader, you’ll deputise for the Planning Applications Manager, including allocating work and signing off decisions. You’ll also act as the Council’s lead witness in planning appeals and ensure effective representation in court proceedings.
This is a full‑time, permanent role (37 hours per week, Monday to Friday) with hybrid working arrangements. Applications for part‑time working will also be considered.
Why Maidstone?
Maidstone is the county town of Kent, with the Borough providing a mix of both urban and rural opportunities. We deliver high quality services to residents and local businesses. We will only achieve results through the talents and hard work of all our people. You are encouraged to become part of our vision and in return you can expect excellent support and training from us. We will give you the opportunity to develop the skills to do your job well and we have a positive working environment where your ideas are valued.
At Maidstone Borough Council we value the importance of flexible working. We know that by offering employees a range of flexible working opportunities we can positively impact wellbeing and engagement and drive results in return. We have a highly flexible hybrid working policy, alongside flexi time and flexible working policies, enabling staff to shape their work patterns around building a greater work‑life balance.
Our Offer:
- Highly flexible hybrid working opportunities
- 7am to 7pm flexi time to suit personal circumstances for most roles
- Generous holiday entitlement which increases after 5 years LG service plus bank holidays with the option to buy additional leave
- Additional 3 days leave given to enable a close down of the offices between Christmas and New year
- Free parking
- Range of flexible working opportunities to accommodate people’s home/work life balance including compressed hours, 9‑day fortnight, part time
- Invitations to staff events to celebrate success and support wellbeing that include holistic therapies and outdoor activities
- Employee Assistance Programme which provides confidential & independent information and access to counsellors
- Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) with valuable life cover and financial protection for your family
- Life Assurance – three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS)
- Season Ticket Loan - to help with the cost of your rail/ bus journey, to & from work
- Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand‑new car. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax
- Annual flu vaccine
- Cycle to work scheme
- Staff benefits discounts on leisure, eating out, holidays and shopping
- Excellent learning and career opportunities for committed individuals
- A professional fee payment, if required for the role
About You:
You will have a degree in Town Planning or a Post Graduate qualification in Town Planning and be a Chartered Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute, or be eligible to apply for chartered status. You will hold a Full UK Driving Licence with access to a motor vehicle to visit sites as required. You will have a range of development management experience, including dealing with complex and sensitive planning applications and planning appeals. You will have experience of working closely with Councillors and have political sensitivity. You will have excellent project management and communication skills and have worked in a planning performance agreement environment.
Selection Process:
Following the submission of your application form, it will be reviewed by the recruiting manager. Those that are successful in securing an interview can expect job specific interview assessment and an interview. Maidstone Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all employee and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is considered to require political sensitivity and the councils’ Politically Restricted Posts Policy applies.
Planning Team Leader - Development Management in Maidstone employer: Maidstone Borough Council
Contact Detail:
Maidstone Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Team Leader - Development Management in Maidstone
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the planning field, attend local events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the council's recent projects and challenges. Show us that you're not just interested in the role but also passionate about contributing to Maidstone's development goals. Tailor your responses to highlight how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your presentation skills! As a Planning Team Leader, you'll need to present cases effectively. Grab a friend or family member and run through mock presentations. This will help you feel more confident when it’s time to shine in front of the Planning Committee.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. So, get your application in and let’s make great things happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Team Leader - Development Management in Maidstone
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in development management and team leadership. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically. Remember, we’re looking for well-reasoned reports, so make sure your application reflects that.
Showcase Your Collaboration Skills: Since this role involves working closely with Councillors and developers, it’s important to demonstrate your ability to collaborate effectively. Share examples of past experiences where you’ve successfully negotiated or worked as part of a team.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands, and we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Maidstone Borough Council
✨Know Your Planning Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of planning regulations and recent developments in the field. Be ready to discuss specific cases you've worked on, especially those involving complex applications or appeals, as this will show your expertise and experience.
✨Show Leadership Skills
As a Planning Team Leader, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and manage a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led projects or teams in the past, focusing on collaboration and innovative problem-solving. Highlight any experience you have in mentoring less experienced colleagues.
✨Communicate Clearly
Effective communication is key in this role, especially when presenting cases to the Planning Committee or negotiating with developers. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, and be prepared to explain your decision-making process in a way that’s easy to understand.
✨Understand the Local Context
Familiarise yourself with Maidstone's unique urban and rural challenges. Research recent planning decisions and community needs in the area. This will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also show your genuine interest in contributing to the local community.
