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- Tasks: Provide expert urban design advice on major planning applications and projects.
- Company: Join Oxford City Council, a leader in heritage and innovation.
- Benefits: Flexible working, competitive pay, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of Oxford with your passion for design and sustainability.
- Qualifications: Degree in urban design or related field; experience in planning and design.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with potential for a four-day work week.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 ÂŁ per year.
Oxford is a city defined by its heritage, innovation and global reputation. At Oxford City Council, we are committed to ensuring that growth and change are underpinned by exceptional design quality and a strong sense of place. We are seeking an Urban Design Officer to join our well‑established Urban Design team, working on major development proposals and city‑shaping projects across Oxford. This is a varied and influential role for someone passionate about delivering high‑quality, distinctive places in a complex and historic urban environment.
About the role
As an Urban Design Officer, you will provide specialist urban design advice on significant planning applications, contribute to planning policy and design guidance, and play a key role in facilitating the Oxford Design Review Panel. Working closely with planners, elected Members, developers and a wide range of external stakeholders, you will help ensure that new development meets Oxford’s high standards for design, sustainability and place‑making.
Key responsibilities
- Provide specialist urban design advice on major planning applications and pre‑application enquiries
- Support planning colleagues on the urban design aspects of complex development proposals
- Contribute to the preparation of design guidance, planning policy and wider design‑led projects
- Facilitate and support the Oxford Design Review Panel, including preparation, attendance and follow‑up
- Present clear, balanced urban design advice to a range of audiences, including committees and stakeholders
- Work collaboratively across council teams and with external partners to promote high standards of urban design and place‑making
About you
You will bring professional expertise, sound judgement and a collaborative approach to your work. You will have:
- A degree in urban design, architecture or a closely related discipline
- Membership of, or working towards membership of, the Urban Design Group, RTPI or RIBA
- Demonstrable experience dealing with the urban design aspects of major development proposals
- Strong working knowledge of the UK planning system, including current planning law and guidance
- Experience of presenting to elected Members or formal committees
- The ability to produce balanced, evidence‑based recommendations and exercise professional judgement with confidence
- Strong analytical, communication and IT skills
- The ability to build positive and effective working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders
Working arrangements
This role is temp role initially for 3 months based in Oxford, with a hybrid approach to working. Office attendance is flexible and driven by meetings, with around two days per week on site typically expected. Thursdays are commonly office days. A four‑day condensed working pattern may also be considered.
Urban Design Officer in Banbury employer: Oxford City Council
Contact Detail:
Oxford City Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Urban Design Officer in Banbury
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend local urban design events or workshops to meet people in the field. Building connections can lead to job opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your ideas about urban design and how you envision enhancing Oxford’s unique character. Let your enthusiasm shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching Oxford’s recent urban projects. Being knowledgeable about local developments will help you stand out and show that you’re genuinely interested in contributing to the city.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Urban Design Officer in Banbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for urban design shine through! We want to see how your passion aligns with our commitment to high-quality, distinctive places in Oxford.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in urban design and planning. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your expertise and how you’ve tackled similar challenges in the past.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your writing is easy to follow and directly addresses the key responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with the Oxford City Council.
How to prepare for a job interview at Oxford City Council
✨Know Your Urban Design Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of urban design principles and the UK planning system. Be ready to discuss how your expertise aligns with Oxford's high standards for design and sustainability. Familiarise yourself with recent projects in Oxford to show your genuine interest.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement
Since you'll be working with a variety of stakeholders, think about how you can effectively communicate your ideas. Prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated with planners, developers, or committees in the past. This will demonstrate your ability to build positive relationships.
✨Showcase Your Presentation Skills
You'll need to present clear urban design advice, so practice articulating your thoughts concisely. Consider doing mock presentations to friends or family, focusing on how to convey complex ideas simply. Highlight any experience you have presenting to formal committees or elected Members.
✨Understand the Role's Impact
Reflect on how the Urban Design Officer role contributes to shaping Oxford's future. Be prepared to discuss your vision for high-quality, distinctive places and how you can help facilitate the Oxford Design Review Panel. Showing that you understand the broader impact of your work will set you apart.