At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage your own caseload and handle various planning applications daily.
- Company: Join Sevenoaks District Council, a leading planning department in Kent.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working options and opportunities for career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community while developing valuable skills.
- Qualifications: A passion for planning and an organised, detail-oriented approach are essential.
- Other info: Informal discussions available with team managers for more insights.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
Feed your passion for planning and make a difference to our district! We are ambitious for our staff, our customers and our Council, to make Sevenoaks a great place to live, work and enjoy. Sevenoaks district is one of the busiest planning departments in Kent. You’ll work with all sections of the planning department and have the opportunity to develop your skills with the support of your colleagues.
Day-to-day, you’ll manage your own caseload, dealing with a variety of applications, as well as pre-application enquiries. You will be enthusiastic, highly motivated, and actively seeking to add value. You will have the opportunity to develop and progress your career, whilst making a real and lasting impact to Sevenoaks District. If you have an interest in planning, then you’ll know what it takes – an organised approach and commitment to accuracy. You’ll be comfortable meeting deadlines and taking on new challenges.
For Graduate and Planner roles, you will have the opportunity to work in project teams with senior colleagues to broaden your knowledge and experience of issues related to larger schemes. Or if you have existing planning experience and are looking for a more challenging role as a Senior then we can support you to expand your knowledge and experience with a wide variety of interesting work, including major applications.
This role will be based at our Council Offices, Argyle Road, Sevenoaks Kent TN13 1HG. We currently operate a hybrid working model for the majority of our roles where your working time will be divided between the office (2-3 days) and home working (2-3 days).
Do you want to know more about the role? For an informal discussion about the role, please contact either Aaron Hill, Team Manager, on 01732 227494 or Alison Salter, Team Manager, on 01732 227337.
Do you want to ensure you have the best chance of being shortlisted? Read the Job Description and Personal Specification attached to the role and ensure that your supporting statement explains how you meet the essential requirements as your application will be judged against these criteria.
Closing date: 23rd June 2025. Interviews: 3rd July 2025 (at our Council Offices, in Argyle Road, Sevenoaks).
Career Grade Planner (Graduate/Planner/Senior) employer: Sevenoaks District Council
Contact Detail:
Sevenoaks District Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Career Grade Planner (Graduate/Planner/Senior)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the planning policies and regulations specific to Sevenoaks District. Understanding local guidelines will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and the community.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current employees or professionals in the planning field. Engaging in conversations can provide insights into the department's culture and expectations, which can be invaluable during your interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific planning projects or case studies that excite you. Showing your enthusiasm for real-world applications of planning will set you apart and highlight your proactive approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to showcase your organisational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks. Think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully met deadlines or handled challenging situations, as this is crucial for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Career Grade Planner (Graduate/Planner/Senior)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description and personal specification thoroughly. Make sure you understand the key responsibilities and requirements for the Career Grade Planner position, as this will help you tailor your application.
Craft a Strong Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is crucial. Clearly explain how your skills and experiences align with the essential requirements outlined in the job description. Use specific examples to demonstrate your enthusiasm and commitment to planning.
Highlight Relevant Experience: If you have previous planning experience or relevant qualifications, make sure to highlight these in your CV and supporting statement. Discuss any projects you've worked on that relate to the role, especially if they involved managing applications or working in teams.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail, which is essential for a planning role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sevenoaks District Council
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly read the job description and personal specification. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities and requirements, so you can confidently discuss how your skills and experiences align with what they are looking for.
✨Show Your Passion for Planning
Demonstrate your enthusiasm for planning during the interview. Share specific examples of projects or experiences that sparked your interest in this field, and explain how you can contribute to making Sevenoaks a great place to live and work.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked about how you would handle various planning scenarios. Think about past experiences where you managed deadlines, dealt with complex applications, or worked in teams, and be ready to discuss these in detail.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask at the end of the interview. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the organisation. You might ask about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, or opportunities for professional development within the planning department.