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- Tasks: Shape and assess exciting urban development projects in a historic environment.
- Company: Join Winchester City Council's innovative Planning Department.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, free parking, and professional development support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainable development in a beautiful historic district.
- Qualifications: Experience in urban design or related fields is preferred.
- Other info: Collaborative team culture with excellent work/life balance and growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 39152 - 44075 £ per year.
Winchester City Council has an exciting opportunity within its Planning Department to join our specialist Historic Environment Team. We are seeking an ambitious Urban Design Officer to assess and shape the most interesting and complex development projects in our district. The successful candidate will work widely with different departments across the Council and will be a key player in strategic projects.
Winchester is a former capital of England, the cradle of the nation. An urban area with a 2000-year history, a precious heritage that demands people of the highest calibre to care for it and to plan its future. Our district includes not only the cathedral city of Winchester, but also smaller towns and villages, beautiful countryside and a large part of the South Downs National Park. You will have the opportunity to use your expertise to shape and support ambitious sustainable development projects across the district.
The Historic Environment Team is a small but influential team within the Built Environment Service, made up of specialists in archaeology, historic buildings and urban design. We’re supportive and highly collaborative; we aspire to high standards in throughout our work. We are committed to your professional development and growth, while maximising work/life balance. This vacancy has arisen through the promotion of the existing post holder within another council.
The Role
- Provide urban design advice for pre-applications, planning applications and appeals
- Guide the Council’s Major Projects and New Homes teams
- Shape the development of masterplans and development frameworks for significant projects
- Contribute to the production of design codes, local planning policies and guidance documents
- Coordinate the Design Review Panel
- Advise elected members, informally and through committee meetings and presentations
- Support and train planning officers in urban design to ‘grow our own’
About You
Our ideal candidate would be a qualified urban designer, architect, landscape architect or town planner with several years’ experience in design for major development projects. We have a good deal of work in historic environments and sensitive landscapes, so experience in historic building conservation and working with protected landscapes is desirable (although not essential). What is most important to us is finding someone with the right fit, to work proactively and adaptably with us to negotiate and advocate for high quality design in new development. The right candidate will understand what it means to collaborate and engage effectively with a customer and our community stakeholders.
Our offices are based in the heart of Winchester and the successful candidates can benefit from:
- a hybrid working pattern, with up to 50% of your time working remotely
- free parking across the district
- paid Membership fees to your professional body
- paid private healthcare (with optional upgrades)
- Local Government pension scheme, with 18% employer contributions
- a supportive workplace culture, wellbeing support programmes
- discounted bus travel and public transport loans
- volunteering opportunities
If this sounds like the role for you, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please contact Daniel Ayre, Historic Environment Team Leader, for an informal chat about the role on 01962848084 or by email to dayre@winchester.gov.uk.
Winchester City Council are unable to provide sponsorship for visa applications.
Urban Design Officer in Winchester employer: South East Employers
Contact Detail:
South East Employers Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Urban Design Officer in Winchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the urban design field, especially those connected to Winchester City Council. Attend local events or webinars to make connections and show your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the council's recent projects and initiatives. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and passion for shaping sustainable development in Winchester.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your presentation skills! As an Urban Design Officer, you'll need to communicate your ideas clearly. Consider doing mock presentations with friends or colleagues to build confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team at Winchester City Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Urban Design Officer in Winchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Urban Design Officer role. Highlight relevant experience in urban design, planning, and any work with historic environments. We want to see how your skills align with what we’re looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about urban design and how you can contribute to our team. Be sure to mention any specific projects or experiences that relate to the role.
Showcase Your Collaboration Skills: Since we value collaboration, make sure to highlight any experiences where you’ve worked effectively with different teams or stakeholders. We want to know how you engage with others to achieve high-quality outcomes.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at South East Employers
✨Know Your Urban Design Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your urban design principles, especially those related to historic environments and sustainable development. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on and how they relate to the role at Winchester City Council.
✨Show Your Collaborative Spirit
Since this role involves working with various departments and stakeholders, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in the past. Highlight your ability to engage with community stakeholders and advocate for high-quality design.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Think of insightful questions to ask during the interview. This could be about their current projects, team dynamics, or how they measure success in urban design. It shows you're genuinely interested and have done your homework.
✨Demonstrate Your Adaptability
The job requires someone who can work proactively and adaptively. Share experiences where you've had to adjust your approach to meet project needs or stakeholder expectations, showcasing your flexibility and problem-solving skills.
