Join Our Planning Policy Team – Four Exciting Opportunities in Derry, Londonderry

Why join us

We believe in putting our people first – we work hard every day to make sure everyone can achieve a healthy and enjoyable work-life balance. That is why we have a very flexible hours system. We are customer focused, approachable and business-like. We are honest and open and are renowned for providing high quality, cost-effective services.

About the roles

Are you a dynamic and enthusiastic town planner – or looking to start or develop your career in planning policy? Are you committed to place-making and delivering high-quality customer service? South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils are looking to appoint four ambitious officers across our Planning Policy team, covering a range of roles and levels:

• Planning Policy Team Leader (Neighbourhood Planning) – leading and managing the neighbourhood planning team, overseeing delivery, performance and service improvement
• Senior Planning Policy Officer (Neighbourhood Planning) – supporting and advising neighbourhood planning groups and contributing to wider planning policy work
• Planning Policy Officer (Neighbourhood Planning) – working directly with communities to support neighbourhood plans and contribute to local plan work
• Enquiries / Assistant Planning Officer – providing a first point of contact for planning policy enquiries and supporting local plan and wider policy work

All roles are fixed-term, with contract lengths of 12 to 15 months, with one shorter-term opportunity also available. These roles offer an exciting opportunity to join the councils at a key time, supporting the delivery of the Joint Local Plan alongside a wide-ranging neighbourhood planning programme. You will be part of a collaborative team of over 20 professionals, working on high-profile and meaningful projects that shape our communities.

Depending on the role, you will take responsibility for:

• leading and managing a specialist team and service area
• supporting neighbourhood planning groups through all stages of plan-making
• contributing to the preparation of the local plan and its evidence base
• managing planning policy enquiries and supporting a wide range of planning activities

Essential criteria (role-dependent)

We are seeking candidates with a mix of the following (depending on the level of role):

• 2 A-levels or an equivalent level of qualification or appropriate experience (Assistant role)
• Degree or Diploma in Town Planning (or related discipline), or equivalent experience (with RTPI membership or working towards, where appropriate)
• Experience of working in planning, planning policy and/or neighbourhood planning (ranging from entry level to substantial professional experience depending on role)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present clear and well-reasoned information
• Good knowledge of planning legislation and policy (or willingness to develop this knowledge for entry-level roles)
• Strong organisational, analytical and IT skills
• Experience of working in a customer-focused environment

For senior and leadership roles, this will also include:

• project management and organisational leadership
• experience of managing staff and/or budgets
• ability to represent the councils at hearings, examinations or stakeholder meetings

Key responsibilities (role-dependent)

Across the four roles, responsibilities include:

• Team leadership and management (Team Leader role) – overseeing the neighbourhood planning service, managing staff, budgets and performance, and supporting corporate objectives
• Neighbourhood planning support – providing professional advice to town and parish councils, supporting plan preparation, consultation, examination and referendum stages
• Planning policy and local plan work – contributing to the preparation of the Joint Local Plan, evidence base and supporting documents
• Customer enquiries and support (Assistant role) – acting as the first point of contact for planning policy enquiries and supporting a wide range of planning activities
• Preparing reports, consultation material and evidence
• Supporting Members, stakeholders and development management colleagues with planning policy advice
• Assisting with consultations, research, monitoring and project work

A full list of duties for each role can be found in the individual job descriptions available at https://myrecruitment.southandvale.gov.uk/.

Please note that we do not hold a sponsor licence and are unable to support visa applications. To be considered for these roles, you must already have the legal right to work in the UK. If you are unsure about your eligibility, please refer to UK Government guidance before applying. Thank you for taking the time to read our advert – we look forward to receiving your application.