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- Tasks: Lead the planning process for sustainable development in Kingston.
- Company: Join Kingston, a dynamic borough with rich history and growth opportunities.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a chance to shape communities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on urban planning and community development.
- Qualifications: Degree in Town Planning and extensive experience in complex applications.
- Other info: Role-model Kingston’s values and foster a positive planning culture.
The predicted salary is between 59511 - 65181 £ per year.
Salary: £59,511 – £65,181
Lead Kingston’s Growth. Champion Quality. Shape Our Places.
We’re looking for an exceptional planning leader to join Kingston as Lead Officer – Development Management. This is a pivotal senior role at the heart of one of London’s most ambitious and complex planning environments, leading the delivery of high-quality, sustainable development that meets the needs of our communities.
Why Kingston? Kingston is a borough of contrasts and opportunity — historic neighbourhoods, sensitive heritage assets, ambitious regeneration programmes and significant housing and infrastructure pressures. You’ll work at the forefront of this change, leading complex planning decisions and helping shape places that are resilient, inclusive and well-designed.
What you’ll do:
- Lead and coordinate the full planning process across all application types, from householders to major, strategic and sensitive developments.
- Provide authoritative professional advice on planning legislation, the London Plan and Kingston’s Local Plan.
- Take a leading role at Planning Committee, Member briefings and design reviews, delivering clear, balanced and defensible recommendations.
- Project-manage Planning Performance Agreements (PPAs), negotiating deliverable programmes and milestones.
- Act as a key interface between developers, Members, senior officers, statutory consultees and community stakeholders.
- Lead negotiations on Section 106 agreements, affordable housing, viability and infrastructure delivery.
- Champion design quality, placemaking, climate-positive development and inclusive growth.
- Act as expert witness at hearings and public inquiries for major applications.
- Line manage and support Principal, Senior and Planning Officers, providing coaching, direction and quality assurance.
- Support service modernisation, performance improvement and digital transformation, deputising for the Head of Planning when required.
What we’re looking for:
- Degree in Town Planning or a related built-environment discipline.
- Chartered Member of the RTPI (or eligible for chartered membership).
- Extensive experience managing major and complex planning applications, ideally within a London or high-density urban authority.
- Strong leadership skills with experience managing multidisciplinary teams and influencing senior stakeholders.
- Proven experience of Planning Committee work and high-level Member engagement.
- Strong track record in negotiating planning obligations, viability and infrastructure contributions.
- Excellent knowledge of planning legislation, national policy, the London Plan and best practice.
- Outstanding communication, judgement and decision-making skills, with the ability to manage risk and complexity.
Our values matter. As a Lead Officer, you’ll role-model Kingston’s STAR values — being Supportive, Transparent, Appreciative and Respectful — and help foster a positive, high-performing planning culture.
Join us and help shape Kingston’s future — delivering confident planning decisions, high-quality places and sustainable growth in one of London’s most dynamic boroughs.
To apply please click on the 'apply button'
Lead Officer – Development Management in Kingston upon Thames employer: The Planner Jobs Redactive Publishing Limited
Contact Detail:
The Planner Jobs Redactive Publishing Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Officer – Development Management in Kingston upon Thames
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the planning sector. Attend local events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out on 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 Kingston’s recent projects and challenges. Show us that you’re not just interested in the role but also passionate about shaping the borough’s future. Bring your ideas to the table and demonstrate how you can contribute to their ambitious plans.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your experience and how it aligns with Kingston’s needs. We want to hear about your leadership skills and how you’ve successfully managed complex planning applications. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining Kingston and contributing to its growth. Let’s make it happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Officer – Development Management in Kingston upon Thames
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the Lead Officer role. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we’re looking for.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: We want to see your leadership style! Share examples of how you've managed teams and influenced stakeholders in previous roles. This is key for us, especially in a complex planning environment like Kingston.
Demonstrate Your Planning Expertise: Don’t hold back on showcasing your knowledge of planning legislation and best practices. We’re looking for someone who can provide authoritative advice, so make sure to include relevant experiences that demonstrate your expertise.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember, the best way to apply is through our website. It’s straightforward and ensures your application gets to the right place. Plus, it shows us you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Planner Jobs Redactive Publishing Limited
✨Know Your Planning Legislation
Brush up on your knowledge of planning legislation, the London Plan, and Kingston’s Local Plan. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you’re not just familiar with the basics but are ready to tackle complex planning decisions.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, especially in managing multidisciplinary teams. Think about specific situations where you influenced senior stakeholders or led a project to success, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Master the Art of Negotiation
Be ready to discuss your experience with negotiating Section 106 agreements and other planning obligations. Share specific instances where you successfully navigated complex negotiations, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Embrace Kingston’s STAR Values
Familiarise yourself with Kingston’s values: Supportive, Transparent, Appreciative, and Respectful. Be prepared to give examples of how you embody these values in your work, as cultural fit is just as important as skills and experience.
