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- Tasks: Lead the planning process for diverse developments and shape Kingston's future.
- Company: Join Kingston, a dynamic borough with a rich history and ambitious growth plans.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of sustainable development in one of London's most exciting areas.
- Qualifications: Degree in Town Planning and extensive experience in managing complex applications.
- Other info: Role-model Kingston’s STAR 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.
Lead Officer – Development Management 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
✨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 A-game to the interview and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with our STAR values.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You’ll want to clearly articulate your vision for development management and how you can lead complex planning decisions. Role-play with a friend or mentor to refine your delivery and boost your confidence before the big day.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Kingston. Let’s shape the future together!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Officer – Development Management
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 strong leadership skills in action! Share specific examples of how you've managed teams or projects, especially in complex planning environments. This will help us see you as a fit for our ambitious goals.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is key. Keep your sentences straightforward and avoid jargon. We appreciate well-structured applications that get straight to the point while showcasing your expertise.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to shape Kingston’s future.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Planner Jobs Redactive Publishing Limited
✨Know Your Planning Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the latest 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 rules but also understand how they apply to real-world scenarios.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led multidisciplinary teams and influenced senior stakeholders in past roles. Highlighting your leadership experience will demonstrate that you can manage complex planning applications effectively.
✨Be Ready for Committee Discussions
Since you'll be taking a leading role at Planning Committee meetings, practice articulating clear, balanced recommendations. Think about how you would present your case and respond to questions from Members, as this will be crucial in showcasing your communication skills.
✨Demonstrate Your Negotiation Prowess
Come prepared with examples of successful negotiations you've conducted, especially regarding Section 106 agreements and infrastructure delivery. This will illustrate your ability to navigate complex discussions and achieve positive outcomes for all parties involved.
