At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead major planning applications and manage complex projects in a dynamic local authority.
- Company: Local authority in London focused on innovative development management.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, potential for extension, and valuable experience in a high-profile role.
- Other info: Opportunity to contribute to service improvement and stay updated with planning legislation.
- Why this job: Take ownership of impactful projects and shape the future of your community.
- Qualifications: Degree in Planning or related field and 5+ years' experience in development control.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Based in London
Length: 6 months with possible extension
IR35 status: Inside
We are looking for an experienced Major Projects Officer to join the Development Management team of a local authority as the lead officer for the borough's largest and most complex planning applications. This is a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious planning professional to take ownership of a high-profile caseload; from major applications and Planning Performance Agreements (PPAs) through to complex pre-application submissions, screening and scoping opinions.
Key Responsibilities
- Case managing complex major planning applications from validation through to recommendation, including managing the GLA Stage 1 & Stage 2 process
- Leading the delivery of commitments under bespoke Planning Performance Agreements
- Coordinating complex pre-application submissions, including internal and external project meetings
- Preparing professional reports and recommendations for the DM management team and Planning Committee
- Preparing appeal statements and acting as the Council's lead witness at Hearings and Public Inquiries
- Handling post-decision matters such as discharge of conditions, re-submissions (NMAs, s73s) and complaints
- Contributing to service improvement and keeping up to date with planning legislation and case law
Skills, experience and knowledge
- A degree or Masters in Town & Country Planning (or a related discipline such as geography, construction, architecture or design)
- 5+ years' significant experience as a Development Control Planning Officer, with particular emphasis on major planning applications
- Sound knowledge of planning legislation and case law
- Excellent IT skills (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Google Docs, GIS and planning software)
- An understanding of the role of elected members and CMT in the planning process
- A full UK driving licence and the ability to undertake site visits
Desirable
- Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), or working towards it
- Experience signing off cases
- Experience presenting major applications at Planning Committee
Planning Officer in London employer: VennGroup
VennGroup is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment within a prestigious university in the West Midlands. With a focus on employee growth, the role of In-House Commercial Solicitor provides opportunities to engage in strategic projects while enjoying competitive benefits such as a salary of £80,000 and flexible working arrangements. Join a collaborative culture that values innovation and supports your professional development in the higher education sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Officer in London
✨Get your portfolio ready!
When applying for that temporary architecture gig, make sure your portfolio is top-notch. Showcase your best projects, even if they were just uni assignments or side hustles. Include visuals and a brief description to show your design process and creativity.
✨Tap into local architecture events
Check out local architecture exhibitions, talks, and meetups. These events are brilliant for networking and you never know who might be looking for temporary help or just has a contact that could lead you to the right opportunity. Plus, it's a great way to stay updated on trends in the field!
✨Leverage temporary recruitment agencies
Consider registering with recruitment agencies that specialise in architecture roles. They often have access to temporary positions that aren’t advertised elsewhere. It's an easy way to find that next role without much fuss, plus they can help you polish your approach!
✨Show up where the architects are
Join online architecture forums or social media groups where professionals share opportunities. Engaging with these communities not only boosts your visibility but can also lead to job leads and collaborations. Don't underestimate the power of a simple message introducing yourself!
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Officer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Aesthetics:In the architecture game, your portfolio is your best friend. Make sure it showcases a range of your projects, highlighting both your design skills and technical ability. Don't just list what you've done – tell a story behind your designs, and show us how you think spatially!
Emphasise Collaborative Projects:Since this is a temporary role, showing you can work well with others is key. Highlight any collaborative projects in your CV or cover letter. Let us see how you’ve contributed in team settings – we want to know that you can hit the ground running alongside our crew at VennGroup.
Tailor Your Application for the Short Term:For temporary gigs, focus on your flexibility and how quickly you adapt to new environments. In your cover letter, mention your eagerness to learn and contribute immediately. We want to see that you’re ready to bring your skills to VennGroup without needing a long onboarding process!
Stay Up-to-Date with Trends:Architecture is constantly evolving, so make sure your application reflects your awareness of current design trends, software tools, and sustainable practices. Mention any relevant certifications or courses you've taken recently – it shows that you're serious about staying on top of your game for that temporary role.
How to prepare for a job interview at VennGroup
✨Showcase Your Creative Portfolio
When interviewing for a temporary role in architecture, it’s crucial that we bring along a strong portfolio that highlights our best projects. Make sure to include a variety of work that showcases your design skills, technical drawings, and even any 3D models or visualisations. This will help the interviewers at VennGroup see your creative process and your ability to tackle different challenges in architectural design.
✨Brush Up on Software Skills
Be prepared to answer questions about architectural software like AutoCAD, Revit, or SketchUp, since many firms, including VennGroup, heavily rely on these tools. If possible, brush up on your skills with quick tutorials beforehand, and be ready to discuss how you used these tools in past projects. This shows that you’re not just a pretty face but also technically savvy!
✨Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability
Temporary roles often require us to jump into projects mid-flow, so highlight experiences where you've quickly adapted to new teams or changing project scopes. Talk about your problem-solving strategies and how you handle unexpected challenges — this will show VennGroup that you can seamlessly integrate into their ongoing work without missing a beat.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your critical thinking and design choices in real-time. Practice answers where you explain how you would approach specific architectural challenges or collaborate with different stakeholders. This will not only demonstrate our thought process but also show how we can contribute meaningfully to the team at VennGroup from day one.
