At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide top-notch customer service and support sustainable community development.
- Company: Join West Northants Council, a place where your ideas matter.
- Benefits: Fixed-term contract until July 2027 with opportunities for growth.
- Other info: Embrace diversity and inclusion in a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in shaping communities while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Customer-focused attitude and a full UK driving licence required.
The predicted salary is between 28350 - 34650 £ per year.
We are seeking a motivated and customer-focused individual to join our Planning Service team, where you will play a key role in delivering high-quality Development Management support and helping to shape sustainable communities.
This is an exciting opportunity to contribute proactively and positively to the effective delivery of the Planning Service, working flexibly to support the wider objectives of the Council.
A full UK driving licence and have access to a vehicle is required.
This is a fixed term contract until July 2027.
What will you be doing?
In this role, you will be expected to provide excellent customer service in every interaction, engaging professionally with a wide range of stakeholders including members of the public, Councillors, and internal colleagues.
You will respond promptly and effectively to enquiries and requests for support, ensuring that those seeking to engage with the Planning Service receive clear, helpful and timely assistance.
This will include working closely with the Customer Contact Centre and supporting the Complaints and Customer Feedback teams where necessary.
You will also play an important part in supporting the timely handling of customer, MP and Councillor complaints and feedback, helping to ensure that the Planning Service consistently meets corporate service standards.
Maintaining accurate and up-to-date records will be essential, as you will contribute to the regular input of data into DEF and associated IT systems, supporting the service in meeting and exceeding statutory and corporate performance indicators while demonstrating best practice.
The successful candidate will contribute to the Council's place shaping agenda, taking a positive and proactive approach to supporting development that delivers the right schemes in the right place at the right time.
At West Northants Council, it's about our people.
People who thrive with ambition, bubble with new ideas, demand better ways of working, caring about every detail, and who never shy away from a challenge.
Our culture is a gateway for new experiences.
A place to forge new opportunities.
To empower you in your career and unite you with like-minded people.
Our vision is 'to make West Northants a great place to live, work, visit and thrive'.
We truly stand by this and work hard every day to make this a reality.
Our corporate values, THRIVE, stand for: Trust, High Performance, Respect, Innovate and Empower, they underpin everything we do and how we deliver services.
We are committed to ensuring diversity, equality, equity, and inclusion is woven into the fabric of WNC and everything we do, to enable all colleagues to develop and maximize their full potential.
We are a disability confident employer, a member of the Armed Forces Covenant, and a Care Leaver Covenant partner
The following film was created by us to communicate our intentions - watch WNC colleagues explain .
If you need additional support or reasonable adjustments during the application process, including needing the job description in another format or language, please email for support.
West Northants Council, where careers thrive.
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Planning Officer in Northampton employer: West Northants Council
West Northamptonshire Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises professional development and employee well-being. As a Senior Social Worker, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on Adult Social Care while benefiting from comprehensive training programmes and a collaborative environment that encourages innovation and continuous improvement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Officer in Northampton
✨Get Engaged in Local Politics
Dive into your local council meetings or community boards. These spaces are packed with people who are already in the public sector and might have insider tips on upcoming temporary roles. Plus, you can connect directly with key decision-makers.
✨Stay Alert for Seasonal Recruitment
Many public sector jobs ramp up during certain times of the year, especially around election seasons or local budget planning periods. Keep your eyes peeled for recruitment drives during these windows, as they're prime times for temporary positions.
✨Leverage Online Job Portals
Don’t forget to check government job boards or websites like the local council's site for temporary postings. This is where many roles first get advertised, and applying directly here can speed things up.
✨Tap Into Your University Resources
If you're at university, make the most of your career services to discover opportunities in the public sector. They often have connections with local government employers who are looking for temporary staff and can help you polish your approach.
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Officer in Northampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Emphasise your understanding of public policy:In your application, make sure to highlight any knowledge or experience you have related to public policy, governance or community engagement. Show us how you can contribute to the public sector’s mission, especially if you've worked on relevant projects or initiatives before!
Tailor your CV to the sector's expectations:When crafting your CV, focus on including experiences that showcase your ability to work within government structures or similar environments. Use clear, concise language and consider adding any volunteer work or internships that reflect your commitment to public service.
Show flexibility and willingness to learn:Since this is a temporary role, it’s crucial to convey your adaptability and eagerness to pick up new skills quickly. In your cover letter, let us know how you plan to make the most of this short-term experience and what you hope to learn from it.
Include relevant certificates and training:If you've completed any training or have certifications that are relevant to the role (like public administration, project management, or data analysis), don't forget to mention them. These can really make you stand out in the application process!
How to prepare for a job interview at West Northants Council
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Public Service
In the government and public sector, showing that you're genuinely passionate about serving the community is key. Get ready to share examples where you've contributed to social good or tackled community issues, as this will resonate with interviewers from West Northants Council.
✨Prepare for Policy and Regulatory Questions
Expect questions about policies, regulations, or recently implemented government initiatives. Brush up on the latest news relating to public sector developments—being informed will help you demonstrate that you're ready to hit the ground running, especially in a temporary role.
✨Flexibility is Your Best Friend
Since this is a temporary role, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly. Share examples where you've successfully taken on new challenges or adjusted to different team dynamics, that'll show West Northants Council that you’re reliable and can effectively support various projects without a long onboarding process.
✨Prepare to Showcase Teamwork Skills
In the public sector, collaboration is vital. Be ready to discuss past experiences working in teams, especially in diverse environments. Highlight how you've contributed positively to group settings—this could really set you apart from other candidates in this temporary role.
