Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead high-profile planning projects and deliver exceptional customer service.
- Company: Join West Oxfordshire District Council, known for its excellent planning service.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, health cash plan, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Shape sustainable outcomes while growing your career in a collaborative team.
- Qualifications: Planning degree, RTPI membership eligibility, and over 5 years of relevant experience required.
- Other info: Politically restricted post; must provide a supporting statement with your application.
The predicted salary is between 32900 - 35900 £ per year.
Senior Planning Officer £38,850 – £41,950 per annum (pay award pending) 37 Hours per week Permanent Witney Are you motivated by the reward of delivering an exceptional planning service? An exceptional opportunity to join our excellent planning service at West Oxfordshire District Council as a Senior Planning Officer, working with a fantastic tight knit team to shape a variety of high value and complex planning cases, whilst delivering an outstanding service of customer care through an innovated and practical solutions based approach. This permanent role offers flexibility from working within the offices at Witney and agile working allowing you that extra freedom and work life balance. About the role? You will work closely with the planning team and be an important cog to lead on a variety of high profile and challenging projects as well as looking at innovative ways to make a difference in delivering quality and sustainable placed outcomes through our service. The successful candidate will be accustomed to dealing with a wide range of pre-application enquiries, planning applications, appeals and post application work. You will need to be motivated and a well organised worker with a positive outlook who is able to deliver good performance and high standards. Experience of Planning Committee and Appeals is required and the candidate will be a member of the RTPI or eligible for membership. Although we are looking for an experienced Senior Planning Officer we would also welcome applications from candidates looking to step up in their career. Fundamentally, we want to give you the tools to support you, harness your potential and grow within your role at West Oxfordshire District Council. You will need? Planning or related degree. Eligibility for full Membership of the RTPI. Substantial (likely to be more than 5 years) relevant professional experience. Ability to resolve complex issues by negotiation Deliver commitments and take ownership of own caseload, reshaping of plans to deliver required outcomes Special Conditions? Ability to travel This post designated as politically restricted in accordance with the Local Government and Housing Act 1989. Politically restricted post holders are restricted from canvassing on behalf of a political party or for a person who is, or seeks to be, a candidate for election to a local authority, the House of Commons, or the European Parliament. For more information about this role please see the Job Description/Person Specification. What can we do for you? Agile working allowing a mix of home and office working Flexible working arrangements (depending on the role) 26 days paid annual leave (pro rata if you are working part time) plus bank holidays, which increases to 29 days after five years' service and 32 days following 10 years' continuous service In addition you will have an extra two volunteering days a year for you to support a charity of your choice Renewed again for another year there is a Health cash plan giving you cash back on health, dental and eye care Generous contributory local government pension scheme Employee Assistance Programme 24/7, providing positive, preventative and supportive advice and counselling to deal with everyday events and issues Cycle to work scheme Salary sacrifice car lease scheme with significant tax and NI savings to be made on electric cars Generous sickness cover above statutory entitlements Terms and conditions apply These are just a handful of the benefits that you can enjoy when you join us! If you feel this is the role for you please email your CV and supporting statement detailing how you meet the criteria above by clicking on the ?Apply for this Position' icon within this page. Your application will not be considered if you have not provided a supporting statement, in addition to your CV. Accredited of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy/ies – Please state this within your covering statement or in a separate email. Safer recruitment practices are applied to all job vacancies. Successful candidates will be required to complete a pre-employment medical questionnaire; provide references; proof of identity; nationality and immigration status; three years' employment or education history (if applicable) and, in some cases, verification of criminal record. TPBN1_UKTJ
Senior Planning Officer employer: West Oxfordshire District Council
Contact Detail:
West Oxfordshire District Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Planning Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the specific planning policies and regulations in West Oxfordshire. Understanding local guidelines will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to delivering exceptional planning services.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of West Oxfordshire District Council. They can provide valuable insights into the team dynamics and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach during the interview process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with complex planning cases and how you've successfully navigated challenges in the past. Highlighting specific examples will showcase your problem-solving skills and ability to deliver high standards.
✨Tip Number 4
Research innovative planning solutions that have been implemented in similar councils. Being able to discuss these ideas during your interview will show your proactive approach and willingness to contribute to the council's goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Planning Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take the time to thoroughly read the job description for the Senior Planning Officer position. Make sure you understand the key responsibilities and requirements, such as experience with planning applications and membership eligibility for the RTPI.
Craft a Strong Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is crucial. Clearly outline how your experience aligns with the role's requirements. Highlight specific examples of your work in planning, particularly any high-profile projects or complex cases you've managed.
Tailor Your CV: Ensure your CV is tailored to the position. Emphasize relevant qualifications, such as your planning degree and any professional memberships. Include details about your experience in handling planning committees and appeals.
Follow Application Instructions: Make sure to follow the application instructions carefully. Submit both your CV and supporting statement as specified. Remember, your application will not be considered without the supporting statement, so double-check that it is included before you hit send.
How to prepare for a job interview at West Oxfordshire District Council
✨Showcase Your Planning Experience
Be prepared to discuss your relevant professional experience in detail. Highlight specific projects you've worked on, especially those involving complex planning cases or appeals, as this will demonstrate your capability to handle the responsibilities of a Senior Planning Officer.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
Since the role requires resolving complex issues through negotiation, come equipped with examples of how you've successfully navigated challenges in past roles. This will show your ability to think critically and find innovative solutions.
✨Emphasize Team Collaboration
The job involves working closely with a tight-knit team. Share experiences that highlight your teamwork skills and how you contribute to a collaborative environment. This will illustrate your fit within their team-oriented culture.
✨Prepare Questions About the Role
Show your genuine interest in the position by preparing thoughtful questions about the planning service and the specific projects you might be involved in. This not only demonstrates your enthusiasm but also helps you assess if the role aligns with your career goals.
