At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape high-quality urban designs and provide expert advice on planning applications.
- Company: Join Wiltshire Council, a friendly and inclusive workplace committed to community development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working model, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Mentorship opportunities and a focus on inclusion and diversity.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact on Wiltshire's built environment and champion design excellence.
- Qualifications: Degree in urban design, architecture, or related field with strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 42839 - 45091 € per year.
Our Development Management Service plays a vital role in delivering sustainable, well-designed development that supports Wiltshire's communities, economy, and natural environment. As part of this service, the Conservation and Design Team champions design excellence, place-making, and policy-led outcomes across the county.
As a Senior Urban Design Officer, you will play a pivotal role in shaping high-quality residential, employment, and mixed-use development. You will provide expert design advice on a wide range of planning applications, supporting economic growth while safeguarding environmental quality and local character.
Working collaboratively with colleagues across Planning and Environment, and with external partners, you will balance competing priorities to achieve the best design outcomes. Your role will include assessing major and complex schemes, with a focus on character, context, movement, public realm, and building design, and providing clear, constructive guidance to improve proposals.
You will also contribute to wider policy and regeneration work, including leading design briefs, supporting development plan documents, and coordinating multidisciplinary teams. As a senior member of the service, you will mentor colleagues and help maintain high standards of quality and consistency, while providing authoritative advice to Members, officers, stakeholders, and the public.
To succeed, you will hold a recognised degree-level qualification in urban design, architecture, or a related discipline. You will have strong technical knowledge and be an effective communicator, able to explain complex issues clearly, negotiate positive outcomes, and manage a varied workload.
This is an exciting opportunity to influence the quality of Wiltshire's built environment and leave a lasting legacy.
Wiltshire Council is a friendly, welcoming place to work, with a 'One Council' ethos. Our hybrid working model means office staff are on site for at least half their hours, community-based staff carry out at least half their admin time in a workplace, and customer-facing roles work entirely from their service location.
We are committed to creating a workplace where positive relationships thrive and everyone feels engaged, supported and able to do their best. We do not tolerate discrimination, bullying or harassment. Everyone is expected to promote a culture of inclusion, dignity, trust and respect, guided by our vision and Our Identity.
We understand that AI tools can support you in preparing job applications. However, we value authenticity and would encourage you to ensure your submission genuinely reflects your own experiences, skills, and motivations.
We are firmly committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and to the principles of inclusion and diversity in both employment and the delivery of services.
Wiltshire Council does not accept unsolicited CVs or candidate details from recruitment agencies that are not appointed under a current, valid contract or approved supplier arrangement. Submission of unsolicited CVs or candidate details to the Council, whether directly or to individual employees, will not be considered as an introduction and will not create any obligation on the Council to pay any fees.
Senior Urban Design Officer in England employer: Wiltshire Council
Wiltshire Council is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and inclusive work environment, prioritising the well-being and professional growth of its employees. With a strong commitment to design excellence and sustainable development, the role of Senior Urban Design Officer offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the community while benefiting from a supportive culture and flexible hybrid working arrangements. Employees are encouraged to thrive in their roles, with access to mentoring and a focus on maintaining high standards across all projects.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Urban Design Officer in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in urban design and related fields on platforms like LinkedIn. Join relevant groups, attend local meetups, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the council's recent projects and initiatives in Trowbridge. Be ready to discuss how your skills can contribute to their goals. We want to see you shine, so practice articulating your design philosophy and how it aligns with their vision.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your portfolio! Make sure it highlights your best work in urban design, especially projects that demonstrate your ability to balance aesthetics with functionality. We love seeing real examples of your impact, so tailor your portfolio to reflect the type of work Wiltshire Council values.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team. Don’t forget to follow up after applying; a little nudge can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Urban Design Officer in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Thoroughly:Before you start writing your application, make sure to read the job description and person specification carefully. This will help us understand what we're looking for and how your skills align with the role.
Showcase Your Experience:When detailing your experience, focus on specific projects or roles that highlight your urban design expertise. We want to see how you've tackled similar challenges and contributed to successful outcomes in the past.
Be Authentic:While it’s tempting to use AI tools for assistance, we value authenticity. Make sure your application reflects your true experiences and motivations. Let your personality shine through!
Apply Through Our Website:To ensure your application is considered, please apply directly through our website. This helps us keep everything organised and makes sure your application reaches the right people.
How to prepare for a job interview at Wiltshire Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your urban design principles and local planning policies. Familiarise yourself with Wiltshire's development goals and recent projects. This will help you demonstrate your expertise and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Senior Urban Design Officer, you'll need to explain complex ideas clearly. Prepare examples of how you've successfully communicated design concepts or negotiated outcomes in the past. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thoughts during the interview.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about how you'd handle specific design challenges or competing priorities. Think through potential scenarios related to character, context, and public realm issues. Having a structured approach to problem-solving will impress your interviewers.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
This role involves working with various teams and stakeholders. Be ready to discuss your experience in collaborative projects and how you've mentored others. Highlighting your ability to foster positive relationships will align well with the council's 'One Council' ethos.