At a Glance
- Tasks: Help shape the future by processing planning applications and engaging with the community.
- Company: Join Malvern Hills and Wychavon District Councils, committed to ambitious growth and development.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, training opportunities, and health support.
- Other info: Flexible working options and excellent career development opportunities await you.
- Why this job: Kickstart your planning career while making a real impact in vibrant communities.
- Qualifications: Degree in planning or related field; customer service skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 28598 - 32597 € per year.
Malvern Hills and Wychavon District Councils are looking for an Assistant Planning Officer. This is a permanent position, requiring 37 hours per week, with a salary range of £28,598 - £32,597 per annum (pay award pending).
Wychavon and Malvern have an ambitious growth strategy, planning to build over 20,000 homes and 300 hectares of employment land over the next 15 years. The South Worcestershire Development Plan Review strategy includes the delivery of strategic sites, including a new settlement at Worcestershire Parkway for 10,000 homes. This is your chance to help shape the future of some of the fastest growing Districts in the West Midlands.
As an Assistant Planning Officer, you will develop your own caseload and work within one of the small teams that make up our experienced Development Management service. You will be responsible for:
- Processing planning and other related applications mostly relating to householder developments.
- Conducting site appraisals, research, negotiations, report writing, and occasional presentations at planning committee and appeal work.
- Maintaining regular contact with applicants, agents, members of the public, and other users of the service.
Great communication skills and an ability to engage with a range of stakeholders are essential, along with a commitment to delivering an outstanding service to all customers. This is an excellent opportunity for an aspiring planner to acquire important skills and experience and build the foundation of a career in planning.
About You
The successful candidate must have:
- Strong customer service orientation and a desire to deliver exceptional levels of service at all times.
- Team player with an adaptable and flexible approach.
- Ability to work on own initiative to tight deadlines.
- Ability to negotiate successful outcomes.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
A minimum entry level of experience is required for the Assistant Planning Officer role:
- A degree (or equivalent) qualification in planning or a similar related subject is required.
- And/or experience of working in a planning environment.
Applicants without a suitable qualification will be expected to complete a course of study leading to a professional qualification as a condition of employment. The Councils are keen to support the development of their employees and will help with training requirements needed for the role, which may include support towards obtaining recognised qualifications relevant to the post.
You will be required to undertake site visits, so flexibility, a full driving licence, and use of a car are essential. You will also need to be able to travel throughout the districts.
What We Can Offer
Our staff are at the heart of what we do and are key to ensuring we deliver our Council Plan to make a positive difference to our communities, economy, and environment. We offer a range of attractive benefits, such as:
- Excellent pension scheme with employer contributions.
- Generous annual leave entitlement with options to purchase additional annual leave.
- Committed training programme and development opportunities.
- Onsite nursery with 20% staff discount (Pershore office only).
- Discounted gym and swim membership.
- Health and wellbeing support and a free Employee Assistance scheme including access to counselling services.
- Cycle to Work scheme.
- Employee discounts with a range of companies including EE and the Kaarp discount scheme.
We value face-to-face communication, collaboration, and connection; therefore, all our roles have an office-based requirement with some agile working as part of the role.
To discuss the post or for further information, please contact Fran Fleming on 01684 862425 / Frances.fleming@malvernhills.gov.uk or Hazel Smith on 01684 862342 / hazel.smith@malvernhills.gov.uk.
Closing date: Sunday 17 May 2026
Interview date: Thursday 21 May 2026
Please note if we experience a high intake of applications, we may close the role and interview for the position sooner than advertised.
Assistant Planning Officer employer: WMJobs
Malvern Hills and Wychavon District Councils is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering employee growth and development within a collaborative work culture. With a strong commitment to community service, we offer a range of benefits including a generous pension scheme, extensive training opportunities, and health and wellbeing support, all while working in one of the fastest-growing districts in the West Midlands. Join us to make a meaningful impact on our communities while building a rewarding career in planning.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Planning Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the councils and their growth strategies! Research Malvern Hills and Wychavon District Councils, and understand their ambitious plans. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in shaping the future of these districts.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! As an Assistant Planning Officer, you'll need to engage with a variety of stakeholders. Try role-playing scenarios with friends or family to boost your confidence in negotiations and presentations. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll perform!
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Attend local planning events or workshops to meet professionals in the field. Building connections can lead to valuable insights and even job opportunities. Plus, it shows your commitment to the planning community!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application, so make sure you submit it directly on our platform. This way, you’ll be part of our talent pool and have a better chance of landing that interview. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Planning Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the Assistant Planning Officer role. We want to see how you can contribute to our ambitious growth strategy!
Show Off Your Communication Skills:Since great communication is key for this role, use your written application to demonstrate your ability to engage effectively. Whether it's through clear language or structured arguments, let us see your flair for communication!
Be Detail-Oriented:Attention to detail is crucial in planning. Double-check your application for any typos or errors before submitting it. We appreciate candidates who take pride in their work and present a polished application.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at WMJobs
✨Know Your Planning Basics
Brush up on your knowledge of planning regulations and policies relevant to the role. Familiarise yourself with the South Worcestershire Development Plan Review and be ready to discuss how it impacts local developments.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since great communication is key for this role, prepare examples of how you've effectively engaged with stakeholders in the past. Think about times when you’ve had to negotiate or present information clearly.
✨Demonstrate Customer Service Orientation
Be ready to discuss your approach to delivering exceptional customer service. Share specific instances where you went above and beyond to meet a client's needs or resolve an issue.
✨Prepare for Site Visits
Since site visits are part of the job, think about how you would approach them. Be prepared to discuss your flexibility and any previous experience you have with site appraisals or assessments.
