Department: Development Management
Join our planning team to shape the future of Sevenoaks
We’re ambitious for our staff, our customers, and our Council.
We offer planners:
Variety and challenge
* High-profile projects, including strategic housing sites
* Clear pathways for progression, and
* Opportunities to influence the wider Development Management service.
Close to London but surrounded by beautiful countryside, our work provides experience of urban areas, heritage assets and National Landscapes. We’re looking for passionate individuals to help shape the future of Sevenoaks District. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take the next step in your planning career, this is your opportunity to make a real and lasting impact in one of Kent’s busiest and most forward‑thinking planning departments.
Why Join Us?
* Career Growth: We’re committed to helping you grow. From graduates to experienced planners, you’ll have access to training, mentoring, and opportunities to work on a wide range of interesting applications and projects.
* Supportive Team Culture: Our planning teams are experienced, collaborative, and genuinely supportive. You’ll be surrounded by colleagues who are generous with their knowledge and invested in your success.
* Innovative Environment: We embrace smart working and cutting‑edge tech, including 3D mapping and digital planning tools like Idox/Uniform and Enterprise. We’re always looking ahead.
What You’ll Be Doing
* Managing your own caseload of planning applications and pre‑application enquiries
* Collaborating with teams across the Council to deliver excellent service
* Taking on new challenges and learning from experienced colleagues
* For Graduate and Planner roles: working on larger schemes with senior staff to build your expertise
* For Senior and Principal Planners: leading on complex projects and expanding your professional influence
What We’re Looking For
Enthusiastic, motivated individuals who want to make a difference
* Organised professionals with an eye for detail and a commitment to deadlines
* A desire to learn, grow, and contribute to a thriving district
* A full driving licence and access to a vehicle for site visits
* A relevant degree is ideal, but we welcome applications from those with equivalent experience or transferable skills
Why Sevenoaks?
We’re proud to be a high‑performing local authority that values innovation, collaboration and people‑first service. You’ll be joining a team that cares deeply about its work and is committed to learning, development, and continuous improvement. You’ll be supported to make decisions, take initiative, and grow your career.
* Outstanding Location: Nestled between two National Landscapes and just 30 minutes from central London, Sevenoaks offers the best of both worlds — natural beauty and urban connectivity.
What’s in it for you?
You’ll join a dynamic and forward‑thinking team delivering services that matter. Every day is different, and the impact you’ll have on people’s quality of life is immediate and rewarding.
We are one of the few local government authorities to hold Platinum Investors in People accreditation – our commitment to supporting and developing you is genuine and ongoing.
* Enhanced annual leave of up to 31 days depending on Salary Band (excluding bank holidays)
* Additional leave after 5 years of service
* Opportunities to join in with social activities
* Free parking
* Employee benefits including discounts on shopping, travel, days out and more,
* Tusker car salary sacrifice scheme and discounts with your MOT
* Access to BUPA Employee Assistance Programme, a free, 24/7, confidential counselling and wellbeing support service
Let’s Talk
We’d love to tell you more about the role and our team. For an informal chat, please contact:
* Alison Salter – 01732 227337
* Aaron Hill – 01732 227494
To find out more please visit www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/jobs
Closing date: 16 February 2025
Interview will be in person on the following dates: 24 and 26 February 2025
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