Location: Buckinghamshire County Wide
Overview
By joining us as a Senior Planning Officer working in Development Managementat Buckinghamshire Council, not only will you be offered a competitive benefits package, you’ll also be part of a team working on a broad range of planning cases, committed to shaping the future of Buckinghamshire for generations to come.
Career development is something we take seriously at Bucks; we love nothing more than seeing our colleagues grow with us, with many members of the team progressing quickly as they gain more experience and responsibilities within their specialist areas. We are committed to building an exceptional Development Management Team, utilising our colleagues’ talent, and making the most of what they have to offer. With a strong and supportive senior management team behind you, you’ll play a key part in helping us achieve our Planning and Environment Business plan and assist in driving forward our vision as a large and diverse unitary authority.
If you are interested in an informal discussion with our planning team, prior to applying, we are holding an open afternoon at our Gateway offices in Gatehouse Road, Aylesbury, on Tuesday 25th November and Friday 5th December between 12 – 4.30pm. All level of planners will be available to have an in-person chat with you about any of the above roles. No appointment is necessary: just turn up at the offices and we will ensure that a member of the planning team is on hand to tell you more about the role(s), show you around the office, answer any questions that you might have and highlight to you why Buckinghamshire is such a great place to work and live.
About us
Buckinghamshire Council is a relatively new organisation that combines the strengths and expertise of the previous five councils in the county to create positive change for local people, communities, and businesses. We are firmly focused on the future and have made a clear commitment to serve residents better and to provide stronger representation for Buckinghamshire, both locally and nationally.
Our Planning, Growth and Sustainability directorate work with partners to help shape the future of Buckinghamshire. We deliver services on planning, economic growth, regeneration, strategic infrastructure, transport and property.
Our key priorities include developing the economic narrative for Bucks, creating more jobs and delivering the right infrastructure to help businesses and residents thrive. We also aim to provide a proactive planning service that is responsive, whilst making the best use of the Council’s land and property portfolio. This will in turn support community services and create housing, jobs, regeneration and income to support public services.
About the role
As a Senior Planner, you will be responsible for managing and determining complex planning applications and lead on providing professional advice through all stages of the planning process, including PPAs, S106 negotiations and planning appeals, providing a high-quality service that is responsive to customer demands. You will work collaboratively with colleagues including through mentoring and utilising delegated powers to sign-off applications.
The role is based in our Development Management Team 3, based within the middle of the County and offers a wide range of opportunities across both urban and rural environments. A full driving licence and access to a vehicle are therefore essential to the role. This is a highly rewarding and fulfilling role - you’ll see the impact of your work in front of you.
Our transformation to a unitary council has created diverse and multi-disciplined opportunities across the service. Danika Hird, one of our Principal Planning officers recently promoted from a Senior Planning Officer role said,
“I have worked for the Council for the last 6 years and have been given lots of opportunities to progress my career here. If you want to work at a senior level on planning applications and mentor junior officers this is a great opportunity. The diversity of applications that we deal with is what sets us apart from other councils!”
If you’re eager to make a real difference in a forward-thinking council and develop your career in a vibrant, supportive environment, this is the perfect opportunity to join us.
Any-Desk:
As an ‘any-desk’ worker, you’ll need to be connected to our network to access digital folders and resources, but this can either be from home or an office location when required. You will be required to work from the office a couple of times a week, depending on your role and team requirements.
About you
Extensive experience in Development Management is a must in this position, and you should apply if:
1. You have excellent interpersonal, persuasion and negotiation skills
2. You have experience of working collaboratively across service areas
3. You have experience of mentoring staff and signing-off applications
4. You are commercially focused and enjoy building new relationships, with the welfare of our residents at the heart of what you do, and
You have membership of, or eligibility, or working towards membership of the RTPI .