Overview
Urban Designer — 37 hours per week, Permanent
Malvern Hills and Wychavon District Councils
Wychavon and Malvern Hills District Councils are seeking a skilled and motivated Urban Designer to join our multidisciplinary team. You’ll be part of a small, dedicated urban design unit working in the planning service alongside specialists in landscape architecture, arboriculture, heritage, archaeology, ecology and project delivery. This role will focus on improving the quality of development across our districts, particularly on larger and more strategic sites. You’ll contribute to masterplans, design codes, development briefs and policy guidance — helping to ensure that new places are distinctive, sustainable and well connected. You’ll work collaboratively with planning colleagues, developers, communities and stakeholders to shape proposals that respond to context and deliver long-term value. You’ll also support design-led planning policy, provide advice on applications, and represent the Council at appeals and examinations.
About You
The successful candidate will have:
* A postgraduate qualification in urban design or a related field (e.g. architecture, planning, built environment).
* A good understanding of the UK planning system, development management, and urban design principles and best practice.
* Experience providing urban design advice to support the planning process, and developing and applying urban design policy and guidance, including masterplans, concept diagrams, design codes, and development briefs.
* Experience working within local government and navigating political contexts.
* Self-motivating and ability to work effectively within multi-disciplinary project teams and identify solutions and resolve issues collaboratively.
* Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to convey ideas graphically.
* Proficiency in design and technical tools, including Adobe Creative Cloud, desirable skills in AutoCAD/SketchUp, and GIS.
You will need to be able to travel throughout the districts and so a full driving licence and full use of a vehicle is advantageous.
What We Offer
Our staff are at the heart of what we do. In addition to a rewarding career, we offer a range of attractive benefits:
* Excellent local government pension scheme with employer contributions
* Generous annual leave entitlement, with options to purchase additional leave
* A committed training and development programme
* Onsite nursery with 20% staff discount
* Discounted gym and swim membership
* Health and wellbeing support, including a free Employee Assistance Programme with access to counselling
* Cycle to Work scheme
* Employee discounts with a range of companies
We value face-to-face communication, collaboration, and connection. Our roles have an office-based requirement, with some agile working.
Closing date: Sunday 2 November 2025
Interview dates: Tuesday 11 & Thursday 13 November 2025
Please note if we experience a high intake of applications, we may close the role and interview for the position sooner than advertised.
Travel and location: The role is based in the Malvern Hills/Wychavon area with site travel as required.
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