Malvern Hills and Wychavon district councils are forward-thinking, proactive and successful Local Planning Authorities situated in accessible, exceptionally attractive countryside within South Worcestershire.  We are seeking an enthusiastic and committed Principal Planning Officer who will thrive on the challenge of managing a varied caseload of mostly major planning applications and appeals and deputise for our Development Managers when required.

We share a Chief Executive and a joint senior management team. Both councils remain independent organisations with their own political structures and district identities, but joint working arrangements allow us to work together to maximise opportunities to achieve efficiencies, maintain resilience and deliver a high-quality service to our customers.

We are looking to recruit and develop the very best talent we can find.  That's why, as well as a satisfying job, we offer a range of attractive benefits including flexible working arrangements, generous holiday entitlements, a local government pension scheme, plenty of opportunities for personal development and discounted gym membership.

Principal Planning Officers
1 x Full time – 37 hours p/week, Permanent role.
1 x Part time 18.5 hours p/week, 12 Months Fixed Term Contract
£33,782 - £37,890 per annum pro rata

HELP SHAPE OUR VISION FOR MALVERN HILLS AND WYCHAVON DISTRICTS

The Malvern Hills and Wychavon districts are already amazing places, with unique history and exceptional landscape quality, yet also places of significant opportunity. 

We want the two districts to be somewhere everyone thrives.  Delivering on the growth potential for these areas is critical to that vision.  As a Principal Planning Officer, you will play a key role in shaping the way that the districts grow, balancing our strong emphasis on economic expansion with the need to conserve and enhance our rich natural and built heritage. 

About the role -                                                                    

Great planning and development is vital to our vision for the two districts.  We need a customer focused, creative and proactive Principal Planning Officer to help catalyse growth and create a real sense of place. The successful candidate will need to be confident in their own ability and have a good understanding of current planning legislation. Good communication skills and an ability to engage with a wide range of stakeholders is essential. 

You will assess a caseload of varied planning applications, preparing reports, dealing with appeals and general correspondence and provide pre-application advice on the telephone, by email and face to face.  You will be in regular contact with applicants, agents, members of the public and other users of the service, you must be committed to delivering an outstanding service to all our customers and will need to support the Development Managers in the continuous improvement of a high performing service.

About you –

For the role of Principal Planning Officer you will need to be a natural project manager and ideally have experience of dealing with major category planning applications, complex appeals and have a strong track record of negotiating S106 legal agreements and securing high quality design. You will have full Royal Town Planning Institute (MRTPI) membership and be able to demonstrate a commitment to continual professional development (CPD).

You will have comprehensive and up to date knowledge of planning law and practice, be educated to degree level with a recognised qualification in town planning. You must have good computer literacy and be able to use MS Office, property databases and GIS systems.

The ability to work under pressure and manage a caseload of complex/contentious planning applications is essential. This is a demanding role, but an exciting challenge for the right candidate, therefore you must be committed and have a desire to succeed and develop your skills within the role. You will be required to attend evening Planning Committee meetings and undertake site visits so flexibility, a full driving licence and use of a car is essential so you are able to travel throughout the district including some isolated rural areas.

Excellent presentation and communication skills, an appreciation of good design, the ability to project manage major applications and negotiate planning obligations within tight deadlines, demonstrate outstanding customer care, strong computer skills and a commitment to supporting performance improvement are all key personal attributes that you will need to demonstrate. You will need relevant experience in Development Management, ideally gained in a local authority (although this is not essential).

Please state on your application which role you would like to be considered for - Full-time or Part-time  

The post holders will be based in either Pershore or Malvern with a requirement to work from both locations as the needs of the service arise.

To discuss the posts or for further information, please contact Ciaran Power, Development Manager on 01684 862317 or email: ciaran.power@malvernhills.gov.uk or contact Duncan Rudge, Head of Planning Services on 01684 862318 or e-mail duncan.rudge@malvernhills.gov.uk

Closing date: Sunday 15 August 2021

Interviews: Wednesday 25 August 2021

Supporting documents
Job Description and Person Specification
Employee Benefits