Job Title: Senior Planner – Planning - Full time- Permanent  

Department: Planning Services / Location: Rochford, Essex SS4 1BW 

Salary: £38,296 - £41,496 (plus an additional £5,000 market supplement – non-contractual).  

Relocation package of up to £5,000 available. 

Benefits: Paid professional membership to RTPI, Local Government Pension Scheme, generous annual leave, agile working, staff discounts.  

Do you aspire for a line management role in the future? Are you seeking wider experience not only in Development Management but also within Planning Enforcement and Policy? Are you currently working at senior level and looking for opportunities to broaden your experience within the planning services? Then this hybrid role could provide you with a perfect foundation to progress your career.   

You will be working in a friendly and supportive team, for an employer who is committed to investing in the progression of their staff, earning a highly competitive salary and with the added benefits of agile working. This could be a great opportunity for you.   

About us 

We are a proactive local planning authority in south east Essex. We have a 5.7-year supply of land for housing, a complete local development plan supporting and directing the future growth and prosperity of the district up to 2025 (a review of which is underway). We process over 1100 applications per annum and have a busy and effective Planning Enforcement team that work hard to protect our district.  In addition, our Economic Development team work effectively collaborating with other departments and our partners to support our businesses and encourage inward investment in our district.   

We are a great team, with a good mix of experience in all disciplines and we would welcome a new member to the team.  Rochford District Council works in partnership with Brentwood Borough Council, also located in south east Essex, as the Oneteam approach, where additional opportunities for experience and career progression could also arise. 

About the role 

This is an additional senior role within the planning team at Rochford.  Recognising the importance of the role planning has in the growth, prosperity, enhancement and protection of the district, additional funds have been agreed for this new permanent role.  You will bring your existing planning knowledge and experience at senior level to the three main functions of the department: Development Management - advising and considering development proposals; Planning Enforcement - assessing and advising on breaches of planning control; Strategic Planning and Policy – Assisting with the progression of the new Local Plan. It is acknowledged candidates for the role may not necessarily have experience in all three areas, but you will be supported and encouraged to gain experience over time to be fulfilled in your role.  Additionally, you can join our Aspiring Managers programme, to gain valuable insights and learning for future opportunities.  

This is a permanent full-time post.  The Council has an agile working practice, allowing a mix of office/remote working dependant on operational and management requirements. 

About you 

You must be extremely well-organised, self-motivated and flexible.  We are looking for someone who is enthusiastic, forward thinking and a good team player.  

You must have a minimum of 1 years’ experience at senior level.  

If you are not currently a chartered member of the RTPI, it is essential you hold, a professional qualification to be eligible for full chartered membership.  Professional fees are reimbursed.   

Our culture and values 

We like our staff to be proactive and innovative. Being customer focused and willing to maximise your potential at work are expected. We all work together to achieve the very best for our residents which sometimes means getting involved in projects and trying new tasks outside of your day to day job role. We love our staff to suggest new ideas and to have enthusiasm to try out new experiences. 

For an informal chat please call Yvonne Dunn 01702 318040. 

Please apply online via the link provided.  

Closing date for applications is the 2nd June 2023.  

Interviews will be held in person w/c 19th June 2023 along with a short 10 minute presentation on the topic: ‘A Challenge for Planning’.