Team Leader - Planning Specialist Team

Do people, passion and progress motivate you? Are you a member of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI)? Do you have previous Team Leadership experience?

If so…….. Make Mole Valley Your Next Move

About us

Mole Valley lies at the heart of Surrey. The towns of Dorking and Leatherhead are the District’s main centres.

Our purpose built open-plan offices have recently been refurbished. We are located opposite the Sports Centre which offers a swimming pool, sports hall, gym, aerobics studio and café and Dorking Halls, which provides a range of facilities including a café, cinema, theatre and concerts.

About the role

The Team Leader - Planning Specialist Team is responsible for the efficient and effective day to day management of the Planning Specialist Team which includes Planning Enforcement, Historic Environment and Trees.

Ensuring that alleged breaches of planning control are investigated within target times, that enforcement action is taken where expedient and those alleging a breach of planning control are advised of the outcome of the Planning Enforcement Team’s investigation.

Making certain that the Council’s responsibility with regard to the Historic Environment is discharged by the provision of specialist advice by the Historic Environment Officer regarding proposals affecting and relating to heritage assets.

Affirming that the Council’s responsibility with regard to Trees is discharged by the provision of specialist advice by the Tree Officer regarding proposals affecting and relating to protected trees.  

This is a politically restricted role.

About the team

The Development Management Service aims to deliver high quality decisions in a timely fashion to ensure that the high quality environment of Mole Valley is protected and enhanced.

We are not afraid of innovation and want new team members to help us maintain our high performance while promoting new ideas, constantly looking for ways to improve our working practices.

It is sometimes said that Planning Enforcement is sometimes regarded as the “Cinderella Service”.  Not so in Mole Valley! We have recently formed the Planning Specialist Team working within Development Management.  This team includes planning enforcement officers, historic environment officers and tree officers.

Working in an open plan office please do not think you would be confined to working with your “team mates” only – collaboration and sharing knowledge is key to our success.  In fact we pride ourselves on a wider-service mentality, you will be working with colleagues from development management, planning policy, planning support and more.

About you

We are looking for talented and ambitious individuals, keen to progress their careers, with the drive to make a difference and shape the future of Mole Valley. Working with a close knit group of dynamic professionals you will bring your expertise and enthusiasm to the team.  

You will be working in a constrained area with Green Belt and AONB considerations the norm which introduces interesting challenges for decision makers.  The urban areas include historic market towns and associated heritage issues, which pose a different set of thought provoking issues for decision makers.

You will have your own caseload dealing with the more contentious issues planning enforcement matters and you will also be responsible for signing off cases under delegated powers.  Leading a team of specialists you will have an understanding and appreciation of their areas if not experience of working in these fields in your own right.

You are a team player, with a ‘can do’ attitude, who can contribute innovative ideas and be committed to achieving high quality results. In return, we will support and encourage you and help you to realise your potential.

Our Members, Residents and colleagues expect motivation and quality.  Excellence will not be unusual for you - if this is something you can deliver please get in touch.

For You

We want you to be the best you can be. Therefore, we promise to support you with our annual Performance and Development Review and identify training and career development opportunities.

We offer

• 22 days holiday a year plus a further allocated day at Christmas rising to 28 days after 5 years.
• Scheme to purchase additional annual leave and eligibility for potential additional days through the flexi-time scheme providing the ability to take additional days off when the business allows
• Substantial employers contribution into the local government pension scheme
• Free parking
• Remote and flexible working.  Laptops will be provided for all employees enabling remote working by arrangement with the manager based on the needs of the service. 
• Wellbeing package including:
• Cycle scheme
• Free eye tests
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Yearly flu jab
• Discounts at local shops & businesses, films and shows at Dorking Halls and at the café
• Ability to participate in targeted activities during regular ‘Wellbeing Weeks’
• Located opposite Dorking Sports Centre which offers a 6 lane 25m swimming pool, sports hall, gym, aerobics studio and cafe

Further information

Closing date for applicants:  4 February 2019

Interview dates: W/C 18 February 2019 & 4 March 2019