About the team we are recruiting to

Development Management is a service area within Coventry City Council which supports the growth of the city and manages development from inception to delivery.

As a high performing planning department, we deal with a wide range of applications.  We are a dynamic and forward-thinking team with a can-do approach and are always striving to improve our service.  We recognise the importance of developing a strong, robust and resilient team through learning and development.

The service area sits within a larger team alongside Planning Policy and Environment which encompasses a number of individual but related specialisms all focused on delivering a city for those wishing to live and work here. Those specialisms include Planning, Ecology, Trees and Landscape, Urban Design, Conservation, Archaeology and Environmental Protection.

What is the job role?

We are looking to recruit Senior and Principal Town Planners to deliver a high-quality Development Management service in a way that contributes to the achievement of the City Council’s vision and objectives for a growing and sustainable city.

As a Senior Town Planner, you will provide an efficient and effective customer focussed professional planning service to support the sustainable growth and regeneration of the City. This position includes a gateway for progression to Principle Town Planner opportunities.

The main duties and responsibilities of the role include (but are not limited to):

• Processing all types of applications (major, minor or other) in accordance with the requirements of planning legislation, Government and Council planning policies and to meet the key objectives of the Council
• To deal with pre-application enquiries and other communications regarding the professional activity of the Service in line with protocol and in a constructive, helpful and timely manner.
• To attend and present at relevant committee and member meetings such as Planning Committee and provide technical support to the Chair of Committee, Cabinet Member and Senior Officers.
• Provide a Development Management advice service to the Public, Elected Members, other Council Directorates, stakeholders.

As a Principal Town Planner, you will take a lead on determining complex and high-profile applications, you will have management responsibility for the support staff within your team, and ensure effective and accurate decision taking is made whilst delivering excellent customer service.

The main duties and responsibilities of the role include (but are not limited to):

• The management of a complex case load with an emphasis on the larger, more technically challenging applications, including leading on Section 106 negotiations
• To provide a timely and appropriate pre-application service
• Management responsibility for the planning support staff
• To support the Team Leader with recruitment and mentoring of staff in the team.

Who are we looking for?

Do you hold a qualification in Town Planning?

Are you a planning professional with sound knowledge of working within Development Management?

Are you a member of the RTPI or be eligible for full membership?

We are looking for Planning Officers who have experience of working in a professional planning role. You will have experience of working in a diverse and dynamic Planning Team, dealing with a wide variety of applications and delivering excellent customer service.

To be considered for these roles you must be eligible for full membership of the RTPI or already be a member of RTPI; and hold a valid full UK driving licence to travel around the city to undertake site visits.

You will also have experience of working in a relevant planning environment and a political environment with an awareness and appreciation of the non-technical issues that influence decision making.

You will have knowledge around local, regional and national planning and enforcement trends and issues. As well as the ability to interpret national policy, legislation and guidance and translate into local implementation and appropriate local responses.

Please note that this salary benefits from an additional temporary annual £3000 market supplement to be reviewed in June 2022.

Introduction to Coventry City Council

Coventry is a lively, multicultural city, which embraces old and new. Around the modern city centre there are traces of history everywhere – in the old city walls, the timber-framed buildings and the reconstructed medieval Spon Street. But Coventry has always had an eye on the future, and is now firmly focused on regenerating and re-inventing itself to meet the challenges of the 21st Century. With major developments and new projects taking place right across the city, Coventry City Council is the place to be!

There's a huge buzz about the city – Coventry ranks as the 8th best city to live, work and do business in the UK, and is the UK City of Culture 2021! We believe this will help put Coventry on the map for all the right reasons. You can feel the sense of local pride throughout the city as we build towards this momentous year. It also offers a unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to those joining us to play their part in it.

We genuinely believe that Coventry City Council is a special place. You will be joining Coventry City Council during an exciting time to become part of a team that contribute to achieving our visions for the city. We have made our council a place where we look after our people, making sure you're happy in your work and given everything you need to succeed. We've created friendly, welcoming workplaces where everyone is working towards the same cause, providing the best possible services for the city of Coventry.

As a council with improvement at its heart, we’re committed to making life better for the people who live and work in Coventry. We’re equally concerned with the quality of life enjoyed by our people, so by joining us, you won’t just be helping the community, you’ll be helping yourself too.

Not only do you get to work alongside great people that are helping to improve services for our community we offer great benefits too! For your valued contribution we will provide a fantastic benefits package including:

• Flexible working arrangements
• Generous annual leave allowance starting at 27 days and rising to 32 days
• Pay progression through multiple increments
• Outstanding local government pension scheme
• Learning & Development with access to certified courses.
• Access to an award-winning Occupational Health Team
• Vibrant employee networks

If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, please click on the apply button to visit our website.

Closing date: 8 November 2020.

Interview date: 16 November 2020.

Coventry City Council is committed to delivering the best possible services and improving the quality of life for Coventry people. In order to do this effectively we aim to have a workforce that represents the diverse communities we serve, embracing and utilising the broad range of skills, experiences and perspectives this brings.

We are committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for all. This includes making adjustments or changes for people who have a disability or long-term health condition.