Starting salary: £43,914 pa with potential progression to £47,070 pa on achieving designated skills and experience

Contract: Permanent, Full Time (37 hours per week)

Location: Council Offices, Campus East, Welwyn Garden City, AL8 6AE

Are you looking for a new challenge in an area steeped in planning history? Maybe you’re ready to take a step into management?  If so, this could be the next Planning role for you. A fantastic opportunity is available at Welwyn Hatfield Council for a Principal Development Management Officer, leading a small team of officers in a busy DM Service.

Welwyn Hatfield may have a rich history, but we refuse to stay in the past. Which is why our corporate vision is to work together to keep Welwyn Hatfield a vibrant and prosperous place to live. This role is key in achieving that vision.

About the Job

This challenging and hugely rewarding opportunity will see you lead a small but dedicated team of officers in our DM Service. As one of our Principal Officers, you’ll be responsible for managing a caseload of major and complex planning applications, as well as exercising delegated authority to make decisions on a range of applications.

You will be expected to proactively develop a customer-focused service. This will involve liaising with the Development Management Service Manager over proposed changes that may be required to practice and procedure.

This position will also involve working collaboratively to ensure that demands and pressures across the Development Management Service are addressed, this includes the direction of staff and other resources.

About You

In order to succeed in this role, you’ll need to have completed a first degree or postgraduate qualification in Town Planning or a related subject. Significant development management experience, including involvement in the full range of planning appeals, will also help you to thrive in this position.

Excellent communication skills are also essential, as you’ll be expected to hold meetings with customers and council members to provide advice, guidance, and feedback on planning and related matters.

About Us

Welwyn Hatfield have a ‘One Team’ philosophy, so we’re looking for people that are happiest when they’re working as part of a team. We’ve built a workplace that’s based on respect and trust. It’s important to us that you have a genuine passion for your role within the organisation. In return, we can offer you a unique and attractive working environment in the heart of Welwyn Garden City, flexible working arrangements, free parking and access to electric pool cars as well as the usual Local Government benefits, including pension scheme and generous annual leave allowance.

The deadline for applications is 5 June 2022.

Assessments and interviews will be held week commencing 20 June 2022.