The role

Are you looking for your next challenge?  Do you want to make a difference and be part of a pro-active team? Oxford City Council is looking for a Principal Planner to join its Major Projects Team within Development Management.  

Oxford is a world class city with an international reputation, and the Development Management team has been involved in projects that have transformed Oxford in recent years including the £440m Westgate Shopping Centre, 885 home urban extension at Barton and the mixed use employment led development at Oxford North. The team are also involved in projects for prestigious employers in the historic core of Oxford; where the demand to provide new development in the context of one of the world’s finest cities presents a unique and exciting challenge.  

The ability to negotiate effectively whilst delivering excellent customer service is essential and you must be pragmatic with a can-do and solution focussed attitude to support our ambitions. 

This is your opportunity to be part of the team that will help deliver Oxford’s future growth and development. If you want to be part of this and help contribute to an exemplary planning service in then we’d like to meet you. 

About us

Our ambitious leadership team and dedicated staff are working hard building a world class city for everyone. Oxford City Council has accelerated plans to build more affordable and council housing in the city. We provide services to help reduce inequality and improve the health and wellbeing of Oxford’s residents and are taking a lead on reducing emissions and increasing biodiversity to become a net carbon neutral city of the future.

We are a supportive and collaborative bunch of people working towards shared goals, where new ideas and initiatives are valued. We strive to deliver service excellence, take accountability for our actions and communicate with honestly and respect. There has never been a more exciting time to join us!  Help us to build successful places in which to live and work and build a fairer, greener city in which everyone can thrive.

Many of our roles offer flexible or hybrid working.

We offer generous holiday 29 days a year with an additional 4 days after 5 years’ service

We are committed to supporting career development opportunities and learning and development

An above average pension offering

Plus other great benefits

How to apply

More information is available on the role profile document.  Please read this document to ensure that you meet our requirements.  More information about working for the Council, our values and vision, is available on our web site.

Applications should be made via our online application system (no CVs please).

For further information and how to apply online, please visit www.oxford.gov.uk

If you are unable to access our website please call 01865 252848.

Note: For roles that require a DBS Certificate (Enhanced and or Barred List check), candidates are required to supply their complete work history. If you are making an application using a CV please ensure you explain any gaps in your work history.

You will be informed whether the first round of interviews will be online or in-person (role-dependent). Please note, for hybrid roles the successful applicant will be expected to work from home. You should ensure that you have reliable and secure wifi access; a suitable workspace and are prepared to undertake distance learning and training.

Closing Date: 13 December 2024

Late applications will not be processed

Interview Date(s): 07 January 2025 and 08 January 2025     

For an informal discussion about the post please contact the Natalie Dobraszczyk (Major Projects Team Leader) by email ndobraszczyk@oxford.gov.uk

We are an equal opportunity employer:
We are striving to become a more inclusive employer and to represent the communities that we support. We have policies in place to ensure that every applicant and employee can flourish and succeed. Currently we are underrepresented in some areas and would particularly welcome applicants from ethnic and minority communities. All applicants will be given fair consideration for work and will not receive less favourable treatment on the grounds of any protected characteristic.