AddressAbout us
At Hillingdon we’re proud of our commitment of ‘Putting our residents first’, ensuring they’re at the heart of everything we do! We want to attract talented individuals like yourself who share our aspirations for the borough and who can support us to deliver exceptional services for Hillingdon.
With an ambitious strategy we pride ourselves on delivering services that improve the lives of all our residents, businesses, and partners. Embarking on a journey of continuous improvement, we’ve set an agenda to ensure the provision of; safer communities, a thriving local economy, a greener more sustainable environment, whilst increasing our digital capabilities.
Working at London’s second largest borough can be tough, particularly with government reforms, budget restrictions, and political attention – but it’s enough to keep us busy and ensures no two days are the same!
What does an Area Planning Deputy Team Leader do at Hillingdon?
This is a fantastic opportunity to join a high performing Development Management team in a new role created through a recent transformation of the Planning Service.
Our Deputy Team Leaders play a vital role in supporting our two Area PlanningTeam Leaders with the management of our area teams. As a Deputy Team Leader, you will be an experienced, proactive and highly competent development management professional, capable of carrying and effectively processing a varied caseload of planning applications, up to and including the most complex major development proposals.
You will be adept at dealing with complex pre-application enquiries and confident at representing the Council at appeal. In addition, you will have line management responsibility for up to 3 members of staff who you will guide and mentor through regular case reviews and 121 meetings. You will also have responsibility for recruitment and performance management of your sub-team, with the support and guidance of your Team Leader.
As part of the Deputy Team Leader role, you will assist the Team Leader and Area Service Manager with signing off planning decisions under the Council’s Scheme of Delegation. You will also regularly attend the Planning Committee to present your own and your sub team’s planning application recommendations to elected members.
About you
Candidates should have a degree in Town & Country Planning, or equivalent discipline (such as geography, construction, architecture or design) and be a member of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) or working towards membership of the RTPI.
You will be expected to have prior significant experience of the end-to-end process of determining planning applications within a local government setting, including experience of successfully handling complex planning applications and related consents.
You must have experience of or the ability to supervise a team working on complex demanding caseloads and be able to successfully manage competing demands to tight deadlines.
As a competent planning professional, you will have extensive knowledge of relevant planning legislation, policy, and best practice, as well as the ability to present high quality written reports and verbal evidence relating to planning matters.
For full details of the essential criteria for the role, please refer to the attached Job Description and Person Specification.
What we offer
We value our employees and are committed to ensuring that they enjoy a fulfilling and rewarding career with us. We understand that a happy and motivated workforce is essential for the success of our organisation. That is why we offer a wide range of employee benefits to enhance your work-life balance, financial wellbeing, health, and professional development.
Here’s a comprehensive overview of the fantastic benefits we provide:
Work Life Balance
- Flexible Working Hours – We recognise the importance of flexibility in managing your work and personal life.
- 36 Hour Week – Enjoy a standard 36-hour work week for all full time staff.
- Generous Holiday Entitlement – You will receive a minimum of 26 days annual leave each year, in addition to bank holidays. This entitlement increases to a maximum 37 days after 10 years of service.
Health & Wellbeing
- Hillingdon Sport Leisure – Stay active and healthy with discounts at council owned leisure centres and swimming pools across the borough.
- Cycle Purchase Scheme – Promote eco-friendly commuting with our cycle purchase scheme.
- Discount on Golf Fees – Enjoy up to 30% discounts on green fees at council owned golf courses.
- Financial Benefits – Secure your future with access to the Local Government Pension Scheme and membership to the Credit Union.
- Vivup Benefits – Access a variety of offers and discounts through our Vivup Benefits.
- Eye Care – We contribute towards eye tests and lenses for Display Screen Equipment.
- Mental Health Support – Our mental health first aiders are trained to identify, understand, and help employees experiencing mental health issues.
- Support and Counselling Services – Access free 24-hour confidential advice and counselling as well as a legal advice service for you and your immediate family.
Commute with Ease
- Travel Support – Make your daily commute easier with our season ticket loans and free car parking. We also provide bicycle parking, lockers, and showers at the Civic Centre.
Additional information
Equity, Diversity and Equality Statement
At the London Borough of Hillingdon, we are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. We value the unique perspectives and experiences of all individuals, and we believe that our workforce should reflect the diversity of the communities we serve.
We strive to ensure that our recruitment process is free from discrimination and bias, and we are dedicated to providing reasonable adjustments to applicants with disabilities. We recognise the value of a diverse workforce and encourage applications from candidates from underrepresented groups.
Join us in building a workplace where diversity is not only embraced but also celebrated, and where every individual has the opportunity to thrive and contribute meaningfully to our organisation's success.
Retention Allowance
This role benefits from an optional retention allowance of approximately 5% (in addition to the advertised salary), subject to terms and conditions.
Other Information
For further information, or an informal discussion about the role, please contact Roz Johnson – Head of Development Management and Building Control (rjohnson@hillingdon.gov.uk).
Please note that due to an expected high volume of applications, we could close this role early, we therefore recommend you apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
