Chief Planning Officer

About us

Swale Borough Council is a progressive and ambitious Local Authority, located less than an hour from Central London in an attractive and diverse part of Kent involving urban, rural, and coastal areas.

We believe that staff are our most valuable asset and we’re committed to attracting and retaining the very best.

In recent times we have adapted and evolved to meet the current world by introducing a highly flexible hybrid working policy, along with a 34-hour week, recognising that staff wellbeing and work life balance is high on our agenda.

The work you will be doing

Following a restructure of our Planning service, we are looking for a Planning professional with extensive experience of leading a Planning service.

As the Chief Planning Officer, you will support the Head of Place in leading the planning service by balancing a strategic approach and operational insight to ensure the service delivers both an efficient and effective planning service and a robust Local Plan.

You will be responsible for identifying and optimising cross-working opportunities to increase service resilience, and for deputising for the Head of Service in all aspects of the role, including corporate requirements.

About You

You should have a Degree / Post Graduate Diploma in Town Planning and full membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute.

You should have excellent understanding of planning law and the stages, interdependencies and political and stakeholder dimensions of Local Plan development, as well as excellent understanding of viability issues and their impact on Planning.

Additionally you should have strong knowledge of stakeholder specialisms, including ecology, transport, urban design, heritage and archaeology.

What we can offer

If you choose to join us in this interesting role, we will provide you with a great benefits package that includes a competitive salary, access to our desirable local Government Pension Scheme.

We will also contribute to relocation expenses if relevant, and you will receive 30 days of annual leave, plus Bank Holidays and an extra day at Christmas.

We want you to find the perfect work-life balance, so flexible working options will be considered, plus you will have access to a range of additional benefits such as discounts on high street chains and leisure centres, plus our cycle-to-work scheme.

Above all else, you will find an inclusive and supportive working environment, in which your professional and personal wellbeing are important to us.

If you would like to discuss this position, please contact Joanne Johnson, Head of Place on 01795 417080.

Closing Date: 5 May 2024.

Interview Date: 16 May 2024.

To apply, please send CV and suitability statement demonstrating how you meet the competencies for the role to hrsupportteam@midkent.gov.uk

Link to JD here: Chief-Planning-Officer-JD-SBC-April-24.pdf (maidstone.gov.uk)