Planning Team Leader LBS-012 (Project)

Job Description

Job Category : Planning
Location : 160 Tooley Street, Southwark Council
Hours Per Week : 36.00
Start Date : Immediate Start
Start Time : 09:00
End Time : 17:00
Salary: £42.27

Development management focused team leader to deal with a caseload of planning applications in the Old Kent Road Planning and Growth team.

Purpose of the job
1. Responsible for providing complex planning advice and applying this to the determination of planning applications, preparation of planning policy and guidance or other activities related to the town planning and regeneration service.
2. To lead teams of professional planners and regeneration officers in carrying out the functions of the planning and regeneration service and be responsible for the provision of highest quality, outcomes focused on the needs of clients including the Cabinet, committees, steering groups, other council bodies and elected members.

Principal accountabilities
3. To deliver complex and specialised town planning services including development management, the preparation of planning policy and delivery of planning related regeneration projects in accordance with recognised performance standards and delivery plans.
4. To take responsibility for decisions and recommendations regarding development management, planning policy and other related planning and regeneration projects and activities that will have far reaching and lasting effects on the development of the borough and which have significant impacts on the local environment, economy and community. – Decisions and advice given by the postholder have the potential to have major impact on the development value of land in the borough, the amount of development that can take place, the delivery of council priorities such as affordable housing and have major environmental impacts.
5. To provide advice on the statutory planning process reaching the highest standards of clarity and accuracy and to ensure that the impacts of planning policy and decisions is properly monitored and reported to demonstrate that it is effective in achieving the council’s aims – Decisions and advice given by the postholder have the potential to have major impacts on the legal, reputational and financial risks faced by the council including judicial review.
6. To lead teams of professional staff working on planning decisions, policy and regeneration projects and apply effective methods of project management to ensure that all staff are operating at the appropriate level, are fully cooperating with all relevant colleagues and partner organisations and in accordance with all relevant procedures.

Knowledge, including educational qualifications:
The post holder must hold a degree in a relevant subject or a relevant professional qualification and provide evidence of continuing professional development
An understanding of how services are provided in a Local Government context and political awareness
An understanding of management concepts, practices and principles gained through experience
An understanding of the issues and financial constraints facing local government and, in particular, the services provided by the units under the post holder’s direction.
An in-depth understanding of town planning and urban regeneration issues in a major city context

Experience:

Substantial experience of town planning in a major city context
Achievement of results to planned deadlines requiring complex technical work.
Preparation of reports to committee and/or senior council officers and external organisations.
Planning and carrying out public consultation exercises.

Aptitudes, Skills & Competencies:

Written communication
Produces written information which is clear and succinct.
Presents ideas in a well-structured format and in a manner appropriate to the context and the audience.
Able to create a clear brief for action where required.
Customer orientation
Constantly strives to achieve customer satisfaction.
Is sensitive to the needs of internal and external customers.
Demands a strong customer focus from all staff.
Recognises the business importance of customer satisfaction.
Change orientation
Looks for continuous improvement to meet ongoing requirements.
Responds positively to and learns from change.
Is receptive to new ideas.
Demonstrates flexibility and a willingness to challenge accepted or established practices and structures within appropriate limits.
Technical knowledge and skills
Has specialist knowledge of planning and appreciates the processes in delivering the statutory planning service in a local planning authority
Uses qualitative and quantitative techniques to measure performance in own specialism.
Possesses the ability to provide support and guidance to skilled staff in technical matters that may be outside the post holder’s detailed area of expertise.
Energy and resilience
Is enthusiastic and committed.
Demonstrates a capacity for sustained effort and hard work over long periods.
Remains calm, objective and in control in stressful situations.
Maintains stable performance under pressure.
Resilient and persevering.
Copes with disappointments and setbacks.