Principal Specialist (Place) Permanent

Full-time (37 hours per week), Flexi-time scheme

Salary scale L £39,782 to £42,683 per annum 

Would you like to live and work in one of the most beautiful parts of the country? 

SLDC serves an area that includes two national parks, with the majority of the stunning Lake District National Park in our district, as well as western parts of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. With friendly communities, low crime rate, cultural attractions and stunning locations South Lakeland makes an attractive proposition for one and all. 

Here at SLDC we have recently embarked on an exciting journey, implementing our Customer Connect Programme which will transform the way we deliver services by maximising digital technology and putting customers at the heart of everything we do. The programme will improve services by allowing our valued customers to do business with us in a simpler way. Through Customer Connect our continued aim is to elevate South Lakeland as the ‘best place to live, work and explore’...would you like to join us, share the experience and make a difference...? 

South Lakeland District Council is seeking to recruit a Principal Specialist (Place) within the Specialist Services Team focusing on looking after the Development Management, Building Control, Land Charges and Economy/Culture functions. The post is based at the Council’s head offices in Kendal. 

The successful applicant will be responsible for managing a team of approximately 23 people with 4 direct reports. They will need to have strong experience in successfully leading and motivating teams of professional officers across a number of specialist areas (highlighted above). They will be the most senior specialist officer in the Council with regards to development management and they will need to be a qualified planner and member of the RTPI. 

They will be responsible for advising on the most complex planning cases and working with the Level 3 Specialists will be responsible for managing the Councils development management function in line with the relevant statutory and policy requirements. In addition the successful candidate will work with the Operational Lead for Specialist Services to develop and implement the Council’s strategic approach to developing ‘places’ across the towns and villages of the district. 

The successful candidate will need to possess a relevant degree or qualification and have relevant previous experience. They will require good IT skills and have the ability to research case law and good practice in the further development of this area of work. 

Previous applicants need not apply. 

For further information including the job description, person specification and details of how to apply, please visit us by clicking on the 'Apply Button'. We are unable to accept CVs alone for job vacancies, however, they can be attached to the application form. Candidates that are shortlisted for interview will be informed by email 

Closing date for applications: Monday 4th November 2019.

Interviews will be held: Week Commencing 11th and 18th November 2019.