Starting at £58,200 p.a. increasing to £61,400 p.a. following 12 months satisfactory performance

If you thrive on action, you will love Dartford.  Located on the edge of London, we have exciting proposals to transform Dartford Town Centre with significant interest for major development proposals. A range of employment, leisure and residential schemes are coming forward across the Borough, as well as an array of infrastructure projects to support the high level of growth taking place.  We have a 5 year housing land supply in place and strong housing delivery.   Preparation of our new Local Plan is well-progressed and we are determined to ensure that Dartford can be its ‘best self’, with place-making firmly on the agenda.

You will lead the Development Management team responsible for determining all applications in the Borough as well as providing the Council’s response to development in the Ebbsfleet Development Corporation area.  You will inherit a high performing and motivated team with high performance levels and good appeal outcomes.  You will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the team, including Planning Enforcement and Planning Administration.

Your job will be to ensure that the high-quality and consistency of decision-making is maintained.  In these changing times, you will need to react and respond to national changes in the Planning system, ensuring that these are communicated and well understood by stakeholders.  You will ensure that the development coming forward is co-ordinated with the overall outcome better than the sum of its parts and that local communities benefit from the opportunities that new development brings. 

We are looking for an experienced Planner with strong professional and management skills.  You will be an effective leader, with clear vision, strong negotiating skills and the ability to develop good partnership working.  Dartford has a strong track record as an enabling Borough: you will be able to maintain the effectiveness of the team in responding constructively, consistently and speedily to development proposals and achieving improved outcomes.

The successful applicant will lead a professional, experienced and efficient team which is ambitious in striving for positive outcomes.  We have a mutually supportive and sociable team culture. Development Management and Planning Policy are well integrated with each other and striving to achieve common goals. 

We would be interested to hear from candidates who have the required skills and are excited by the opportunities Dartford has to offer.  If you would like to speak to someone about this post please contact Sonia Bunn, Development Manager, tel no: 01322 343620

Closing date: 12 October 2020

Interviews will be held on 23 October 2020

Benefits

Career average pension scheme, professional fee payment, flexible working including some remote working, free on-site parking, employee benefits package and generous leave entitlement.

The Council’s offices are in a highly accessible location, next to Dartford station with frequent services from Central London (Oyster Card coverage) and North Kent.  Road connections via the M25 and A2 are also excellent.

The Council is an Equal Opportunities Employer