Principal planning consultant

We’re LWM, a company wholly owned by Lichfield District Council.

A local authority in the Heart of England that provides local services to over 100,000 residents.

Our District is a beautiful place to live and work, with its historic city centre which has the impressive Lichfield Cathedral and is the birthplace of Samuel Johnson.

Our organisation is ambitious, innovative, and highly driven to be the best in all that we do.

We want to further this growth potential in all key areas of the business by hiring great people.

In return, we can build stronger foundations, provide quality services, and help support our company objectives longer term.

THE ROLE We have an exciting an opportunity for a highly experienced Principal Planning Consultant/Planning Manager with a strong commercial background to join our ambitious team at LWM.

Working closely with Artemis Christophi, a Nationally recognised and Award-winning senior planning executive, no two days will be the same, as you’ll be busy working on a range of interesting and diverse planning applications.

Lichfield has a vast and varied landscape offering exciting challenges, regeneration, and growth opportunities.

OUR VISION We are an ambitious company that want to create a highly skilled local authority planning consultancy that processes all major planning applications and pre-applications on behalf of Lichfield District Council and provide expert planning resource to councils nationwide.

You will also benefit from a fantastic salary package including Private Health Care, 5% Pension contribution, Free parking, 25 days holiday, Hybrid working, fab refurbished offices in a central location.

Plus, more! Be part of our growing team and amazing culture.

JOB PURPOSE To manage the major developments team within the LWM (Lichfield West Mids.

Trading Services) and Lichfield District council.

To oversee and process specific major projects, the drafting and implementation of planning performance agreements, planning applications and appeals.

Support and deputise when required for the planning & development executive in the day-to-day operation and delivery of the major developments’ functions.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Manage and process major planning applications, particularly those of a complex nature.

Lead on negotiating and seeking resolution where required.

Responsible for signing delegated decisions commensurate to the role.

Lead and negotiate Section 106 and CIL Obligations and the co-ordination of monitoring and enforcement of such agreements.

Lead on planning appeals work.

Lead and negotiate planning performance agreements.

Have budgetary responsibility for the major developments team, including generating and monitoring income.

Lead on councillor liaison for the team, including attending councillor drop-in sessions, delivering councillor training sessions and being the key point of contact for queries relating to applications processed by the team.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE Extensive knowledge and experience in Development Management and/or planning policy, including the processing of significantly major planning applications.

Leading on negotiations involving Section 106 Planning and CIL Obligations.

Excellent knowledge & understanding of planning/environmental law & procedures.

An ability to analyse problems and provide viable solutions.

An effective team leader able to demonstrate an understanding of team leadership qualities.

Capable of taking projects from concept to completion.

Excellent reporting skills with ability to write clearly and concisely.

Excellent oral presentational skills.

SKILLS AND BEHAVIOURS Excellent Commercial and project management experience.

Target driven and confident.

People skills – client liaison and communication are key.

Excellent organisational and time management skills.

Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.

Ability to ensure targets and deadlines are met.

A positive and proactive attitude.

Ability to adapt quickly.

Attention to detail.

Full driving license and access to car.

NOTE: All offers of employment are conditional offer subject to satisfactory clearances which include: Two satisfactory references covering the last 3 years of employment.

Evidence of your right to work in the United Kingdom; and Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check if applicable.

WHAT NEXT? To be considered for this exciting new opportunity, please send your CV and Supporting statement to [email protected].

If you need any support with completing your application, or any part of the recruitment process, please contact [email protected] so that we can discuss reasonable adjustments.

We look forward to hearing from you.