Urban Design Officer (Career Grade) Maternity Cover

Sevenoaks District Council; Sevenoaks; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority in the UK is seeking a Design and Conservation Officer to join their team. The successful candidate will support the delivery of an ambitious work programme that includes preparing development briefs and providing design input on planning applications. This role offers a chance to shape masterplans focusing on exceptional design quality and sustainability. A hybrid working model is in place, requiring a minimum of two days in the office. Enhanced benefits include 25 days of annual leave and various employee discounts.

Benefits

Enhanced annual leave of 25 days

Opportunities for social activities

Free parking

Employee discounts on shopping

Salary sacrifice scheme for cars

Access to BUPA Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Passionate about creating well-designed spaces.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team.
• Experience in preparing development briefs.

Responsibilities

• Support delivery of ambitious work programme.
• Prepare site-specific development briefs for the Local Plan.
• Provide high-quality design input on planning applications.
• Deliver in-house training programme.

Skills

Strong background in architecture and/or urban design

Exceptional communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Team player

Understanding of design value in planning

Job description

Sevenoaks District Council is preparing to deliver 17,000 new homes through its emerging Local Plan, and achieving design excellence is at the heart of this ambition.

Our district is predominantly Green Belt and includes areas of National Landscape, creating unique opportunities for innovation in planning and placemaking.

This role sits within our dynamic and forward-thinking Design and Conservation Team, working alongside our second Urban Design Officer to support the delivery of an ambitious work programme. This is an opportunity to develop place‑making skills across a range of contexts from rural settings to urban town centres and play an integral role in shaping the vision for masterplans across the district, promoting exceptional design quality, sustainability and biodiversity.

We are looking for someone with a strong background in architecture and/or urban design who:

• Is passionate about creating well‑designed spaces and places
• Brings exceptional communication and problem‑solving skills
• Understands how design can add real value to the planning process
• Is a proactive team player who thrives in a collaborative environment

You will work closely with both the Development Management and Planning Policy teams, using your expertise to prepare site‑specific development briefs for the Local Plan and provide high‑quality design input on planning applications. You will also play a key role in delivering our in‑house training programme and contributing to the wider team’s objectives.

This post is for 37 hours a week and will be based at our Council Offices, Argyle Road, Sevenoaks Kent TN13 1HG. We currently operate a hybrid‑working model, with a minimum of two days a week in our Sevenoaks office.

Why work with us?

We’re proud to be a high‑performing local authority that values innovation, collaboration and people‑first service. You’ll be joining a team that is passionate about its work and is committed to learning, development, and continuous improvement.

Other benefits include:

• Enhanced annual leave of 25 days (excluding bank holidays)
• Opportunities to join in with social activities
• Free parking
• Employee benefits including discounts on shopping, travel, days out and more,
• Tusker car salary sacrifice scheme and discounts with your MOT
• Access to BUPA Employee Assistance Programme, a free, 24/7, confidential counselling and wellbeing support service

For further details on the role, the Council, and the benefits of working for us, please see our Candidate Pack

If you have any questions relating to this role please contact Rebecca Lamb, Design and Conservation Manager [e-mail]

Please note that agencies will not be entertained.

Do you want to ensure you have the best chance of being shortlisted?

Read the Job Description and Personal Specification attached to the role and ensure that your supporting statement explains how you meet the essential requirements, as your application will be judged against these criteria.