Urban Design Officer (Career Grade) Maternity Cover

Seemp; Sevenoaks; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Sevenoaks is seeking an Urban Design Officer to support an ambitious work programme in planning and placemaking. This role emphasizes exceptional design quality, sustainability, and a collaborative approach. Candidates should have a strong background in architecture or urban design, along with excellent communication skills. The position offers a hybrid working model, enhanced annual leave, and a generous pension scheme, making it an attractive opportunity for those passionate about urban development.

Benefits

Enhanced annual leave of 25 days

Extra Christmas closure day

Generous Local Government Pension Scheme

Employee discounts and benefits

Access to BUPA Employee Assistance Programme

Free parking

Qualifications

• Strong background in architecture and/or urban design.
• Passion for creating well-designed spaces and places.
• Understanding of how design can add value to the planning process.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Architecture and/or urban design

Exceptional communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Collaborative teamwork

Job description

Overview

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.

Position Details

Contract: Temporary – 14 months
Working Pattern: Full Time (37 hours per week)
Location: Council Offices, Argyle Road, Sevenoaks Kent TN13 1HG
Salary: £30,269 – £43,568 (dependent on experience)
Hybrid working model: minimum two days a week in our Sevenoaks office.

Role Overview

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. It 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.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with the Development Management and Planning Policy teams, preparing site‑specific development briefs for the Local Plan.
• Provide high‑quality design input on planning applications.
• Play a key role in delivering our in‑house training programme.
• Contribute to the wider team’s objectives.

Qualifications

• Strong background in architecture and/or urban design.
• Passion for creating well‑designed spaces and places.
• Exceptional communication and problem‑solving skills.
• Understanding of how design can add real value to the planning process.
• Proactive team player who thrives in a collaborative environment.

Benefits

• Enhanced annual leave of 25 days (excluding bank holidays).
• Extra Christmas closure day.
• Hybrid working.
• Generous Local Government Pension Scheme.
• 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.

Contact

If you have questions relating to this role, contact Rebecca Lamb, Design and Conservation Manager, [e-mail]. Agencies will not be entertained. Please note the closing date is Sunday 4th January 2026, with interviews (in person) on Friday 9th January 2026.