YOUR MISSION:

• Manage your own caseload of planning applications while supervising junior planners.
• Clear delegated reports and issue decision notices.
• Provide expert planning advice to Members, senior officers, and stakeholders.
• Represent the council in high-stakes negotiations with developers and external bodies.
• Present complex cases to the Planning Committee with clarity and authority.
• Innovate service delivery and promote continuous improvement across the team.
• Monitor planning policy impact and mitigate legal or reputational risks.
• Collaborate across council teams to ensure joined-up project delivery aligned with strategic goals.
  What We’re Looking For

We need two dynamic and experienced Team Leaders who are driven to make a difference and can bring a blend of the following:

• A proven understanding of urban planning issues and the ability to tackle complex planning issues with clarity and creativity.
• Strong communication skills
• An enthusiastic, customer-first mindset, driven to help shape the future of Southwark’s urban landscape.
• Passion for learning, team development, and making a meaningful impact.
• Able to demonstrate how your insights have contributed to the achievement of strategic Planning goals.
• The capability to work in a fast-paced environment, maintaining high standards of attention to detail while meeting deadlines.
• Strong leadership skills either as an established team leader or an ambitious planner ready to take the step up.
• Exceptional communication and negotiation abilities, especially in politically sensitive environments.
• In-depth understanding of development management issues, urban regeneration, and planning law.
• Experience preparing high-quality reports and advising senior stakeholders.
• This role offers flexible home working blended with travel into our modern London Bridge office.

Additional Information
Application Closing Date: 11.59pm on the 2nd of June 2025
Interview Date: The 9th of June 2025
We are an organisation who is passionate about our people and understands that richness of diversity is a requirement to provide the best possible services to our communities. This is demonstrated through our council-wide ambitious commitment to tackle racial inequality in our communities and workforce through our Southwark Stands Together initiative. We particularly welcome applications from members of the black, Asian and ethnic minority communities to increase representation at senior management level in the Council.

• Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
• Are currently in care, or have previously been in care
• If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition