About The RoleA high number of candidates may make applications for this position, so make sure to send your CV and application through as soon as possible.Career Grade PlannerOxford 27,634 - 32,697 per annum PermanentWe are looking for a motivated and customer-focused individual to join our team as a Career Grade Planner.We are looking to appoint within Level 1 of the attached matrix and continue to support through your development to reach level 2.This is an exciting opportunity to support the delivery of an effective planning service, managing a range of applications, enquiries, and projects suited to your level of experience. The role offers a clear and structured development pathway, enabling you to progress from entry level to a fully qualified Planner while building your technical knowledge, professional competence, and decision-making skills. As you develop, you will take on increasingly complex work and play a key role in delivering high-quality place making and sustainable development.In this role, you will manage a caseload of planning applications, pre-application enquiries, and permitted development requests, assessing proposals against national and local planning policies. You will undertake site visits, prepare professional reports, and contribute to informed decision-making. You will also support planning enforcement activities, including investigating complaints, gathering evidence, and helping resolve breaches. Alongside this, you will engage with applicants, agents, councillors, and members of the public, providing clear and timely advice, and working collaboratively with internal teams to ensure robust and balanced outcomes.We are seeking someone with strong communication and organisational skills, who can build effective relationships and manage their workload confidently. You will have a minimum of five GCSEs (including Maths and English), experience handling routine situations, and the ability to remain calm and professional in challenging environments. A proactive attitude, attention to detail, and competence with a range of digital tools are essential. In return, you will benefit from ongoing training, mentoring, and support to work towards professional qualifications, helping you progress through the career grade framework and build a rewarding career in planning.You will need A minimum of 5 qualifications equivalent to NVQ level 2 or GCSE at Grade C/4 or above, must include Maths and EnglishAbility to build customer relationshipsExperience in assessing routine situations and carrying out inspections if and when requiredAbility to remain calm and confident when dealing with challenging customers and environmentsAbility to resolve routine issues by negotiationMaintain accurate and up to date recordsDemonstrate commitment and resilience to succeedExcellent written and verbal communication skillsAbility to manage time effectivelySpecial Conditions You will be expected to work reasonable additional hours in line with the needs of the service.There may be a requirement to work at other locations to meet the needs of the business.Full UK Driving Licence.Ability to travel / access to a vehicle for work purposes.Politically restricted postholders are restricted from canvassing on behalf of a political party or for a person who is, or seeks to be, a candidate for election to a local authority, the House of Commons, or the European Parliament.What we can do for you Agile working allowing a mix of home and office workingFlexible working arrangements (depending on the role)27 days paid annual leave (pro rata if you are working part time) plus bank holidays, which increases to 30 days after five years service and 33 days following 10 years continuous serviceIn addition you will have an extra two volunteering days a year for you to support a charity of your choiceRenewed again for another year there is a Health cash plan giving you cash back on health, dental and eye careGenerous contributory local government pension schemeEmployee Assistance Programme 24/7, providing positive, preventative and supportive advice and counselling to deal with everyday events and issuesCycle to work schemeSalary sacrifice car lease scheme with significant tax and NI savings to be made on electric carsGenerous sickness cover above statutory entitlementsAbout The OrganisationWest Oxfordshire District Council is a forward-looking council, putting residents first and working in partnership to support our communities. We are delivering an ambitious Council Plan for the district that is focused on important local priorities including affordable housing, climate and ecological action, helping our economy to grow and building communities.We also provide a range of important local services that make a positive impact to our district on a daily basis including planning, housing, waste and recycling collections, leisure centres, community safety and environmental health.Joining West Oxfordshire District Council you will be helping us achieve our goals for the district and play a part in supporting our communities, our businesses and our environment.Accredited of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy/ies.Our organisationis committed to meeting its statutory and moral duties to safeguard and promote the welfare of children, young people under 18 years of age and adults at risk who are the recipients of its services and/or activities.Safer recruitment practices are applied to all job vacancies. xjdpvnf Successful candidates will be required to complete a pre-employment medical questionnaire; provide references; proof of identity; nationality and immigration status; three years employment or education history (if applicable) and, in some cases, verification of criminal record.
Job Title
Career Grade Planner