Planning Administration and Systems Team Leader

Working hours: 37.5 hours per week (banking 30 minutes per week to be used towards the shut down between Christmas and the New Year)

The role

There has never been a more exciting time to join Harlow Council as we continue to deliver our ambitious vision for growth, regeneration and service improvement.

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Planning Administration & Systems Team Leader to lead our Planning Administration Team and play a key role in supporting the efficient operation and continuous improvement of the Planning Service.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced planning support professional who combines strong operational management skills with an interest in systems, technology and service improvement.

Reporting to the Development Manager, you will oversee the day-to-day delivery of planning administration and technical support functions. Ensuring effective processing and validation of planning applications, you will maintain statutory records and deliver a high-quality customer-focused service.

The role also provides an opportunity to help shape the future of the service through digital transformation and business improvement initiatives. As the Planning Service lead for business systems, you will take responsibility for systems such as Uniform, Enterprise, Exacom, GIS and Power BI, helping to develop more efficient ways of working and supporting data-driven decision making across the service.

Working closely with the Development Manager and colleagues across the Council, you will contribute to service improvement projects, introduce new technologies and processes, support performance management. You will also help to ensure the Planning Service continues to evolve and meet the needs of our customers.

About you

You will have experience working within a Local Planning Authority planning support, validation or technical support environment and possess a strong understanding of planning administration processes.

You will have:

• Experience of planning application registration and validation, including more complex application types.
• Experience of planning administration processes, statutory notifications, appeals and records management.
• Strong organisational and leadership skills with the ability to supervise, motivate and develop staff.
• Experience of using specialist planning software systems and electronic records management systems.
• The ability to analyse information, solve problems and identify opportunities to improve systems and processes.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

Experience of Uniform, Enterprise, Exacom, GIS, Power BI, service improvement projects, process redesign or digital transformation initiatives would be particularly advantageous.

Whether you are currently a Planning Support Team Leader, Validation Team Leader, Senior Planning Administrator, Technical Support Officer or Planning Systems Officer, we would welcome applications from candidates looking to take the next step in their career.

Why join us?

You will be joining a friendly and supportive Planning Service at a time of positive change, with opportunities to influence how services are delivered and developed in the future.

We offer

• Competitive Local Government salary.
• Generous annual leave entitlement plus public holidays.
• Additional leave during the Christmas shutdown period.
• Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Training and development opportunities.
• Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing initiatives.
• Dynamic Working arrangements supporting a healthy work-life balance.

Diversity and Inclusion

Harlow Council is committed to creating a diverse workforce and welcoming applications from all sections of the community. We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and guarantee interviews to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria contained within the Employee Profile.

For an informal discussion

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Scott Laban, Development Manager, on 01279 446244 or email scott.laban@harlow.gov.uk.

We offer flexibility with purpose through our Dynamic Working approach. While office-based work is the norm, most full-time employees attend the workplace four days per week (pro rata).

We also support a range of flexible arrangements to help balance work and personal life and provide health and wellbeing initiatives and an employee assistance programme.