Principal Planner (Infrastructure)

Are you a planner with strategic skills and experience looking for a new challenge within the profession?   Or do you already specialise in local government infrastructure planning for growth, and  you  seek  an influential senior role?

Join Dartford and take the lead, managing our substantial Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funds,  and our strategy for delivery of planned infrastructure  alongside rapid development. If you have  significant and transferable experience of preparing planning policy, of strategic development management, or similar strategic infrastructure planning, we would be very interested to hear from you.

Dartford has a new Local Plan in place, and is focused on active infrastructure planning to deliver the services and facilities needed to maintain high levels of sustainable growth. We are looking for a strategic and flexible thinker keen for a challenge in a positive  and integrated Planning Services section.  Demonstrable experience of  developer contribution  negotiations/ decisions (especially optimising the use of CIL funds), or of formulating policy-based recommendations on large scale  development and investment, is desired.

If you have the right skills, you could be at the heart of securing new school, healthcare and transport and other facilities for growing neighbourhoods; multi-million pound infrastructure decisions. Political, quantitative, analytical and written  capabilities, and a creative approach to problem solving and good communication  are required. You will work with and line manage a CIL monitoring officer, whilst reporting to and being supported by the Planning Strategy & Infrastructure Manager.

Part-time working arrangements will be considered for the right candidate, please call if you wish to discuss your circumstances. We offer flexible working, and a policy of up to three days a week homeworking.

Dartford is the Kent Borough adjoining London on the River Thames. Conveniently located, the Borough’s connections are more than just the Dartford crossing and M25. The Council offices are adjacent to Dartford rail station, which links to a range of locations via Thameslink, the nearby Elizabeth Line, and other services. Ebbsfleet International rail station in the Borough is 17minutes to London. We have the award-winning Fastrack bus rapid transit system, and good bus services, including TfL buses serving the Borough. The area is a complex mix of both urban and rural, including Ebbsfleet Garden City and Bluewater shopping centre, but also the River Darent valley, marshland, heath, and Ancient Woodland.

If you would like to speak to someone about this post please contact Sonia Collins, Head of Planning Services, on 01322 343620.

The interview date for this role is: 8^th December 2024.