Senior Urban Design Officer

Senior Urban Design Officer

• Location: Oxford
• Type: Temporary, Full-time
• Pay Range: 21.47 per hour

We are seeking a dedicated Senior Urban Design Officer to join a dynamic team within a public sector organisation focused on planning and sustainable development services. This role is crucial in shaping the urban landscape of Oxford, ensuring high-quality, distinctive places that reflect the city's unique character.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities:

• Provide expert urban design advice across a range of planning applications and projects, including pre-application advice.
• Assist in the preparation of design policies to align with the council's strategic objectives.
• Lead and coordinate design projects that promote urban quality and sustainability.
• Facilitate the design review process, including meetings and communications with the Design Review Panel.
• Prepare and present specialist evidence for appeals, advocating for design excellence.
• Engage in benchmarking and problem-solving to advocate best practices in urban design within a collaborative environment.
• Plan and prioritise work effectively to meet deadlines and targets.
• Conduct research and analysis to inform key urban design and regeneration projects.
• Act as a service ambassador, representing urban design priorities at internal and external meetings.
• Undertake site visits and stakeholder meetings as required.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Degree in urban design or a related field.
• Membership or progression towards membership in relevant professional bodies such as the Urban Design Group, RTPI, or RIBA.
• Proven experience in urban design, particularly with major development proposals.
• Strong ability to influence and build positive, effective relationships with both internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrable problem-solving skills with a capacity to make balanced, evidence-based recommendations.
• Proficiency in IT and familiarity with the UK planning system and current planning laws.
• Experience in presenting to committees and working with elected members.

Desirable Skills:

• Leadership skills with the ability to guide team members.
• Proficiency in CAD, InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator.
• Experience in project management, delivering complex projects within budget constraints.
• Experience presenting evidence at public inquiries such as Planning Appeals or Local Plan Inquiries.