Conservation and Design Officer

Location: Hackney

At Connect2

Hackney, the internal talent team for the London Borough of Hackney are looking for a passionate, forward-thinking Conservation & Design Officer to join our Planning and Building Control service. If you want to take a leading role in preserving our unique heritage while driving world-class, sustainable modern design, we want to hear from you!

The Role

As a Conservation & Design Officer, you will be at the heart of Hackney's evolving landscape. You will progress as you take on more complex applications, lead corporate initiatives, and mentor the next generation of planning talent.

You will take a proactive lead on statutory planning casework, pre-application negotiations, and urban design studies. From influencing massive housing regeneration schemes to assisting with the prestigious Hackney Design Review Panel, your expertise will leave a lasting footprint on the borough.

Key Responsibilities

Lead on Complex Casework:
Progress statutory planning applications, appeal cases, and pre-application negotiations regarding conservation and design matters.
Collaborate & Influence:
Act as a senior expert across the council, working closely with senior management, highways, housing, and developers to embed sustainable construction and high-quality design into policy and practice.
Champion Heritage:
Provide definitive technical guidance on Listed Buildings, Conservation Areas, architectural history, and traditional construction methods.
Lead & Mentor:
Supervise up to 4 staff members or manage up to 2 team members, mentoring junior colleagues to help develop their technical and professional skills.
Expert Voice:
Represent the Council as an expert spokesperson and witness at public inquiries, examinations in public, and hearings.

Who We Are Looking For

You are a highly autonomous professional who possesses a thorough working knowledge of architectural history, urban design principles, and building conservation frameworks. You should bring:

Education:

A degree-level qualification in Architecture, Town Planning, Urban Design, Building Conservation, or a related postgraduate field.
Professional Standings:
Eligibility for membership in professional bodies like RIBA, RTPI, or IHBC.

Experience:

A minimum of two years working within a Planning Service or an interconnected urban design/architecture/conservation role.

Skills:

Incredible verbal and written communication skills. You must be able to confidently read complex plans, negotiate with stakeholders, and present technical concepts clearly to diverse audiences.
Technical Savvy:
Proficiency in relevant IT systems, with a strong preference for candidates experienced in VuCity or similar 3D digital modelling software.

Commercial Services Trading Ltd is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy