Planning & Economic Development Officer

VANRATH are delighted to be assisting our major Public Sector client, a large organisation with the recruitmentof a Planning & Economic Development Officer to join their team based in Newtownabbey.

• £15.31 per hour
• Opportunity to work on diverse and meaningful local development and economic initiatives
• Working flexible hours

You’ll be joining a forward-thinking public sector organisation who play a key role in shaping sustainable growth, supporting local business, and delivering community-focused development initiatives. The team works collaboratively to implement planning policy, economic strategy, and tourism projects that drive positive change.

• Minimum of 5 GCSEs (Grades A-C) including English and Maths (or equivalent)
• At least 2 years’ administrative or clerical experience, including minute taking and customer service
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Access, PowerPoint)
• Excellent planning, organisational, and communication skills
• Ability to manage confidential information and work independently
• Full current driving licence (or suitable alternative transport arrangement if required)

• Provide high-quality administrative and business support to Planning and Economic Development teams
• Process and validate planning applications, liaising with internal and external stakeholders
• Manage correspondence, minute meetings, and maintain accurate records and databases
• Support the delivery of local development plans, events, and business engagement activities
• Coordinate reports, prepare committee documentation, and assist with grant administration
• Deliver excellent customer service to residents, businesses, and partners

For further information on this opportunity, or any other position in Belfast or wider Northern Ireland, please apply via the link or contact Conor Birch in the strictest confidence.

Some positive candidate feedback we’ve received-

''Would highly recommend Vanrath. After uploading my cv I was contacted the next day and they were able to find a permanent suitable role for me very quickly. They were very helpful and supportive through the entire interview process and were able to negotiate a very good job offer which I was delighted with.''

''Vanrath were massively helpful in helping me secure my new role. They provided tips and example questions for the interviews and were able to get quick feedback.''

''I found VANRATH to be friendly, professional, and genuinely interested in understanding exactly what the candidate is looking for. The entire process was smooth and efficient, I was kept informed throughout.''