Planning Officer

Be part of one of the biggest periods of change in local government and help shape the future of services that matter to our communities.

This is an exciting opportunity for a talented, curious and forward-thinking individual to join our Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) programme. If you're someone who enjoys questioning the status quo, turning insights into action and finding smarter ways of working, this role will give you the autonomy and influence to make a real impact.

We're looking for someone who sees opportunities where others see challenges, is passionate about continuous improvement, and wants to help create services that are efficient, sustainable and customer-focused.

As Planning Change Officer, you'll play a key role in reviewing and transforming Planning, Infrastructure and Public Protection services as we prepare for Local Government Reorganisation.

This isn't a role where you'll simply maintain existing processes. You'll be encouraged to bring fresh ideas, challenge traditional ways of working and identify opportunities to improve how services operate. Working closely with managers and stakeholders across the Council, you'll help redesign processes, streamline workflows and create efficiencies that free up valuable officer time to focus on what matters most.

You'll use data, insight and evidence to identify trends, understand demand and inform decision-making. Whether you're analysing service performance, developing improvement plans, supporting transformation projects or testing new approaches, you'll have the opportunity to shape meaningful change and influence how services are delivered in the future.

This role offers a high degree of autonomy, making it ideal for someone who enjoys taking ownership, spotting opportunities and driving improvements from concept through to delivery.

About youYou're naturally curious, open-minded and passionate about finding better ways of doing things. You enjoy working in environments where you can think creatively, challenge existing approaches and contribute ideas that lead to meaningful improvements. Rather than waiting for problems to arise, you're proactive in identifying opportunities, anticipating challenges and developing practical solutions that deliver real results.

You'll be comfortable working with a high degree of autonomy, taking ownership of your work and driving initiatives forward. You're someone who enjoys turning insight into action, using data and evidence to understand issues, spot trends and make informed recommendations. Whether analysing processes, reviewing performance or exploring new ways of working, you focus on outcomes and are motivated by making a tangible difference.

You'll also be a strong collaborator, able to build positive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders while confidently and constructively challenging the status quo when needed. Organised, adaptable and resilient, you'll thrive in a fast-paced environment where priorities can evolve and change is a constant.

Most importantly, you'll be passionate about improving services for residents, creating efficiencies that maximise officer time and capacity, and helping shape a more proactive, customer‑focused and sustainable future for the Council.

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a significant transformation programme and leave a lasting legacy on the future shape of local government services. You'll be part of a supportive team that values innovation, encourages fresh thinking and empowers people to make a difference.

If you're excited by change, motivated by improvement and ready to help shape the future, we'd love to hear from you.

An offer of employment is conditional upon having the right to work in the UK. HDC does not hold a…