Principal Infrastructure Officer

• 2 days in the office per week
• at the offices in Dartford
• in the Planning Services Department

Principal Infrastructure Officer

Are you working in the infrastructure strategy or planning sectors and seeking a senior role? This is a great time to join Dartford: with a substantial Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) fund now accrued - in excess of £20 Million - they are starting a new phase of infrastructure planning and delivery. Dartford has adopted a new Local Plan and, as the second fastest growing place in the country, has acute infrastructure needs. If you have experience gathering, monitoring and expenditure of developer contributions and liaising with service delivery providers in order to plan infrastructure alongside growth, they would be interested to hear from you.

Dartford is looking for a CIL/developer contributions-experienced strategic and flexible thinker keen for a challenge in a positive, high-growth environment. If you have the right skills, you could be at the heart of securing new schools, healthcare, transport and other facilities for growing neighbourhoods and multi-million-pound infrastructure decisions.

They are a friendly and integrated team, with planners, transport, and other professionals working together. You will have demonstrable political, quantitative, analytical, and written skills, a creative approach to problem-solving, and good communication skills. Experience in financial monitoring and knowledge of planning legislation or policy or unlocking area development through infrastructure is required.

The purpose of the job is:

• To provide expert advice to Officers and members of the Council on CIL and infrastructure matters.
• To determine the infrastructure implications of planned growth in the Borough and prepare and regularly update an Infrastructure Delivery Plan.
• To develop and maintain effective working relationships with a range of infrastructure providers and other sections of the Council and work externally and with providers to enable the delivery of the identified infrastructure.
• To oversee the Infrastructure Levy Monitoring & Management Officer, and maintain up to date systems to optimise the collection of CIL and prepare an annual Infrastructure Funding Statement.
• To consider and advise on expressions of interest and bids for CIL funding.
• To manage the Neighbourhood Portion of CIL, including allocation to Parish Councils and governance of the unparished CIL grant allocation.
• To maintain, with the Planning Strategy & Infrastructure Manager, an effective CIL Charging Schedule, and other Dartford CIL policies.
• To assist in planning infrastructure project delivery and the preparation of Dartford’s Local Plan and supporting documents (including contributing to infrastructure/ transport strategy and evidence).
• Any other duties that may arise with regard to infrastructure planning, planning strategy and CIL monitoring, collection and allocation.

Reporting:

• You will report to the Planning Strategy & Infrastructure Manager.
• You will be responsible for a CIL Officer.

To be considered for the role, you must meet the following essential criteria:

• Significant experience in local infrastructure planning and delivery through a multi-agency working and/or through planning strategy, Local Plan preparation, or development management.
• Working knowledge of:
  • Planning legislation or policy/or unlocking delivery of public sector infrastructure or development sites through infrastructure.
  • CIL and/or Section 106/ developer contributions.
  • Development viability issues or public sector financial reporting.
• Hold a relevant degree(s).
• Be a member of the RTPI, RICS or alternative professional body of equal relevance and status, or be eligible for membership.

• Salary band of £53,347 - £56,770 per annum.
• Enrolment in the Local Government Pension Scheme, with a generous employer contribution.
• 30 days of annual leave, plus bank holidays.

For an informal discussion about the role, please call Mark Aplin, Planning Strategy & Infrastructure Manager, on 01322 343202. Please apply via Dartford's website. Do not send your CV – only fully completed application forms will be accepted.

Shortlisting and selection will be based on the job profile and experience required. You will need to address these requirements in your application, drawing on any experience you have gained at work or in a voluntary capacity. You should give examples of how you meet the criteria outlined in the job profile and the Council’s Core Behaviours. 

Access & Inclusion

Dartford is a Disability Confident Employer and welcomes applications from candidates with a disability. They operate a Guaranteed Interview for any candidate with a disability who meets the minimum criteria for the role.

They also offer an interview to care leavers who meet the minimum criteria for the post. If you are a care leaver, you must inform them of your care leaver status at the time of your application.

Furthermore, the Council is committed to the Armed Forces Covenant and veterans of the armed forces and/or their spouses/civil partners applying for a job at the Council will be guaranteed the offer of an interview, providing they meet certain criteria.