Location: Oxford (hybrid working)
Salary: Negotiable
Contract: Temporary ( 3 months min)
Hours: 37 hours per week (5 days or 4-day condensed option considered)

Shape the future of one of the UK’s most distinctive cities

We’re working with a public sector organisation in Oxford to recruit an Urban Design Officer to join a well-established urban design team working on major development proposals and city-shaping projects.

This is a varied and influential role, offering the chance to provide specialist urban design advice on significant planning applications, support the development of planning policy and design guidance, and play a key role in facilitating the Oxford Design Review Panel.

You’ll be working closely with planners, elected members, developers and external stakeholders, helping to ensure that new development delivers high-quality, distinctive places.

Key responsibilities

• Providing specialist urban design advice on major planning applications and pre-application enquiries
• Supporting planners with the urban design elements of complex development proposals
• Contributing to design guidance, planning policy and wider design-led projects
• Facilitating and supporting the Oxford Design Review Panel, including preparation and follow-up
• Presenting urban design advice clearly to a range of audiences, including committees and stakeholders
• Working collaboratively across teams to promote high standards of design and place-making
• Degree in urban design, architecture or a closely related discipline
• Member of (or working towards membership of) UD Group, RTPI or RIBA
• Demonstrable experience dealing with the urban design aspects of major development proposals
• Strong working knowledge of the UK planning system, including current planning law and guidance
• Experience of presenting to elected Members or committees
• Confident in exercising judgement and producing balanced, evidence-based recommendations
• Strong analytical, communication and IT skills
• Able to build positive, effective working relationships across a wide range of stakeholders

• Working arrangements

This role is based in Oxford, with a hybrid approach to working. Office attendance is flexible and driven by meetings, with around two days per week on site typically expected. Thursdays are commonly office days. A 4-day condensed working pattern may also be considered.

Interested?

If you’d like to find out more or have a confidential discussion, please get in touch on or  .  Applications are being reviewed on a rolling basis.