Location
High St, Esher, Elmbridge Borough Council, Surrey

Hours
Full Time

Salary
£46,868 - £56,105 per annum (Scale 36-45)

About the Role
Elmbridge Borough Council is a progressive organisation committed to delivering high quality, cost-effective services. We are seeking a Senior Compliance Officer to join our Compliance and Trees team within the Development Management, Planning and Environmental Health service. This role involves investigating and resolving alleged breaches of planning control, including complex cases that require a strong knowledge of planning legislation and the ability to manage sensitive situations. You will work both independently and as part of a team, supporting colleagues with workload and priorities. Key responsibilities include carrying out investigations, gathering evidence, writing appeal statements, and preparing for Hearings and Inquiries. You will be supported by a Team Leader and wider management team, and will need excellent interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with a wide range of customers and stakeholders. This is an excellent opportunity for planning managers or development management officers seeking a challenging and rewarding role that contributes to shaping the Elmbridge area.

About Elmbridge
Elmbridge is located in Surrey, approximately 17 miles south-west of Central London, bordered by the River Thames and neighbouring London boroughs and Surrey districts. The borough boasts extensive green and blue infrastructure, including historic landscaped gardens and open spaces. Elmbridge is one of the busiest local planning authorities in the country, known for high standards and timely planning decisions. With a population of 135,000 and land values rivaling London, this role offers a stimulating career step.

Our Commitment
We support your professional growth with bespoke learning and development plans, opportunities for further qualifications, and career progression. We offer flexible hybrid working arrangements, a strong wellbeing programme, and an excellent benefits package including a generous pension scheme, employee discounts, free parking, your birthday off, the option to buy additional holiday days, and closure between Christmas and New Year with no annual leave required.

Experience
- Proven experience in planning compliance or enforcement investigations
- Experience gathering evidence and managing complex cases
- Experience writing appeal statements and preparing for Hearings and Inquiries
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team

About you
- Enthusiastic and motivated with excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Politically astute and able to engage with a wide variety of customers and stakeholders
- Detail-oriented with strong organisational skills
- Able to support colleagues and manage priorities effectively

Qualifications
- Relevant professional qualifications or experience in planning or enforcement are desirable but not mandatory
- Commitment to continuous professional development and learning