The Roles

Salary: £67,575 - £73,602 (this role is grade L plus an additional 2 spinal points to reflect the requirements of the role)

Take the Lead on Complex Projects – Be Our Principal Surveyor

We’re seeking a highly skilled Principal Building Control Surveyor to help deliver a first-class service for Kingston. Working alongside the Head of Building Control, you’ll take ownership of complex cases, mentor colleagues, and drive innovation across the team.

Why Kingston?
Our borough blends heritage with growth – from riverside developments to major regeneration schemes. You’ll be at the heart of projects like the new Leisure Centre, Cambridge Road Estate regeneration, and Murray House, ensuring every build meets the highest standards of safety and quality.

What you’ll do:

• Lead on challenging building control cases, from domestic projects to high-rise and mixed-use schemes.
• Carry out plan assessments, site inspections, enforcement actions, and dangerous structures work.
• Provide technical guidance and mentoring to support team development.
• Work closely with residents, developers, and partners to ensure compliance with Building Regulations and the Building Safety Act 2022.

What we’re looking for:

• Degree-level qualification (or equivalent experience) in Building Control, Surveying, Construction, or Structural Engineering.
• Professional membership (RICS, CABE, CIOB or equivalent) and commitment to CPD.
• Significant experience in Building Control, including complex commercial and residential schemes.
• Strong communication skills and a collaborative, customer-focused approach.

Join us and help shape Kingston’s future – delivering safe, sustainable, and inspiring places for our communities.

Salary: £72,399 to £79,119

Lead Kingston’s Growth – Shape Our Future Places

We’re looking for an outstanding leader to head up our Development Management and Planning Enforcement services – driving positive growth and regeneration across Kingston. This is your chance to influence the borough’s future, ensuring development aligns with our Local Plan and delivers sustainable, high-quality outcomes for our communities.

Why Kingston?
From our historic riverside and vibrant market town to major regeneration schemes, Kingston is one of London’s most dynamic boroughs. You’ll play a pivotal role in flagship projects, guiding development that balances heritage with innovation.

What you’ll do:

• Set the strategic direction for Development Management and Enforcement, delivering a high-performing, customer-focused service.
• Lead on planning applications and negotiations, securing infrastructure and community benefits through Section 106 and CIL.
• Oversee Planning Committee activities and represent the service at senior level.
• Drive service improvement, innovation, and income generation through pre-application services and Planning Performance Agreements.
• Inspire and develop your team, embedding a culture of collaboration, creativity, and continuous improvement.

What we’re looking for:

• Degree-level qualification in Town Planning (or related discipline) and RTPI chartered membership (or eligibility).
• Significant experience assessing and advising on complex planning applications.
• Strong leadership skills with experience managing teams and driving performance.
• Comprehensive knowledge of planning legislation, local government operations, and political awareness.
• Ability to build strong partnerships and influence at senior levels.

Join us and help shape Kingston’s future – delivering sustainable growth, vibrant communities, and a forward-thinking planning service in one of London’s most exciting boroughs.

Salary: £59,511 to £65,181

Lead Officer – Development Management (Majors)

Shape Strategic Growth. Lead Complex Development. Deliver Excellence for Kingston.

We’re looking for an outstanding planning professional to lead Kingston’s major applications service — a pivotal role at the centre of one of London’s most ambitious and diverse planning contexts. If you’re motivated by complex growth challenges, high‑profile regeneration, strategic partnerships and the opportunity to influence Kingston’s future places, this is the role for you.

Why Kingston?
Kingston faces significant growth pressures, ambitious regeneration opportunities and evolving London Plan requirements. From major brownfield redevelopment and town centre intensification to sensitive heritage settings and climate‑positive design expectations, Kingston’s planning landscape is as challenging as it is rewarding. You’ll be at the forefront of delivering the borough’s most strategically important developments.

What you’ll do:

• Lead and coordinate all aspects of the planning process for major, strategic and complex planning applications, ensuring high‑quality, timely and defensible decisions.
• Provide authoritative technical advice on planning legislation, the London Plan, Kingston’s Local Plan and all material considerations.
• Project‑manage Planning Performance Agreements (PPAs), negotiating robust and deliverable programmes with applicants and consultees.
• Oversee committee reports, Member briefings, design review submissions and key outputs, ensuring clarity, transparency and high standards.
• Represent the Council at Planning Committee, briefings and major stakeholder meetings.
• Act as expert witness at hearings and public inquiries for major applications.
• Lead negotiations on planning obligations, affordable housing, viability, infrastructure requirements and delivery mechanisms.
• Champion design quality, inclusive placemaking, climate resilience and sustainable development outcomes.
• Build strong working relationships with developers, the GLA, TfL, statutory bodies, community stakeholders and internal services.
• Provide visible leadership, coaching and quality assurance to Principal, Senior and Planning Officers.
• Support service modernisation, digital transformation, performance improvements and innovation.
• Contribute to corporate initiatives linked to regeneration, sustainability, infrastructure planning and inclusive growth.
• Deputise for the Corporate Head of Planning when required.

 What we’re looking for:

• Degree in Town Planning or a closely related built‑environment discipline.
• Chartered Membership of the RTPI (or eligible for chartered status).
• Extensive experience managing major and complex planning applications in a London or high‑density urban authority.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, influence senior stakeholders and deliver high‑quality, sustainable development outcomes.
• Strong understanding of urban design, climate action, infrastructure planning and best practice in major development management.
• Confidence and clarity in Member engagement, committee presentation and political environments.
• Significant experience negotiating S106 agreements, viability and infrastructure contributions.
• Excellent communication, project management and problem‑solving skills.

Our values matter.
As a Lead Officer, you’ll model Kingston’s STAR values — being:

• Supportive – promoting collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement
• Transparent – fostering open, clear and constructive communication
• Appreciative – recognising success and supporting staff wellbeing
• Respectful – valuing inclusion, equity and positive relationships

 Join us and lead Kingston’s major planning work — influencing strategic development, strengthening community outcomes and helping shape one of London’s most dynamic boroughs.

Salary: £53,172 to £58,461

Shape Kingston’s Future – Lead, Influence, Deliver

We’re looking for an experienced and ambitious Principal Planner to take a leading role in shaping Kingston’s growth and development. As Deputy Team Leader, you’ll manage complex projects, mentor colleagues, and ensure our planning service delivers excellence across the borough.

Why Kingston?
From our historic riverside and vibrant market town to major regeneration schemes, Kingston is one of London’s most dynamic boroughs. You’ll play a key role in flagship projects, balancing heritage with innovation and creating sustainable, high-quality places for our communities.

What you’ll do:

• Lead on major planning projects and applications, ensuring compliance and quality outcomes.
• Review and sign off planning applications of all types (subject to delegation).
• Represent the service at Planning Committees and Neighbourhood Committees, supporting effective decision-making.
• Manage and mentor planners, fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Drive service innovation and contribute to annual planning processes and performance targets.
• Deputise for senior officers, playing a key role in strategic planning and delivery.

What we’re looking for:

• Chartered membership (or eligibility) of the RTPI.
• Significant experience in Development Management or Planning Policy, including complex projects and strategic workstreams.
• Strong leadership and mentoring skills, with the ability to manage teams and influence at senior level.
• Comprehensive knowledge of planning legislation and local government operations.
• A proactive, customer-focused approach and commitment to Kingston’s STAR values: Supportive, Transparent, Appreciative, Respectful.

Join us and help shape Kingston’s future – delivering sustainable growth, vibrant communities, and a forward-thinking planning service in one of London’s most exciting boroughs.

Salary: £53,172 - £58,461

Class 2 Registered Building Inspector (Lower Band)
Protect Safety. Shape Quality. Build Confidence.

We’re looking for a skilled and motivated Building Control Surveyor to join Kingston’s Building Control service. This is a fantastic opportunity to work on a wide range of projects, support the delivery of safe, compliant buildings, and grow your professional expertise in a forward-thinking, supportive council environment.

Why Kingston?
From historic homes to modern developments, Kingston is one of London’s most dynamic boroughs. Our Building Control team works across diverse domestic and low-risk commercial schemes, playing a vital role in protecting public safety and supporting high-quality development. With hybrid working and a strong commitment to professional development, Kingston is a great place to build your career.

What you’ll do:

• Assess plans and carry out site inspections across a range of projects, including more complex schemes (with appropriate supervision where required).
• Ensure compliance with Building Regulations, supporting safe, high-quality construction across the borough.
• Provide professional advice to applicants, colleagues, and stakeholders, applying best practice and sound judgement.
• Respond to dangerous structures and emergencies, including participation in out-of-hours cover where required.
• Support service improvement, innovation, and income generation, helping grow Kingston’s market share.
• Mentor and support less experienced colleagues, contributing to a positive learning culture.
• Use digital tools and modern working practices to improve efficiency and customer experience.

What we’re looking for:

• Working towards, or educated to degree level (or equivalent experience) in Building Control, Building Surveying, Construction, Structural Engineering or a related discipline.
• Membership of a relevant professional body (RICS, CABE, CIOB or equivalent) with a Building Control focus and commitment to CPD.
• Experience in Building Control, managing domestic and low-rise residential projects and low-risk commercial schemes.
• Competence in plan checking and site inspections, working at a minimum of LABC Competency Level 4A.
• Commitment to achieving and maintaining a Building Safety Regulator licence in line with the Building Safety Act 2022.
• Strong communication skills, attention to detail, and a proactive, customer-focused approach.

Join us and help keep Kingston safe – supporting quality development, protecting communities, and building your career in a modern, ambitious Building Control service.

Salary: £59,511 - £65,181

Class 2 Registered Building Inspector (Upper Band)
Lead on Safety. Influence Standards. Shape the Built Environment.

We’re looking for an experienced and highly capable Senior Building Control Surveyor to play a leading role in delivering a high-performing, modern Building Control service for Kingston. This is a senior technical role with real influence — protecting public safety, supporting complex development, and helping shape best practice across the service.

Why Kingston?
Kingston is one of London’s most dynamic boroughs, balancing historic neighbourhoods with major regeneration and complex development. Our Building Control service works across everything from domestic housing to high-rise and mixed-use schemes, ensuring safety, quality, and compliance at every stage. With hybrid working and a strong commitment to professional development, Kingston is an excellent place to progress your career.

What you’ll do:

• Lead on highly complex Building Control projects, including high-rise buildings and schemes involving specialist fire engineering solutions.
• Assess plans and carry out inspections across all types of development, applying expert judgement and best practice.
• Provide authoritative professional advice to colleagues, applicants, and stakeholders, acting as a senior technical expert.
• Mentor and support surveyors across the team, helping develop capability and confidence in complex decision-making.
• Ensure compliance with Building Regulations and stay at the forefront of legislative, technical, and industry developments.
• Respond to dangerous structures and emergencies, including participation in out-of-hours cover where required.
• Support service improvement, innovation, and income generation, helping strengthen Kingston’s Building Control offer.
• Use digital tools and agile working practices to improve efficiency, performance, and customer experience.

What we’re looking for:

• Degree-level qualification (or equivalent experience) in Building Control, Building Surveying, Construction, Structural Engineering or a related discipline.
• Membership of a relevant professional body (RICS, CABE, CIOB or equivalent) with a strong Building Control focus and commitment to CPD.
• Substantial experience in Building Control, including complex commercial, mixed-use, and high-rise developments.
• Proven competence in plan checking and site inspections, working at a minimum of LABC Competency Level 5A.
• Ability to work independently on high-rise buildings and complex schemes.
• Hold and maintain a Building Safety Regulator licence, or demonstrate commitment to meeting BSR requirements under the Building Safety Act 2022.
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills, with a pragmatic and customer-focused approach.

Join us and help keep Kingston safe — leading on complex building control work, supporting the next generation of surveyors, and shaping a high-quality built environment for our communities.

Salary: £59,511–£65,181

Lead Kingston’s Growth. Champion Quality. Shape Our Places.

We’re looking for an exceptional planning leader to join Kingston as Lead Officer – Development Management. This is a pivotal senior role at the heart of one of London’s most ambitious and complex planning environments, leading the delivery of high-quality, sustainable development that meets the needs of our communities.

Why Kingston?
Kingston is a borough of contrasts and opportunity — historic neighbourhoods, sensitive heritage assets, ambitious regeneration programmes and significant housing and infrastructure pressures. You’ll work at the forefront of this change, leading complex planning decisions and helping shape places that are resilient, inclusive and well-designed.

What you’ll do:

• Lead and coordinate the full planning process across all application types, from householders to major, strategic and sensitive developments.
• Provide authoritative professional advice on planning legislation, the London Plan and Kingston’s Local Plan.
• Take a leading role at Planning Committee, Member briefings and design reviews, delivering clear, balanced and defensible recommendations.
• Project-manage Planning Performance Agreements (PPAs), negotiating deliverable programmes and milestones.
• Act as a key interface between developers, Members, senior officers, statutory consultees and community stakeholders.
• Lead negotiations on Section 106 agreements, affordable housing, viability and infrastructure delivery.
• Champion design quality, placemaking, climate-positive development and inclusive growth.
• Act as expert witness at hearings and public inquiries for major applications.
• Line manage and support Principal, Senior and Planning Officers, providing coaching, direction and quality assurance.
• Support service modernisation, performance improvement and digital transformation, deputising for the Head of Planning when required.

What we’re looking for:

• Degree in Town Planning or a related built-environment discipline.
• Chartered Member of the RTPI (or eligible for chartered membership).
• Extensive experience managing major and complex planning applications, ideally within a London or high-density urban authority.
• Strong leadership skills with experience managing multidisciplinary teams and influencing senior stakeholders.
• Proven experience of Planning Committee work and high-level Member engagement.
• Strong track record in negotiating planning obligations, viability and infrastructure contributions.
• Excellent knowledge of planning legislation, national policy, the London Plan and best practice.
• Outstanding communication, judgement and decision-making skills, with the ability to manage risk and complexity.

Our values matter.
As a Lead Officer, you’ll role-model Kingston’s STAR values — being Supportive, Transparent, Appreciative and Respectful — and help foster a positive, high-performing planning culture.

Join us and help shape Kingston’s future — delivering confident planning decisions, high-quality places and sustainable growth in one of London’s most dynamic boroughs

Salary: £42.060 – £52,194

Career Grade – H/I
Shape Kingston’s Places. Influence Decisions. Grow Your Career.

We’re looking for talented and motivated planning professionals to join Kingston’s Planning Service across Development Management and Planning Enforcement. This career-grade opportunity offers structured progression, meaningful responsibility and the chance to work at the heart of one of London’s most complex and rewarding planning environments.

Why Kingston?
Kingston operates within a demanding London planning context — high housing need, ambitious regeneration, climate-led design expectations and strong community engagement. From strategic sites and sensitive heritage assets to enforcement challenges and Local Plan delivery, our planners play a vital role in shaping high-quality, sustainable places.

This role offers flexibility, professional development and the opportunity to progress from Planner through to Principal Planning Officer, supported by strong leadership and a collaborative culture.

What you’ll do:

• Deliver high-quality, timely and defensible planning advice to applicants, residents, Members and stakeholders.
• Manage a caseload aligned to your experience and grade, meeting statutory timescales and borough performance standards.
• Work collaboratively with internal services and external partners including the GLA, TfL, statutory consultees and community organisations.
• Support service improvement, digital transformation and modern ways of working.
• Promote inclusive engagement, sustainable development and equitable outcomes across all planning activities.

Depending on your specialism, you will also:

Development Management

• Assess and determine planning applications, undertake site visits and negotiations, and prepare delegated and committee reports.
• Represent the Council at appeals, hearings and inquiries at Senior and Principal level.

Planning Enforcement

• Investigate alleged breaches of planning control, prepare formal enforcement actions and represent the Council at appeals, hearings and court proceedings.
• Work collaboratively to secure proportionate, negotiated compliance where appropriate.

Career progression:

• Senior Planner (H–I): Leading complex work, mentoring colleagues and supporting Member engagement.
• Principal Planner (J): Leading major and sensitive work, providing quality assurance, mentoring staff, exercising delegated authority and deputising for the Lead Officer.

What we’re looking for:

• A degree in Town Planning or a related built-environment discipline or experience in an enforcement environment e.g. Local Authority or Police.
• Commitment to professional development, with or eligible for RTPI or other professional body (for enforcement) membership or progression toward chartered status (as appropriate to grade).
• Strong professional judgement, clear communication skills and a collaborative approach.
• Experience relevant to your specialism (Development Management, Policy or Enforcement), with the ability to work confidently in a complex London borough context.

Join us and build your planning career in Kingston — shaping places, supporting communities and progressing through a clear, supported professional pathway.

Salary: £59,511–£65,181

Protect Confidence. Uphold Standards. Lead Enforcement Excellence.

We’re looking for an experienced and authoritative planning enforcement professional to lead Kingston’s Planning Enforcement function. This is a senior, highly influential role, ensuring development across the borough is lawful, responsible and consistent with the public interest, while protecting amenity, heritage and community confidence in the planning system.

Why Kingston?
Kingston operates within one of London’s most complex planning environments, balancing growth and regeneration with heritage protection, residential amenity and environmental standards. The borough faces increasing enforcement pressures including unauthorised development, HMOs, short-term lets, listed buildings, advertisement control and non-compliance with conditions and legal agreements. This role sits at the heart of these challenges, shaping a firm, fair and trusted enforcement service.

What you’ll do:

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for Kingston’s Planning Enforcement function.
• Act as the Council’s senior professional expert on planning enforcement legislation, policy and case law.
• Lead on the most complex, sensitive and high-profile enforcement investigations across the borough.
• Ensure enforcement decisions are robust, defensible, proportionate and clearly aligned with public interest tests.
• Oversee and, where necessary, personally lead investigations into breaches including unauthorised development, listed buildings, HMOs, short-term lets, advertisements, and non-compliance with conditions and Section 106 obligations.
• Direct the preparation and service of formal enforcement notices and legal actions.
• Lead on enforcement appeals and prosecutions, acting as expert witness at hearings, inquiries and court proceedings where required.
• Work closely with Legal Services to agree appropriate enforcement strategies and litigation routes.
• Lead the implementation, review and ongoing development of Kingston’s Planning Enforcement Plan.
• Build strong relationships with Members, residents, community groups, ward councillors and external agencies.
• Provide professional leadership, mentoring and quality assurance to enforcement officers, promoting consistent, fair and lawful decision-making.
• Support service modernisation, digital working and continuous improvement, deputising for the Head of Service on enforcement matters when required.

What we’re looking for:

• Degree in Town Planning or a related built-environment discipline (or equivalent professional qualification).
• Chartered Member of the RTPI (or eligible for chartered membership) or membership of an appropriate professional body.
• Significant experience in planning enforcement, ideally within a London borough or comparable urban authority.
• Proven track record leading complex enforcement cases, appeals and prosecutions.
• Strong experience advising Members and senior officers in politically sensitive environments.
• Expert knowledge of planning enforcement legislation, policy and case law.
• Excellent judgement, negotiation and communication skills, with the ability to manage conflict and maintain public confidence.
• Experience acting as expert witness at appeals or court proceedings (highly desirable).

Join us and safeguard Kingston’s built environment — leading a confident, professional enforcement service that protects communities, heritage and the integrity of the planning system.

Salary: £72,399 to £79,119

Shape Kingston’s Future – Lead Our Building Control Service

We’re looking for an exceptional leader to head up our Building Control team – a group of skilled professionals dedicated to creating safe, compliant, and high-quality buildings across Kingston. This is your opportunity to drive innovation, champion best practice, and ensure our borough meets the highest standards under the Building Safety Act 2022 and Building Safety Regulator requirements.

Why Kingston?
From our historic riverside and bustling market town to major regeneration projects, Kingston is one of London’s most dynamic boroughs. You’ll play a pivotal role in projects like the new Leisure Centre, Cambridge Road Estate regeneration, and Murray House – a flagship later-living scheme.

What you’ll do:

• Provide visionary leadership, inspiring a high-performing team.
• Ensure compliance with Building Regulations and safety legislation.
• Oversee plan checks, inspections, enforcement, and dangerous structures work.
• Develop commercial opportunities and partnerships, positioning Kingston as a trusted authority.
• Represent the service at senior level, influencing stakeholders and shaping policy.

What we’re looking for:

• Professional membership (RICS, CABE, CIOB or equivalent) and degree-level qualification.
• Proven experience managing complex Building Control projects, including high-rise and commercial schemes.
• Deep knowledge of Building Regulations and the Building Safety Act 2022.
• A collaborative leader who combines technical expertise with a people-first approach.

This is your chance to make a lasting impact – shaping Kingston’s skyline and strengthening its communities. Join us and lead a forward-thinking, customer-focused service in one of London’s fastest-growing boroughs.