Business Support Officer - Building Control

  • London, UK
  • Southwark Council
  • Full-Time
  • On-Site

Job Description:

Business Support Officer LBS-006A

Temporary Contract

Job Details

Client: Southwark Council
Service Area: Environment, Sustainability and Leisure – Building Control

Hours: 36 hours per week

Working Pattern: Hybrid – 2.5 days in the office
(3 days one week, 2 days the next alternating)

Target Start Date: 25 May 2026
Duration: 27 weeks

Location

Office Base:
160 Tooley Street
London
SE1 2QH

Pay

PAYE Rate: £18.26 Per Hour

Job Overview

Southwark Council is seeking an experienced Business Support Officer to join the Building Control Service within the Planning Division.

This role will provide high-level administrative and technical support across a wide range of planning and building control functions, including planning applications, appeals, enforcement notices, land charges, statutory consultations and committee support.

The successful candidate will need strong experience in business support within a planning or local authority environment, with the ability to manage complex administrative processes, support service performance and provide accurate technical information to customers and colleagues.

Important – Please Read Carefully

This role requires direct experience in a business support role within a planning division or local authority planning/building control environment.

Candidates without relevant planning or building control business support experience are unlikely to be considered.

Key Responsibilities

Register and provide technical support on planning applications, pre-applications, appeals, enforcement notices, land charges searches and statutory consultations
Update the planning register and land registry datasets for relevant planning and enforcement documents
Provide technical information and advice by phone and in writing on planning procedures and related queries
Collect, reconcile and bank fees associated with the work of the Planning Division
Coordinate administrative arrangements for planning committee, sub-committee and design review panel meetings
Support the monitoring of service activity, analyse data and assist with performance reporting and KPI tracking
Coordinate responses to complaints, Member enquiries, Ombudsman enquiries and iCasework cases
Support customer service performance across the team and assist with meeting service targets
Work with case officers, managers and finance colleagues to collect PPA income and viability recharges using Uniform/SAP systems
Deliver training and support on relevant software systems, particularly local land charges
Support managers with induction, training and processing of new starters and leavers
Supervise technical support officers to ensure a high-quality support service

Essential Experience & Skills

Educated to GCSE level standard or equivalent
Substantial experience in a business support role in a customer-oriented environment
At least 2 years' experience in a business support role within a town planning division in a city context
Experience managing complex administrative processes to deadlines
Experience processing fees and payments accurately
Understanding of local government services and political awareness
Strong customer service and communication skills
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage conflicting priorities
Good IT skills and experience using business support systems
Ability to support staff in technical matters and contribute to service improvement

Reporting To

Business Support Manager

Additional Information

Interviews will take place in person at Southwark Council, 160 Tooley Street, SE1.

Interview Duration: 25 minutes

Interview Panel:
Clare Anderson
Charles Tenkorang
Michael Hart (possible)

Disclaimer

On applying for this vacancy, you agree that your personal details will be passed onto our client for their consideration of your suitability for the role.

I acknowledge that it is my responsibility to notify Fix Space Recruitment Limited of any hirer who I do not want my details to be passed onto.

Job Reference: OR99366