Principal Design Officer

West Yorkshire Combined Authority is delivering a transformative Mass Transit scheme to connect communities, reduce congestion and support sustainable growth across the region. As a key partner, Leeds City Council is seeking a creative and forward-thinking Urban Design Officer to help shape the visual and functional identity of this major infrastructure initiative.

This role will be a cross-boundary resource for both Leeds City Council and Bradford Council to reflect Phase 1 of the Mass Transit system which will see routes from Leeds to Bradford and south Leeds to the city centre.

This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the design and integration of the West Yorkshire Mass Transit scheme as transformative infrastructure for the region. You will support the development of place design strategies, advise on urban and transport design principles, and play a key role in ensuring a high-quality outcome through planning, stakeholder engagement and statutory processes, including the Transport and Works Act Order (TWAO) and representation at public inquiries.

Leeds City Council is one of the largest employers in the region with over 14,000 employees. We seek to recruit and develop talented individuals who embody our council values and ambitions.

About you

As an Urban Design Officer, you will bring to the role:

• A relevant qualification or specialist degree relevant to the role.
• Detailed understanding of urban design, place-making, public realm, as well as relevant planning legislation and practice.
• Understanding of and commitment to sustainability in service delivery.
• Understanding of local government and experience of achieving results in a politically sensitive context.
• Experience of working effectively within a multi-disciplinary team to deliver strategic projects.

About the role

As a Principal Design Officer, you will play a key role in assessing and advising on the design and placemaking implications of the Mass Transit system. Your expertise will be crucial in ensuring that design quality, functionality and contextual sensitivity are embedded throughout the planning, construction and operational phases of the scheme. You will help shape city-wide design policy and provide specialist guidance on urban design and placemaking.

This is a unique opportunity to apply your design expertise within forward-thinking local authorities where your insights will directly influence how the region’s identity and built environment evolve through major infrastructure projects.

• Support the development of high-quality design solutions across all stages of the Mass Transit scheme
• Contributing to statutory and regulatory processes, including the preparation of Transport and Works Act Orders (TWAO), and representing the organisation in formal proceedings such as public inquiries.
• Providing specialist guidance on design integration throughout the planning, design, and construction stages, including the drafting of robust planning conditions and design codes.
• Reviewing design proposals, planning applications, and technical reports to ensure alignment with design quality standards and strategic objectives.
• Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to ensure that the scheme reflects best practice in inclusive, sustainable, and place-responsive design.

The service is based in Merrion House in Leeds City Centre, but has adopted a flexible, hybrid working model.  There is also an expectation that some work will be undertaken in Bradford at Britannia House in Bradford City Centre. 

What we offer you

We take pride in offering the best employee experience, with benefits including:

• a competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays
• membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions
• flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements
• a clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities
• a range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further

How to apply

Complete the online application form.

Upload your CV and complete a personal statement of no more than 500 words.

Read our guidance for further advice on completing your application.

We welcome applications from everyone and actively seek a diverse range of applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. We particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to, women, carers, veterans as well as LGBT+, ethnically diverse, disabled and care experienced people.

This role is based in the UK. Home Office guidance states that candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK prior to commencing employment, either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa.

If you do not have the right to work in the UK, you must consider your own eligibility for sponsorship for a particular role through the Skilled Worker visa route before applying. To be eligible for sponsorship you'll usually need to be paid the standard salary rate of at least £38,700 per year or meet one of the other eligibility criteria. Ensure you are eligible before applying.