Development Management Team Leader

Development Management - Team Manager, Local Authority (Essex)

Contract: Temporary, Full Time (Initial 3-month contract, with potential to extend)
Rate: £65.00 per hour (umbrella)
Location: Hybrid, with weekly on-site presence required

An Essex-based Local Authority is seeking an experienced and confident Development Management - Team Leader to lead their planning team during a busy period of development activity. This strategic interim position offers a competitive rate of £65.00 per hour, a flexible hybrid working arrangement, and the opportunity to oversee a well-established Development Management function.

The Role

You'll take on day-to-day operational management of the Development Management team, ensuring robust performance across planning applications, customer service, and statutory duties. You'll support officers through case reviews, manage key performance metrics, and provide expert leadership on major applications, enforcement, and committee work when needed.

This is a hands-on management role, balancing operational oversight with strategic direction and offering leadership across all elements of Development Management delivery.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide effective operational leadership across the Development Management team

• Oversee service delivery, ensuring high performance and excellent customer service

• Ensure compliance with legislation, policy, and internal governance standards

• Guide officers through case reviews, report checks, and technical decision-making

• Use delegated powers to determine applications and sign off reports

• Act as Lead Officer at Planning Committee and represent the authority at appeals and inquiries

• Support and develop staff to maintain service quality and resilience

• Contribute to wider service improvement projects and support business plan delivery

• Manage resources, workload distribution, and reporting within the team

About You

• Proven experience managing a Development Management or planning service in a local authority setting

• Strong understanding of planning legislation, national policy, and procedural requirements

• Excellent communication and leadership skills, with a focus on service delivery and team development

• Experience checking officer reports, overseeing major applications, and leading at committee

• Confident in working under pressure and resolving complex or contentious planning matters

• Educated to degree level in Planning or a related field

• RTPI membership or equivalent is essential

Why Apply?

• £65.00 per hour (umbrella)

• Initial 3-month contract, with the potential for extension

• Hybrid working, with one day per week on-site plus meetings as required

• Lead a well-established planning team during a pivotal period of growth

• Directly influence planning delivery and team performance at a senior level

Interested?

To apply or learn more, please contact Billy at Park Avenue Recruitment on 07763 200416 or email billy@park-avenue.co.uk.

Please note: Not all roles are advertised. I work closely with Local Authorities across Essex and beyond, recruiting planning professionals across Development Management, Policy, and Enforcement. If this role isn't quite right, I'd be happy to discuss other opportunities aligned with your experience.