Head of Development Management
A leading local authority in the North West England is seeking to appoint an experienced Interim Head of Development Management to lead its Town Planning service.
This is a pivotal senior leadership role, offering the opportunity to shape and deliver the council's growth and regeneration ambitions. You will provide strategic oversight of Development Management and Planning Enforcement, ensuring that new development aligns with the Local Plan and wider corporate objectives, while driving service excellence across the department.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic leadership for the Development Management and Planning Enforcement service, ensuring a high-performing, customer-focused function.
- Develop and deliver the service plan, aligning priorities with corporate and directorate objectives.
- Review and enhance service structures, systems and technology to improve operational efficiency and service delivery.
- Offer expert professional advice on complex, high-profile and politically sensitive planning applications.
- Lead negotiations on infrastructure delivery, Section 106 agreements and Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) contributions.
- Oversee Planning Committee activity, support member engagement and attend key council meetings.
- Drive service improvement and income generation through pre-application advice, Planning Performance Agreements and premium services.
- Manage and defend planning appeals, enforcement action and associated legal proceedings where required.
About You
- Degree-qualified in Town Planning or a related discipline.
- Chartered membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (or eligibility for membership).
- Extensive experience leading Development Management services within a local authority setting.
- Proven track record of managing complex planning applications, enforcement matters and major development schemes.
- Previous experience operating at Head of Service level within a local authority planning team.
- Strong understanding of planning legislation, local government governance and the political environment.
- Demonstrable leadership skills, with the ability to set strategic direction, lead teams and deliver measurable improvements.
- A management qualification, such as a Diploma or MBA, would be advantageous.
This is an outstanding interim opportunity for an accomplished planning leader to make a significant impact in a forward-thinking authority at a crucial stage in its growth journey.
Interested? Apply today, send your CV to stephen@park-avenue.co.uk, or call 07561 806032 for a confidential discussion.
