Overview

Head of Development Management

£472.97 daily rate - PAYE
£650 daily rate – Umbrella
Full time
6 Month Contract Initially

Our Local Authority Client is looking for a Head of Development Management to join their team on an interim basis to provide leadership to the Development Management and Enforcement functions of the Council to make a significant contribution to the positive growth and regeneration of the Borough through the innovative and practical application of development management skills. To ensure that growth and regeneration in the Borough is delivered in line with the Council’s Local Plan and associated documents. The role reports directly to the Assistant Director, Strategic Planning and Infrastructure, and is responsible for the Lead Officer, Development Management, Lead Officer, Planning Delivery and Lead Officer, Planning Enforcement.

Responsibilities

• Planning
  • Keep abreast of legislation, case law, current national and local policies and guidance to offer sound professional and technical advice and guidance to all parties, including the applicants and landowners.
  • Lead on and provide professional and technical expertise on the determination of planning and related applications.
  • Work in a positive and proactive manner that supports and facilitates the delivery of positive outcomes on planning applications, whilst also ensuring consistency with the wider corporate aspirations of the Council, and demonstrate a respect for the views of the local community.
  • Oversee negotiations to secure council objectives on infrastructure arrangements and delivery, through the appropriate use of Section 106 contributions and controls, alongside the Community Infrastructure Levy.
  • Coordinate and oversee activities related to the Planning Committee, ensure appropriate support is in place for Neighbourhood Committees, and attend other Council committees, panels and meetings as required.
  • Promote the Development Management Service and contribute and assist in achieving income targets in relation to the Council’s Pre-Application Service, expedited services and the delivery of schemes through Planning Performance Agreements.
  • Responsible for the efficient processing of appeals to the Planning Inspectorate within the Development Management and Planning Enforcement functions and defend the Council’s decisions.
  • Exercise delegated authority for decision making where required and within the scope of the Council’s Scheme of Delegation.
• Service Leadership
  • Oversee the work and performance of the Lead Officers.
  • Ensure appropriate steps are taken to prioritise and allocate workload amongst teams and team members.
  • Undertake appraisals and one-to-ones of the Lead Officers and support them in undertaking appraisals for their own staff.
  • Identify development needs and provide coaching and mentoring to develop the skills and knowledge across the service.
  • Embed the Core competency frameworks.
  • Provide inspirational and constructive leadership to the DM team to ensure high performance within a networked operating model.
  • Facilitate change and innovation, building a team culture that encourages innovative, smart and collaborative working.

Experience and Qualifications

• Have relevant degree level qualifications in Town Planning (or related built environment discipline) and hold chartered membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), or be able to demonstrate suitable post qualification experience to meet the eligibility requirements for chartered membership.
• Have significant experience in successfully assessing and advising on planning applications.
• Evidence of management training or a management qualification (eg Certificate, Diploma or MBA) would be considered desirable.
• Comprehensive understanding of planning legislation & good understanding of related legislation including local government legislation.
• High level of political awareness & comprehensive knowledge of the operation of local government.
• Extensive experience of public meetings, member level meetings or committees, plus working to complex constitutional procedures, including public hearings and legal challenges.

Job Information

• Job Title: Head of Development Management
• Company: SOLOS Consultants Ltd
• Location:
• Posted: Sep 24th 2025
• Closes: Oct 25th 2025
• Sector: Public Sector
• Contract: Contract
• Hours: Full Time

If this role is of interest and you meet the above criteria, then please apply immediately