Overview

Head of Development Management

£650 per day
Inside IR35
6 Months
London Local Authority

This is a senior leadership role, directly reporting to the Assistant Director for Strategic Planning & Infrastructure.

You will lead the Council’s Development Management and Planning Enforcement services, driving growth and regeneration across the borough in line with the Local Plan and wider corporate priorities.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership across Development Management and Enforcement, ensuring alignment with the Council’s Local Plan and regeneration ambitions.
• Lead on complex and high-profile planning applications, providing expert professional advice and ensuring robust decision-making.
• Manage negotiations on infrastructure, Section 106 agreements and Community Infrastructure Levy contributions to secure community benefits.
• Oversee planning appeals, defend Council decisions, and ensure effective governance through Planning Committees and Panels.
• Champion a customer-focused culture, ensuring high-quality service delivery, responsiveness to stakeholders, and strong community engagement.
• Build strong relationships with councillors, communities, developers, and public/private partners to support key developments.

Experience & Qualifications

• Degree-level qualification in Town Planning (or related discipline) with RTPI chartered membership (or equivalent eligibility).
• Extensive experience in assessing, advising, and leading on planning applications within a complex local authority setting.
• In-depth knowledge of planning legislation, case law, and the operation of local government.
• High-level political awareness, with experience of working with councillors, committees, and in public hearings.
• Demonstrated ability to drive innovation, digital adoption, and service transformation.
• Management qualification (e.g. Certificate, Diploma, MBA) desirable.

This role requires flexibility, including attendance at evening meetings and public events.

If this Head of Development Management role sounds like a good fit for you, please send your CV to George.

(We offer a senior referral scheme upon successful placement of your recommendation, so please get in touch if you know someone suitable.)

Our clients are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. Reasonable adjustments will be supported throughout the application and interview process.