Planning Development Team Manager

Planning Development Team Manager
Location: Hertfordshire / Hybrid
Salary: £104.72 per hour (Umbrella)

We are seeking a highly motivated Planning Development Team Manager for a Local Authority.

Role Overview:

As the Development Team Manager, you will be jointly responsible for all aspects of the Development Management service, ensuring the smooth and efficient delivery of planning services. This includes overseeing the planning committee process, determining planning applications, and managing appeals. You will lead on negotiations for complex and contentious development proposals, working with key stakeholders to ensure compliance with policies and strategic objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee the planning committee process in collaboration with Democratic Services, ensuring the timely preparation of high-quality reports and representing the Council at Committee briefings and meetings.
• Determine and make recommendations on planning and related applications in line with the Council’s policies, standards, and guidelines.
• Ensure targets for the preparation and delivery of appeal statements are met, oversee the allocation of appeals, approve statements, and represent the Council at Local Inquiries and hearings.
• Lead negotiations on complex development proposals, including S106 agreements, engaging with internal and external stakeholders as needed.

Person Specification:

Qualifications:

• A degree or equivalent in Town Planning.
• Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI).
• In-depth knowledge of planning legislation.

Knowledge & Experience:

• Strong understanding of relevant legislation, regulations, and standards.
• Awareness of key challenges facing local government and best practices in governance and service delivery.
• Experience in staff management, including handling grievances and disciplinary matters.
• Expertise in working within a political environment, managing budgets, and delivering major projects.
• Proven ability in performance management, stakeholder engagement, procurement, and contract management.