Development Management Area Team Leader - PLANNING

Development Manager / Team Leader – Planning
Location: South London
Contract: 6 months ongoing
Hours: Full-time
Working Pattern: Hybrid – 2 days per week in the office
Rate: £55.73 per hour Umbrella

We are currently recruiting for an experienced Development Manager / Team Leader to join a Planning team within a South London local authority on a 6-month ongoing contract.
The successful candidate must have a strong Planning background and experience managing a Development Management team. You will be responsible for overseeing planning applications, supporting and developing planning officers, making delegated decisions and ensuring a high-quality and consistent planning service.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a Development Management team and oversee the efficient delivery of its workload.
• Examine development applications and provide professional guidance to planning officers.
• Take decisions on planning applications and related matters under delegated powers.
• Prepare and review planning application reports, particularly complex or contentious cases.
• Represent the Chief Planner at Planning Committees and advise Members on planning policy and applications.
• Lead negotiations with applicants, developers, housing associations and other stakeholders, including matters relating to Section 106 agreements.
• Advise officers on planning legislation, policy, consultations and development proposals.
• Represent the Council at meetings, Member site visits, public meetings, presentations and other events.
• Undertake site visits and provide advice on planning enforcement matters where required.
• Represent the Council at planning inquiries and, where necessary, act as an expert witness.
• Monitor workloads, deadlines and performance targets to ensure the effective delivery of the Planning service.
• Support continuous improvement and contribute to wider Planning Division and corporate initiatives.
• Provide leadership, direction and support to planning staff.

The ideal candidate will have:

• MRTPI qualification or eligibility for membership.
• Significant experience working within a Development Management planning environment.
• Previous experience managing or leading planning staff.
• Strong knowledge of current planning legislation and associated regulations.
• Experience managing a substantial personal caseload and delivering reports to strict deadlines.
• Experience advising officers, Members, applicants and the public on planning applications and the likelihood of planning permission being granted..
• Ability to confidently advise and present to Councillors, senior officers, developers and members of the public.
• Proven ability to lead, motivate and support a professional planning team.

If you are an experienced Planning professional with Development Management and team leadership experience, we would be keen to hear from you.