Area Manager

Area Manager

Location: Brympton Way, Yeovil, BA202HT
Start Date: ASAP
Contract Duration: 6+ Months
Working Hours: Mon – Fri, 09:00 – 17:00, 37 Hours per week
Pay Rate: £ 61.24 per hour 
Job Ref: OR11403
 
Responsibilities

• Lead two development management area teams, ensuring high-quality, customer-focused service in determining planning applications.
• Assist in managing the Development Management Service and lead area teams in planning applications, collaborating with internal and external consultees.
• Oversee professional management of applications from pre-application stage to compliance, adhering to the Council’s constitution and delegation scheme.
• Drive the teams to exceed performance targets, maximize income through fees and charges, and implement organizational and policy changes.
• Serve as the lead professional officer at Area Planning Committees, supporting Members in making informed planning decisions aligned with Development Plans and corporate objectives.
• Deputize for senior management, providing support and advice across cases and dealing with complex applications and external contacts.
• Ensure reports and recommendations comply with legal and corporate procedures, addressing objections and weighing planning considerations.
• Attend and present reports at Area Planning Committee meetings, addressing queries from members, objectors, and interested parties.
• Maintain the functioning of Area Planning Committees, ensuring confidence through briefings and training for the Chair, Vice Chair, and Members.
• Represent the Council in public inquiries and hearings, providing expert evidence and handling complaints, investigations, and inquiries.
• Line manage and mentor Principal Planning Officers and their teams, addressing performance and welfare issues.

Person Specification
Knowledge

• Understanding of statutory regulations related to planning and environmental legislation.
• Familiarity with project management methodologies and tools.

Experience

• Operational and managerial experience in local authority planning services and development management.
• Experience in designing and implementing service transformation processes for improvement.
• Proven track record of leading, managing, and developing large teams and service areas.
• Experience in performance management and handling external accountabilities.
• Providing professional advice on complex applications to planning committees.
• Strategic input to policy development and strategy.
• Experience in giving evidence at Public Inquiries/Development Plan Examinations.
• Handling customer complaints and inquiries effectively.

Qualifications / Registrations / Certifications

• Degree in planning, geography, or a related subject.
• Chartered member of the Royal Town Planning Institute (MRTPI) or eligibility for membership.
• Management qualification ILM 5 or higher.
• Evidence of continual professional development as per professional institute requirements.

Skills

• Ability to advise senior management and elected members on complex planning issues.
• Resilient nature with excellent communication skills for public and stakeholder interactions.
• Proficiency in providing professional advice and guidance.
• Attention to detail in decision checking.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with partner organizations.
• Strong interpersonal skills and teamwork capabilities.

 
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