Team Manager - Development Management

Job Title: Team Manager - Development Management (Planning)
Location: Devon
Contract Type: Temporary
Duration: 13 April 2026 - 9 October 2026
Working Hours: 37 hours per week (Monday-Friday, 09:00-17:00)
Working Pattern: Hybrid - minimum 2 days per week in the office
Pay Rate: £65.00 per hour PAYE 
 
The Role
We are seeking an experienced Team Manager - Development Management (Planning) to lead a high-performing planning team within a local authority setting. This is a key leadership role responsible for driving performance, managing complex planning applications, and supporting strategic decision-making.
You will lead a team of planning professionals, oversee major development projects, and act as a senior expert within Development Management. The role also includes deputising for senior leadership where required.
 
Key Responsibilities

• Lead, manage, and motivate a team of planning officers, ensuring effective workload allocation and performance delivery
• Act as case officer for major and high-profile planning applications
• Provide expert advice on complex planning matters including design, environmental issues, and development viability
• Ensure all decisions and recommendations comply with planning legislation and policy
• Contribute to strategic planning decisions and service improvements
• Represent the service at Planning Committees, public meetings, and appeals
• Work collaboratively with stakeholders including elected members, developers, and the public
• Support the preparation of Planning Committee agendas and reports

These responsibilities align with the core purpose of managing Development Management teams and delivering high-quality planning outcomes .
About You
To be successful in this role, you will have:
Essential:

• Postgraduate qualification in Town Planning
• Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI)
• Significant experience in Development Management within a Local Authority
• Proven experience managing teams and delivering performance outcomes
• Strong knowledge of planning legislation and policy
• Excellent communication, report writing, and stakeholder engagement skills

Desirable:

• Management qualification (NVQ Level 4 or equivalent)
• Experience working on large-scale, complex planning projects
• Broader experience across planning disciplines

As highlighted in the person specification, strong leadership, analytical thinking, and the ability to manage complex workloads are critical to success in this role .

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