Team Manager - Development Management (Planning)

We are currently working with a Local Authority in Devon who are looking for an Interim ‘Team Manager - Development Management and Planning’ to join their team.

Job: Team Manager - Development Management (Planning)

Duration: 6+ months

Start date: ASAP

Rate: £65 per hour via Umbrella, Inside IR35

Site presence: Hybrid – minimum 2 days per week on-site required

Role Details

• Lead and manage a team of planning officers, overseeing workload allocation, performance, and delivery against service targets
• Act as case officer for major and high-profile planning applications, guiding proposals from pre-application through to committee decision
• Provide expert advice on complex planning matters, including design, environmental impact, conservation, and development viability
• Contribute to strategic decision-making and policy development as part of the Development Management leadership team
• Prepare and present reports to Planning Committee, offering professional recommendations and technical guidance
• Represent the Council at appeals, hearings, and public inquiries, including acting as an expert witness
• Ensure all planning decisions and recommendations comply with legislation, policies, and stakeholder considerations
• Build strong relationships with councillors, stakeholders, external agencies, and the public to support effective service delivery

Requirements

• Postgraduate qualification in Town Planning, with eligibility for (or membership of) the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI)
• Extensive experience in Development Management within a Local Planning Authority, including handling major applications
• Proven experience leading and managing teams, with strong performance management and coaching skills
• In-depth knowledge of planning legislation, policy frameworks, and development control processes
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with capacity to interpret complex technical and legal information
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, including report writing and public speaking
• Experience managing complex, multi-agency projects and balancing multiple workstreams effectively
• High level of political awareness, negotiation skills, and ability to engage with diverse stakeholders

Should this position be of interest to you, please apply or send an email with an updated copy of your CV to jallan@venngroup.com and myself or a member of the team will give you a call to discuss further

At Venn Group, we endeavour to respond to all applications, however due to the volume of applications we receive, if you have not heard from us within 48 hours please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion