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- Tasks: Lead the Development Management service and drive positive change in planning.
- Company: Join Thurrock Council, a dynamic organization focused on community leadership and improvement.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and discounts at local businesses.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while shaping the future of a vibrant community.
- Qualifications: Experience in Development Management and a passion for leading change are essential.
- Other info: Hybrid work setup with office just 2 minutes from the train station.
The predicted salary is between 62980 - 70700 £ per year.
This job is brought to you by Jobs/Redefined, the UK’s leading over-50s age inclusive jobs board.
Job Description
Head of Development Management
Salary: £72,975 – £84,333 per annum
Grade: I
Permanent Contract
37 Hours per Week
We are seeking an exceptional and engaging individual to join us as Head of Development Management. We specifically want a candidate who has the drive to take our service forward and demonstrates a high level of ambition. You will need a background in Development Management with a capacity to lead a service through change. The Development Management service works on a range of cases, ranging from nationally significant through the householder proposals. Performance is critical to Thurrock’s planning service and you will be expected to ensure we continue on our improvement journey.
This is an opportunity to learn how to bring a Council out of intervention, you will play an integral role in facilitating and guiding the Council on its journey to modernisation and financial sustainability – whilst transforming ways of working with our internal staff, elected members, residents, and leadership.
On the other side of the change, as we leave intervention, expect career defining moments and a sense of pride that the Borough is not only fit for purpose but is ready to lead the way forward.
What’s in it for you:
This is a rare and exciting opportunity in an organisation that is committed to delivering better services for its residents, communities, and staff. You benefit from a range of benefits.
- Generous annual leave entitlement – 25 days rising to 30 after 5 years’ service.
- Career average pension scheme.
- Relocation packages.
- Interest-free loans for green travel such as bikes or public transport season tickets.
- Salary sacrifice schemes such as childcare vouchers and cycle to work schemes.
- Maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave above the statutory minimum.
- Employee assistance programme to provide support to employees both at and outside of work.
- Flexible working to help balance work and personal life including job sharing, part-time working and home working.
- Buying additional annual leave.
- Career break scheme for up to 2 years.
- Wide range of courses to support employee development.
- Discounted rates for national restaurants, retailers, attractions and experience days.
- Discounts with local suppliers including cycle, beauty and fashion stores, restaurants, estate agents and driving schools.
- 24-hour health advice and support.
We also offer a hybrid working set-up, our office is just a 2-minute walk from the train station with rapid links in and out of Central London. Candidates are expected to be in the office a minimum of 2 days per week.
A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check is not required for this post.
If you have any queries regarding the post or would like to have an informal discussion about the post, please contact Ashley Baldwin – Chief Planning Officer on .
Advert Closing Date:
- Redeployment Only: 17th February 2025
- Internal & External: 16th March 2025
Interview Date: To Be Confirmed
To view the Job Profile and Person Specification please follow the link below:
Download Job Profile (PDF Document)
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About Us
Why Thurrock?
Working at Thurrock Council gives you the opportunity to join an organisation that is changing at pace, one where you can make a real difference to the lives of the people we serve.
Thurrock Council is moving towards a new community leadership approach which involves linking with local partners and communities as we shape our improvement for the years ahead.
This is an exciting time to join us, to shape the future success of our changing organisation and to have a positive influence on our borough.
Our location
Thurrock is located on the north bank of the river Thames. Our urban centres are a vibrant mix of established towns and new young communities, with a diverse and growing population of around 160,000 residents.
We are an emerging cultural and arts centre, home to the production centre for the Royal Opera House and the National Skills Academy for Creative and Cultural Skills. We have excellent retail and leisure opportunities, including Lakeside Shopping Centre, country parks, forests, and marshes.
Thurrock is just half an hour journey away from the centre of London by train and well connected by road.
Staff benefits
We offer lots of staff benefits, including a generous annual leave entitlement and hybrid working. We champion flexible working and job share applications are welcome.
Further information can be found here Employment benefits | Working for the council | Thurrock Council.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Thurrock Council is committed to equal opportunities. As a Disability Confident Employer, disabled people will be offered an interview where they meet all essential criteria on the person specification.
We serve a diverse community where people are different yet equal. Diversity underpins everything we do.
For further information about Thurrock Council please visit our website: Thurrock Council.
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Head of Development Management employer: Thurrock Council
Contact Detail:
Thurrock Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Development Management
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the current challenges and opportunities within Development Management in Thurrock. Understanding the local context will help you demonstrate your ambition and vision for leading the service through change.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the planning and development sector, especially those who have experience in local government. This can provide you with insights into best practices and innovative approaches that you can bring to the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully led teams through change in the past. Highlighting your leadership skills and ability to drive performance improvements will be crucial during the interview process.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Thurrock Council's recent initiatives and future plans. Being knowledgeable about their goals will allow you to align your vision with theirs and show that you're committed to contributing to the borough's success.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Development Management
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take the time to thoroughly read the job description for the Head of Development Management position. Understand the key responsibilities and required qualifications, and think about how your experience aligns with these.
Tailor Your CV: Customize your CV to highlight relevant experience in Development Management. Emphasize your leadership skills and any previous roles where you successfully managed change or improved performance.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your ambition and drive. Discuss specific examples from your past that demonstrate your ability to lead a service through change and your commitment to community improvement.
Highlight Your Vision: In your application, articulate your vision for the Development Management service. Explain how you would contribute to the Council's journey towards modernisation and financial sustainability, and how you plan to engage with internal staff and the community.
How to prepare for a job interview at Thurrock Council
✨Show Your Ambition
As the role requires a high level of ambition, be prepared to discuss your career goals and how they align with the council's vision for development management. Share specific examples of how you've driven change in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Highlight your experience in leading teams through transitions. Discuss your approach to managing change and how you have successfully guided teams in the past, especially in challenging situations.
✨Understand the Local Context
Familiarize yourself with Thurrock's unique challenges and opportunities. Be ready to discuss how your background in development management can contribute to the council's goals and the community's needs.
✨Prepare for Performance Discussions
Since performance is critical to the planning service, come prepared with insights on how you would measure success and improve performance metrics within the development management service.
