At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic Planning team and drive community-focused development projects.
- Company: Braintree District Council, a fast-growing and innovative local authority.
- Benefits: Flexible working, local government pension, employee discounts, and health programmes.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to positive change and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a vibrant community while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Extensive planning knowledge, management experience, and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 55965 - 60102 £ per year.
Are you an experienced Town Planner ready to step into management or a manager seeking a new challenge? Braintree District Council has an exciting opportunity!
Location: Braintree, Essex, CM7 9HB
Salary: £55,965 to £60,102 (Inclusive of Market Supplement)
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Closing Date: Sunday 13th September 2026
About Us: Braintree is an ambitious and dynamic Council and is becoming one of the fastest growing Districts in the East of England with three growing towns, London just 45 minutes away and the district located directly between the international transport centres of Stansted Airport and Harwich and Felixstowe International Ports. We have a deserved track record for delivering and a strong reputation within the business community. Braintree District Council is a great place to work. We pride ourselves on our creative and innovative approach, which is led by our employees, and are committed to having an engaged workforce who understand our strategy and how they can help deliver it. Our people see the difference they make and how the work they do actively contributes to and encourages positive change in the local community.
As Area Development Manager, you will lead a dynamic Planning service during an exciting period of significant growth for the district. You will manage a team of 4-5 professional Planning Officers, signing off delegated decisions, monitoring team performance, and ensuring excellent customer service delivery. You will be the Lead Officer at Planning Committee and play an active role in driving continuous improvement and service transformation. You will help deliver well-designed new homes, jobs and supporting infrastructure whilst preserving the character and quality of the district.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead, coach and mentor a team of 4-5 Planning Officers
- Sign off delegated decisions for one of the area teams
- Manage and monitor team performance and service delivery
- Serve as Lead Officer at Planning Committee
- Drive continuous improvement and embed service transformation
You:
- Extensive planning knowledge and Development Management experience
- Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute or eligible for membership
- Strong communication, report writing and customer service skills
- Proactive, analytical and commercially aware
- Ability to work accurately and to tight deadlines
- Previous management experience is desirable
Why choose Braintree District Council?
- Flexible working - Hybrid working arrangements are available in this role (home/office based) subject to business need
- Local government pension scheme
- Learning and development for all employees
- Employee discounts at local businesses
- Employee recognition schemes
- Extensive health and wellbeing programmes, including discounted gym membership
Closing Date: Sunday 13th September 2026
Interviews will be held w/c 21st September 2026.
Please note that although this vacancy is advertised here, no application is ever submitted through this site. To protect your personal information, you can visit the Braintree District Council website directly and click 'Join our team', then apply via the 'Current Vacancies' link. Alternatively, click Apply today and you'll be redirected straight to the role on our website, where you can complete your application for this exciting opportunity.
Area Development Manager in Chelmsford employer: Braintree District Council
Braintree District Council is an excellent employer that values community engagement and offers a supportive work culture where your contributions truly matter. With competitive salaries and opportunities for professional development, you will thrive in a dynamic environment dedicated to making a positive impact in Braintree, Essex. Join us to be part of a team that fosters growth and innovation while serving the local community.
Contact Details:
Braintree District Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Area Development Manager in Chelmsford
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Braintree District Council, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Braintree District Council and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Area Development Manager in Chelmsford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Braintree District Council and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Braintree District Council
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Braintree District Council, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Braintree District Council.