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- Tasks: Lead a team in planning management and oversee major development projects.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking council dedicated to community development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional growth, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for career advancement and strategic decision-making.
- Why this job: Shape the future of your community while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in team management and knowledge of Town and Country Planning.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Overview
Newton Abbot, United Kingdom
Purpose of the Role: To provide effective management and lead a team(s) of officers within the Development management service including responsibility for staff performance management. To act as case officer for corporately important major projects to drive the Development Management function within the Council. To deputise for the Head of Development Management and cover for the Planning Support Manager as required.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Team management including workload allocation and managing performance to ensure individual and teams work effectively and local and service performance indicators are met.
- Responsible to ensure all advice, recommendations and decisions (both as an individual and of team) comply with all relevant regulations and legislation, and appropriately consider representations from individuals and groups.
- Take an active role as part of the Development Management service management team including participating/contributing to long term strategic decisions and policy making.
- Responding to media enquiries in accordance with advice and support from the Comms team and as agreed with Head of Service.
- Acting as Safeguarding ambassador.
- Provide definitive expert development management advice on complex technical planning, design, development viability, environmental, conservation and other planning-related matters.
- Undertaking case officer role and making recommendations on major and corporately important application proposals, including: giving pre-application advice; examining and evaluating application proposals; carrying out appropriate consultations; negotiating improvements; considering relevant legislation, local and national policy implications; considering responses and objections in relation to S106 and CIL; making recommendations and reporting to the appropriate Committee of the Council; and, to attend Parish/Town Councils and public meetings as required.
- Assist the Head of Dev Management in the preparation of the Planning Committee agenda.
- Attend Planning Committee to present reports, provide advice and act as primary source of planning advice in Head of Development Management’s absence.
- Provide specialist advice and act as expert witness at planning appeals, hearings and Public Inquiries, including in relation to Judicial Review, informal and public enquiries and compulsory purchase matters.
- Making and signing decisions in accordance with the Delegation Scheme for Determining Planning Applications and related Planning Matters (including listed building applications; implications for CIL, enforcement and habitat regulations and other relevant permission matters).
- Working closely with Members, other Services and external agencies to give advice and information.
Requirements Experience Required:
- Leading and managing a team.
- Town and Country Planning, including aspects such as Local Plan preparation.
Closing Date: 26 April 2026 - Interviews: Scheduled for the following week.
Area Team Manager (Planning) employer: Business Smart Solutions
Contact Detail:
Business Smart Solutions Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Area Team Manager (Planning)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the planning sector and let them know you're on the hunt for an Area Team Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of local planning regulations and recent developments in the field. We recommend practising common interview questions with a friend or even in front of the mirror to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've successfully managed teams and projects in the past. This will demonstrate your ability to lead effectively in the Development Management service.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Area Team Manager (Planning)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in team management and planning. We want to see how your skills align with the key duties mentioned in the job description.
Showcase Your Expertise: Don’t shy away from detailing your knowledge in development management and planning regulations. We’re looking for someone who can provide expert advice, so let us know about your relevant experiences!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, especially when it comes to your achievements and how they relate to the role of Area Team Manager.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Business Smart Solutions
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Town and Country Planning, especially local plans. Familiarise yourself with the key regulations and legislation that govern the role. This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As an Area Team Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and manage a team effectively. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully allocated workloads, managed performance, or resolved conflicts within a team. This will highlight your capability to meet service performance indicators.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical situations related to planning decisions or team management. Think about how you would handle complex cases or respond to media enquiries. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare some thoughtful questions about the Development Management service and its future direction. This shows that you're not just interested in the job, but also in contributing to the team's long-term goals and strategic decisions.