Deputy Team Manager - Development Management
Royal Borough Council | 3-Month Contract
Location: Woolwich, London
Contract: 3-Month Contract
Hours: Full-Time
Summary
We are seeking a seasoned planning professional to join our Local Authority Development Management Service as a Deputy Team Manager within the Place and Growth Directorate. This role is pivotal in supporting the Strategic Development, East Area, or West Area Planning Manager by leading a high-performing planning team, managing complex planning applications, and ensuring the delivery of top-tier planning services across the borough. Responsibilities include handling a diverse range of planning applications and appeals, spearheading pre-application discussions, presenting reports to the Planning Committee, and stepping in for the Team Manager as needed.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist the Team Manager in steering the Development Management Service and act as a deputy when necessary.
- Oversee a complex portfolio of planning applications, appeals, and pre-application inquiries.
- Make determinations on planning applications under delegated authority.
- Draft, review, and approve planning reports, recommendations, permissions, refusals, and enforcement actions.
- Present applications and reports to the Planning Committee and participate in committee meetings as required.
- Manage planning appeals, hearings, inquiries, and court proceedings.
- Offer expert planning advice to applicants, developers, architects, residents, Members, and statutory consultees.
- Negotiate planning obligations, Section 106 Agreements, and Planning Performance Agreements (PPAs).
- Supervise, mentor, and develop planning officers and technical staff.
- Manage consultant and agency planning resources as needed.
- Monitor team performance to ensure statutory and corporate targets are met.
- Support service improvement, business change initiatives, and continuous professional development within the team.
- Collaborate with the Planning Inspectorate, Greater London Authority, Historic England, neighboring authorities, and other stakeholders.
- Ensure compliance with planning legislation, Council policies, FOI, Environmental Information Regulations, and GDPR requirements.
Requirements
- Degree in Town Planning or a related field.
- At least 3 years of experience in Development Management or Development Control.
- Experience with a broad range of planning applications in an urban setting.
- Proficiency in handling planning appeals, hearings, and inquiries.
- Experience in preparing reports and presenting cases to Planning Committees.
- Strong understanding of Development Management practices, planning legislation, Government policy, and planning procedures.
- Experience in negotiating Section 106 Agreements and planning obligations.
- Ability to provide sound planning advice on complex development proposals.
- Excellent report writing, communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
- Experience in supervising or mentoring planning officers.
- Ability to work effectively within a political environment and advise elected Members.
- Experience working with public, private, and community stakeholders.
- Capability to meet performance targets and manage competing priorities.
- Willingness to attend evening committee meetings when required.
- Understanding of Equal Opportunities, Health & Safety, and GDPR requirements.
- RTPI Membership (MRTPI) or eligibility for membership.
- Previous experience as a Deputy Team Manager, Principal Planner, Planning Team Leader, or Senior Planning Officer.
- Experience managing consultant or contract planning staff.
- Experience leading Planning Performance Agreements (PPAs).
- Experience driving service improvement and change programs.
Additional
- Attendance at committee meetings, hearings, inquiries, and site visits as required.
- No DBS requirement.
- Flexibility to attend meetings outside normal office hours when necessary.
What's on Offer
- 3-Month Contract
- Full-Time Hours
- Bi-Weekly Pay
- Leadership opportunity within a dynamic Local Authority planning service.
- Exposure to major and complex planning applications and developments.
- Supportive and collaborative team environment.
- Potential for contract extension.
Ideal for candidates with experience as a Deputy Team Manager, Principal Planner, Senior Planning Officer, Planning Team Leader, Development Management Team Leader, Principal Planning Officer, Planning Manager, Major Applications Officer, or Development Management Officer.
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Deputy Team Manager (Planning) in Woolwich employer: Civic Recruitment Limited
Civic Recruitment Limited is an exceptional employer that prioritises meaningful impact in the community, particularly for children and families. With a strong commitment to professional development and a collaborative work culture, employees are empowered to drive positive change while enjoying the benefits of flexible working arrangements and a supportive team environment in Ipswich. This role offers a unique opportunity to lead significant projects that align with national reforms, making a real difference in the lives of those served.
