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- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team in delivering high-quality planning services and managing complex applications.
- Company: Cumberland Council, committed to regeneration and community growth.
- Benefits: Generous salary, hybrid working, annual leave, and a strong pension scheme.
- Other info: Diversity-focused employer with guaranteed interviews for eligible candidates.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on local development and support your community's future.
- Qualifications: Degree in planning, leadership experience, and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 51356 - 52413 £ per year.
Salary: £51,356 - £52,413 per annum
Hours: 37 hours per week (part‑time hours may be considered)
Location: Allerdale House, Workington
Contract: Permanent
About This Opportunity
Cumberland Council is looking for an experienced and motivated Development Management Team Leader to help deliver a high‑quality planning service that supports regeneration, housing growth, environmental quality, and economic prosperity. The role offers hybrid working, a generous annual leave package, an outstanding local government pension with an 18.3% employer contribution, and assistance with RTPI membership fees. A relocation allowance may be available for candidates moving to Cumberland.
About the Role
You will lead a team of planning officers, oversee complex and high‑profile planning cases, and provide expert professional advice to applicants, Members, partners, and stakeholders. You will ensure decisions are robust, timely, and aligned with policy while driving service improvements and contributing to the delivery of the Cumberland Local Plan.
What You’ll Do
- Lead, coach, and develop a high‑performing Development Management team
- Manage complex planning applications, appeals and enforcement matters
- Represent the Council at planning committees, hearings and inquiries
- Provide clear, consistent advice to customers, Members and partners
- Support policy development, service improvements and corporate priorities
- Ensure quality assurance, risk management and effective budget oversight
About You
- Degree in planning or related discipline
- Chartered membership of RTPI or equivalent
- Strong leadership and staff management experience
- Extensive Development Management experience, including work with major developers
- Excellent communication, negotiation and report‑writing skills
- Confident representing the authority in formal or legal settings
- Effective budget and performance management capability
Guaranteed Interviews
We offer a guaranteed interview to the following applicants, provided your application demonstrates that you meet the essential criteria for the role:
- People who consider themselves disabled as defined by the Equality Act 2010
- Those in care or who have left care and are aged 24 and under
- Those who identify as a member of the British Armed Forces community (service leavers, veterans, their partners or spouses, reservists, cadets)
Diversity, Inclusion & Adjustments
We are committed to enhancing the diversity of our workforce and encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds. We are a proud Disability Confident Leader and an Age Friendly Employer. If you need any reasonable adjustments to participate in the recruitment process, please let either the hiring manager or our Resourcing Team know by emailing Resourcing@Cumberland.gov.uk. While adjustments are not always guaranteed, we will listen and do our best to accommodate your needs.
Contact
For more information about the role or to arrange an informal chat prior to your application, please contact Nick Hayhurst by email at Nick.Hayhurst@Cumberland.gov.uk.
Closing Date: Sunday 14th June 2026 (the role may close early subject to demand; we cannot accept applications once the role has closed).
Interview Date: To be confirmed.
Development Management Team Leader (Workington) - CMB2484e employer: Cumberland Council
Contact Detail:
Cumberland Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Development Management Team Leader (Workington) - CMB2484e
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the planning sector, especially those who might know someone at Cumberland Council. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching Cumberland Council’s recent projects and initiatives. Show us you’re genuinely interested in their work and how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a Development Management Team Leader, you’ll need to articulate your ideas clearly. Consider mock interviews with friends or colleagues to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Cumberland Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Development Management Team Leader (Workington) - CMB2484e
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we’re looking for.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a Development Management Team Leader, your leadership experience is crucial. Share specific examples of how you've led teams or managed projects successfully in your previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and get straight to the point about your qualifications and experiences.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly and helps us keep track of all applications efficiently.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cumberland Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the key aspects of development management and local planning policies. Familiarise yourself with Cumberland Council's Local Plan and any recent projects they've undertaken. This will show that you're genuinely interested and prepared.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Development Management Team Leader, your leadership experience is crucial. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, particularly in managing complex planning applications or projects. Be ready to discuss your coaching style and how you develop high-performing teams.
✨Communicate Clearly
Strong communication skills are essential for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. You might be asked to explain complex planning issues, so think about how you can break these down into understandable terms for different audiences.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and decision-making process. Think about potential challenges you might face in this role and how you would address them. This will demonstrate your readiness to handle the responsibilities of the position.