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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team to manage complex planning applications and drive service improvements.
- Company: Cumberland Council, committed to regeneration and community development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a supportive environment with a focus on quality and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on your community while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in planning, strong leadership, and extensive Development Management experience.
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. You’ll 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’ll 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
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
Application Information
Closing date: Sunday 19 April 2026
Interview date: Thursday 23 April 2026
Easily apply by submitting your CV and answering a few short questions. You must include a cover letter explaining how you meet the requirements of the role.
Internal - Development Management Team Leader (Workington) - CMB2442i employer: Cumberland Council
Contact Detail:
Cumberland Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Internal - Development Management Team Leader (Workington) - CMB2442i
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the planning sector, especially those who work at Cumberland Council. A friendly chat can give you insights and maybe even a foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by brushing up on the latest planning policies and local issues in Allerdale. Show us you’re not just a candidate, but someone who’s genuinely invested in the community.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your presentation skills! You might need to represent the Council at planning committees, so being articulate and confident is key. We suggest doing mock interviews with friends or colleagues.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way to get your application noticed. Make sure your CV and cover letter highlight your leadership experience and passion for development management.
We think you need these skills to ace Internal - Development Management Team Leader (Workington) - CMB2442i
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Development Management Team Leader role. Highlight your relevant experience in planning, leadership, and managing complex applications. We want to see how your background aligns with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain how you meet the job requirements and why you're passionate about this opportunity. We love seeing genuine enthusiasm, so let your personality come through!
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your skills in leadership and development management. Numbers and outcomes can really make your application stand out to us!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s quick and easy, and ensures your application gets to the right place without any hassle. We can't wait to see what you've got!
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 planning policies. Familiarise yourself with the Cumberland Local Plan and any recent developments in the area. This will show that you're not just interested in the role, but that you’re genuinely invested in the council's objectives.
✨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 motivate your team to achieve high performance.
✨Communicate Clearly
Strong communication skills are essential for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, especially when discussing technical planning issues. You might even want to prepare a few key points about how you would handle stakeholder engagement or represent the council at planning committees.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so come prepared with insightful questions about the council’s current projects, challenges, and future plans. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the role aligns with your career goals. Plus, it gives you a chance to demonstrate your strategic thinking.