Development Management Delivery Consultant - Rochford/Brentwood Councils

Please note this role is being offered on a hybrid basis with the expectation to on site 1 day a week alternating between the two sites. Occasional attendance at Development Committee or other evening meetings or briefings will be required.

The role:

To provide hands-on support in identifying and resolving blockages in the local planning authority’s development management service, progress stalled applications, improve communications with Councillors and stakeholders and support the delivery of sustainable improvements to service delivery.

Accountabilities:

• Take management ownership of agreed complex or stalled cases, establishing clear actions for case officers and stakeholders, responsibilities and timescales to bring them to their conclusions
• Take ownership of agreed other issues such as appeals, planning improvements, communication with Councillors and resolve them in a timely manner
• Work with elected Councillors and senior officials to improve communication and data availability, supporting good relationships and positive planning
• Support continual improvements to case management, quality assurance and communication, working within the council’s governance and delegated authority arrangements including the new national scheme of delegation
• Assist in the management of complaints, member enquirers, FOIs and other data requests
• Provide practical guidance and share knowledge with the team, embedding improvements that can be maintained after the assignment

The Experience You Will Bring:

An experienced planning professional, preferably MRTPI qualified, with substantial local authority DM management experience and a track record of resolving complex cases and improving service processes. Strong technical judgement, negotiation, communication and organisational skills, with a pragmatic, collaborative approach and the ability to deliver quickly in a politically sensitive environment.

Desirable experience and skills:

Knowledge and experience of working with Planning Enforcement teams. Experience of working within a challenging political environment.

Expected outputs:

Demonstrable progress on agreed priority cases, issues and processes; regular updates on delivery and risks; and a clear handover identifying completed improvements, outstanding actions and recommendations.

Our Culture and Values

At Rochford District Council we like our workforce to be proactive and innovative. Being customer focused and willing to maximise your potential at work are expected. We all work together to achieve the very best for our residents which sometimes means getting involved in projects and trying new tasks outside of your day-to-day job role. We love our team to suggest new ideas and to have enthusiasm to try out new experiences.

If you have queries on this role or require anything further, please email louise.butler@essex.gov.uk