At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Development Management and Planning Enforcement service, ensuring high-quality planning decisions.
- Company: Join Southend-on-Sea City Council, a dynamic local authority focused on community growth.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, flexible working, and excellent training opportunities.
- Other info: Influential leadership role with real scope to leave a lasting legacy.
- Why this job: Shape the future of planning services and drive positive change in a growing coastal city.
- Qualifications: Degree-qualified with senior-level experience in development management and planning enforcement.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Your New Organisation
Southend-on-Sea City Council is a unitary local authority, providing vital services to meet the needs of the local community. We employ around 1,800 staff who work alongside our partners and local communities to deliver the city vision and make lives better for the people of Southend. Working for Southend-on-Sea City Council offers a challenging and rewarding career in local government within a collaborative and innovative environment, with the benefit of flexible working practices to support a positive work-life balance. As an upper tier Unitary Authority, we are responsible for all local government functions and are progressing the Spatial Development Strategy for Greater Essex in partnership with Essex County Council and Thurrock Council. The Council has an ambitious regeneration agenda and is the location of choice for developers, attracted by the City's excellent connectivity and built and natural environment. Our economy is diverse with a strong entrepreneurial ethos, blending tourism, creative industries and advanced manufacturing and the Planning service plays a proactive role, helping to deliver economic growth, regeneration and new homes.
Your new role
Southend-on-Sea City Council is an ambitious unitary authority shaping a growing coastal city. We are seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Service Manager to lead our Development Management and Planning Enforcement service at a pivotal time of change, growth and transformation. As Service Manager, you will provide strong operational and professional leadership to the Council's Development Management and Planning Enforcement functions, ensuring high-quality, timely and legally robust planning decisions. You will oversee planning applications, enforcement activity and appeals, including decision-making under delegated powers and presenting clear recommendations to the Planning Committee. This role offers a rare opportunity to help shape the future of planning services during a period of local government reorganisation. You will play a key role in working towards the alignment and integration of planning services across three authorities, helping to develop consistent approaches and systems, a shared culture and a strong, unified service that supports growth, regeneration and high-quality place-making across the wider area. You will lead pre-application advice, complex enforcement cases, planning appeals and court proceedings, working closely with councillors, developers, statutory bodies and local communities. You will also manage budgets, commission specialist consultants, secure Section 106 and Community Infrastructure Levy contributions, develop and inspire professional teams, and deputise for the Director of Planning when required. This is a highly influential leadership role with real scope to drive positive change and leave a lasting legacy.
What you'll need to succeed
To be successful in this role, you will bring significant senior-level experience in development management and planning enforcement, with a strong understanding of planning legislation, policy, appeals and committee processes. You will be an experienced leader with the credibility to operate confidently in a political environment, manage complex stakeholder relationships and guide teams through change. Strong communication skills, sound judgement, experience of budget management and a collaborative, solutions-focused approach are essential. A full and clean driving licence, access to your own car would be ideal as you need to be able to travel efficiently across the borough and wider Essex as required. To be considered for this role, you must be degree-qualified and eligible for full membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) or equivalent.
What you'll get in return
When joining the council, you can enjoy a range of benefits including: 25 days annual leave, flexible working and excellent training and development opportunities. They are committed to ensuring that you are supported in this varied and challenging role with the appropriate level of training.
What you need to do now
If you are interested in this role, please click 'apply online' to make your application. Applications must be made with a supporting statement (not more than 4000 characters) setting out how you meet the criteria in the person specification. Please note: Applications for this vacancy may close prior to the date advertised above, so you are advised to apply as soon as you are able to.
Service Manager (Planning Development and Enforcement) in Southend-on-Sea employer: Hays Social Care
Southend-on-Sea City Council is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and fulfilling career in local government within a supportive and innovative environment. With a commitment to employee development, flexible working practices, and a strong focus on community impact, staff are empowered to make meaningful contributions while enjoying a healthy work-life balance. The Council's ambitious regeneration agenda and collaborative culture provide unique opportunities for professional growth and the chance to shape the future of planning services in a vibrant coastal city.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Manager (Planning Development and Enforcement) in Southend-on-Sea
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the planning and development sector, especially those connected to Southend-on-Sea City Council. Attend local events or webinars to make connections that could help you land that Service Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the council's current projects and challenges. Show us that you understand their ambitious regeneration agenda and how your experience can contribute to their goals. Tailor your responses to highlight your leadership skills and collaborative approach.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a Service Manager, you'll need to present clear recommendations and manage complex stakeholder relationships. Role-play potential interview scenarios with a friend to boost your confidence and refine your messaging.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Make sure your supporting statement clearly outlines how you meet the criteria in the person specification – this is your chance to shine!
We think you need these skills to ace Service Manager (Planning Development and Enforcement) in Southend-on-Sea
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Supporting Statement:Make sure to customise your supporting statement to highlight how your experience aligns with the specific criteria in the person specification. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to the role!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. With a character limit of 4000, every word counts! We recommend structuring your statement to make it easy for the reviewers to see your qualifications at a glance.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a Service Manager, you'll need strong leadership abilities. Use your application to demonstrate past experiences where you've successfully led teams or projects, especially in planning or development management.
Apply Early!:Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. We advise applying as soon as possible since the vacancy may close early. Plus, this shows your enthusiasm for the role!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays Social Care
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of planning legislation, policy, and the appeals process. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just qualified but also genuinely interested in the role.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams through change or managed complex stakeholder relationships. This is a leadership role, so demonstrating your experience in guiding teams and making sound decisions will be crucial.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Strong communication skills are essential for this position, especially when presenting recommendations to the Planning Committee or engaging with local communities.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical situations related to planning enforcement or development management. Think about how you would handle complex cases or budget management scenarios, as this will showcase your problem-solving abilities.
