At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Development Management and Planning Enforcement service to shape a growing coastal city.
- Company: Southend-on-Sea City Council, a dynamic local authority focused on community needs.
- Benefits: Flexible working practices for a positive work-life balance and a rewarding career.
- Other info: Join a collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth and leadership.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on planning services during a transformative period in local government.
- Qualifications: Significant experience in development management, planning enforcement, and a degree qualification.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ 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. This contract is offered on a full-time and temporary basis. 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 and 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 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.
The Council is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications, regardless of race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, age or religion or belief.
Planning Development / Service Manager in Southend-on-Sea employer: Hays Specialist Recruitment - Education
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 strong focus on employee well-being, the Council promotes flexible working practices to ensure a healthy work-life balance, while providing ample opportunities for professional growth and development. As part of a collaborative team dedicated to shaping the future of a vibrant coastal city, you will play a crucial role in driving regeneration and economic growth, making a meaningful impact on the lives of the local community.
Contact Details:
Hays Specialist Recruitment - Education Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Development / Service Manager in Southend-on-Sea
✨Get Engaged in Local Politics
Dive into your local council meetings or community boards. These spaces are packed with people who are already in the public sector and might have insider tips on upcoming temporary roles. Plus, you can connect directly with key decision-makers.
✨Stay Alert for Seasonal Recruitment
Many public sector jobs ramp up during certain times of the year, especially around election seasons or local budget planning periods. Keep your eyes peeled for recruitment drives during these windows, as they're prime times for temporary positions.
✨Leverage Online Job Portals
Don’t forget to check government job boards or websites like the local council's site for temporary postings. This is where many roles first get advertised, and applying directly here can speed things up.
✨Tap Into Your University Resources
If you're at university, make the most of your career services to discover opportunities in the public sector. They often have connections with local government employers who are looking for temporary staff and can help you polish your approach.
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Development / Service Manager in Southend-on-Sea
Some tips for your application 🫡
Emphasise your understanding of public policy:In your application, make sure to highlight any knowledge or experience you have related to public policy, governance or community engagement. Show us how you can contribute to the public sector’s mission, especially if you've worked on relevant projects or initiatives before!
Tailor your CV to the sector's expectations:When crafting your CV, focus on including experiences that showcase your ability to work within government structures or similar environments. Use clear, concise language and consider adding any volunteer work or internships that reflect your commitment to public service.
Show flexibility and willingness to learn:Since this is a temporary role, it’s crucial to convey your adaptability and eagerness to pick up new skills quickly. In your cover letter, let us know how you plan to make the most of this short-term experience and what you hope to learn from it.
Include relevant certificates and training:If you've completed any training or have certifications that are relevant to the role (like public administration, project management, or data analysis), don't forget to mention them. These can really make you stand out in the application process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays Specialist Recruitment - Education
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Public Service
In the government and public sector, showing that you're genuinely passionate about serving the community is key. Get ready to share examples where you've contributed to social good or tackled community issues, as this will resonate with interviewers from Hays Specialist Recruitment - Education.
✨Prepare for Policy and Regulatory Questions
Expect questions about policies, regulations, or recently implemented government initiatives. Brush up on the latest news relating to public sector developments—being informed will help you demonstrate that you're ready to hit the ground running, especially in a temporary role.
✨Flexibility is Your Best Friend
Since this is a temporary role, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly. Share examples where you've successfully taken on new challenges or adjusted to different team dynamics, that'll show Hays Specialist Recruitment - Education that you’re reliable and can effectively support various projects without a long onboarding process.
✨Prepare to Showcase Teamwork Skills
In the public sector, collaboration is vital. Be ready to discuss past experiences working in teams, especially in diverse environments. Highlight how you've contributed positively to group settings—this could really set you apart from other candidates in this temporary role.
