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- Tasks: Lead a diverse planning team and manage complex development applications.
- Company: Join Orkney Islands Council, a vibrant and welcoming community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and relocation package available.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on communities while advancing your career in a beautiful location.
- Qualifications: Chartered Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute and relevant experience required.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity to engage with national bodies and contribute to local development plans.
The predicted salary is between 62908 - 68529 £ per year.
Orkney Islands Council is looking for an experienced planning service manager to lead our development management team. Our team carries a diverse and complex caseload with around 500-600 applications a year encompassing major and national developments, listed buildings, harbour works licence applications and householder applications as well as the Corporate Gazetteer.
In early 2026 we are currently handling a national development and 16 EIA applications; and looking ahead to processing the Council’s Capital Programme works, the Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site Development Programme, a new and ambitious Council and RSL House build programme and major aquaculture and wind energy developments.
We are therefore looking to recruit a manager with the drive, vision and commitment to take forward a diverse and high-profile development management caseload; and to maintain our professional and outward looking service standards which engage with the needs of local communities within the context of current and future regulatory and legislative environments.
A key part of this role will be to drive the implementation of the Development Management elements of the Council’s National Planning Improvement Framework Plan which includes a range of performance and digital improvement opportunities as well as engaging with the Council’s planning committee processes and supporting the team in the day-to-day operational responsibilities of a highly productive development management office.
You will also lead the development management team contributions to the Local Development Plan and other policy review processes, to sit on the Planning and Regulatory Services Management team and to contribute to the Council’s engagement with national bodies including Heads of Planning Scotland.
Excellent communication, customer engagement and facilitation skills, together with a sound, professional knowledge of planning, listed buildings, EIA etc legislation will be principal requirements in addition to significant relevant people management experience and a proven ability to communicate effectively with councillors, customers and communities more generally.
This is an exciting and challenging opportunity to make a real difference to communities across Orkney and represents a chance to grow your career and experience life within one of the most geographically and professionally diverse local authority planning briefs in Scotland.
The minimum knowledge required for this role can be evidenced by holding a qualification at SCQF 8/9 i.e. SVQ4, HND, General Degree, Higher Apprenticeship, Technical Apprenticeship, or having a minimum of 5 years previous relevant planning practice experience. In addition, it is essential that the post-holder has Chartered Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (or transferable equivalent).
You should be able to travel efficiently and effectively between work locations within Orkney to meet the operational requirements of the Service. This post is subject to Level 1 Disclosure Scotland check.
Applications close at 23:59 on Sunday 26 April 2026. For an informal discussion about this role please contact Gavin Barr, Head of Planning and Regulatory Services gavin.barr@orkney.gov.uk on 01856 873535.
Service Manager Development Management - ORK10153 in Kirkwall employer: Orkney Islands Council
Contact Detail:
Orkney Islands Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Manager Development Management - ORK10153 in Kirkwall
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the planning and regulatory services field, especially those who work in Orkney. Attend local events or webinars to make connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the council's current projects and challenges. Show us you’re not just interested in the role but also in how you can contribute to the exciting developments happening in Orkney.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a Service Manager, you'll need to engage with various stakeholders. Role-play common interview scenarios with a friend 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 noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Service Manager Development Management - ORK10153 in Kirkwall
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the specific requirements of the Service Manager role. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to our diverse and complex caseload.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since excellent communication is key for this role, don’t shy away from demonstrating your customer engagement and facilitation skills in your application. We’re looking for someone who can effectively connect with councillors and communities alike.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Be sure to emphasise your planning practice experience and any relevant qualifications. We’re keen to see how your background prepares you for managing a high-profile development management caseload.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the recruitment process there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Orkney Islands Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of planning legislation, especially around EIA and listed buildings. Familiarise yourself with the current projects in Orkney, like the Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site Development Programme, so you can speak confidently about how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Service Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your people management experience. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, particularly in high-pressure situations. Think about how you can convey your vision for leading the development management team effectively.
✨Engage with the Community
This role requires excellent communication and customer engagement skills. Be ready to discuss how you've previously engaged with local communities or stakeholders. Share specific instances where your facilitation skills made a positive impact on a project or community initiative.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the Council’s National Planning Improvement Framework Plan and how they envision the future of development management in Orkney. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.