At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team in managing planning applications and provide strategic direction.
- Company: Local Authority in Central England with a focus on community development.
- Benefits: £65 per hour, flexible hybrid working, and a 6-month contract.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional growth in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in planning while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in Development Management and team leadership.
The predicted salary is between 65 - 65 £ per hour.
A Local Authority in Central England is seeking an experienced Interim Team Leader (Planning) to provide leadership, oversight, and technical support within a busy Development Management service. This is a management-focused role suited to a senior planning professional who can confidently oversee a varied caseload, provide direction on complex applications, and support planning officers in delivering high-quality and timely decisions. You will play a key role in ensuring applications progress efficiently through the system while providing clear guidance on challenging and politically sensitive matters.
The Opportunity
Reporting into senior management, you will be responsible for overseeing planning caseloads, supporting officers with complex applications, and ensuring the consistent delivery of an effective planning service. This role requires a strong technical planning background combined with excellent leadership, decision-making, and stakeholder management skills.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic direction on planning applications and ensure cases progress efficiently through the system
- Support, mentor, and manage planning officers across a varied caseload
- Review and sign off complex planning reports and recommendations
- Act as Lead Officer at Planning Committee when required
- Provide advice on complex and contentious planning applications
- Escalate significant issues and risks appropriately
- Support service delivery, performance management, and workload prioritisation
- Work closely with senior officers, members, applicants, and stakeholders
- Demonstrate strong political awareness and sound professional judgement in decision-making
Candidate Requirements
- Extensive Development Management experience within a UK Local Authority environment
- Previous management or team leadership experience within Planning
- Strong background dealing with complex planning applications and challenging development proposals
- Significant experience assessing proposals within Green Belt and Grey Belt locations
- Thorough understanding of tilted balance considerations and planning judgement
- Experience working on applications involving National Landscapes and major developments
- Knowledge of SANGs (Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspaces), SACs (Special Areas of Conservation), and DCOs (Development Consent Orders)
- Experience advising on greenfield developments, particularly within Green Belt and National Landscape designations
- Excellent report writing, decision-making, and stakeholder management skills
- Confident presenting at committees and advising elected members
Working Arrangements
- £65 per hour
- 6-month contract
- 37 hours per week
- Flexible working pattern
- Hybrid working arrangement
- Minimum 2 days per week in the office initially, with one office day required on Wednesdays
- No regular site visits expected, although attendance may be required should specific issues arise
- Candidates must hold appropriate business-use vehicle insurance due to the nature of the role
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Team Leader (Planning) in England
✨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 Interim Team Leader (Planning) in England
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 Oyster
✨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 Oyster.
✨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 Oyster 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.
