At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire teams to shape Salford's sustainable growth and development.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking council at the heart of urban regeneration.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, excellent pension, and continuous learning opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborate with key stakeholders and drive innovation in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on city planning and influence regional development decisions.
- Qualifications: Degree-level qualification with extensive experience in planning and leadership.
If you're an experienced and strategic planning professional with strong leadership credentials, this is an opportunity to play a leading role in shaping the future of Salford's growth and development.
The scale and pace of regeneration across the city means you will be at the forefront of delivering high-quality, sustainable development. You'll lead a key statutory service, influence planning decisions at scale, and work closely with senior stakeholders across Salford and Greater Manchester.
Why join us in Infrastructure?
- Scale of growth and regeneration in Salford.
- Opportunity to lead a high-profile planning service at a time of significant change.
- Influence at city and Greater Manchester level, including involvement in regional planning networks.
- Close collaboration with Building Control, Development and Investment teams.
- Strong learning culture with a focus on continuous development.
- Dedicated leadership and digital skills development programmes, tools and E‐Learning.
- Hybrid/flexible working.
- Competitive package, including excellent pension.
Your role
You will provide strategic leadership for Planning Development Management and Technical Support teams, ensuring a high-performing, responsive and forward-looking service that supports the city's growth ambitions.
As part of the Place senior leadership team, you will work closely with internal and external partners to deliver sustainable development and ensure sound decision‐making in a complex regulatory environment. We want you to:
- Lead and inspire a professional workforce, developing capability and high performance.
- Provide strategic direction and leadership for development management services.
- Promote the role of planning at a city and Greater Manchester level.
- Ensure robust, legally sound planning decisions in line with policy and legislation.
- Drive service transformation, innovation and digital enablement.
- Manage service budgets, income and financial performance.
- Work closely with Planning, Building Control, Development and Investment teams to maximise growth opportunities.
- Build strong relationships with elected members, developers, partners and stakeholders.
- Oversee governance, performance management and continuous improvement.
Your profile
- Degree‐level qualification and significant post‐qualification experience ideally within a local planning authority.
- Extensive experience in planning, development management or a related discipline.
- Proven leadership of services, teams or complex programmes.
- Strong technical knowledge of planning legislation, policy and regulatory frameworks.
- Experience managing budgets, governance and risk.
- Strong commercial awareness and understanding of development delivery.
- Excellent stakeholder management skills, including engagement with senior leaders and elected members.
- Strong communication, organisational and problem‐solving skills.
- Experience developing and leading teams to achieve high performance.
Privacy Statement and Data Protection
Our core data protection obligations and commitments are set out in the council's primary Recruitment and Employment Privacy Notice which can be found at https://www.salford.gov.uk/gdpr .
Head of Development Management in Manchester employer: Salford Council
Salford Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to making a positive impact in the community by supporting vulnerable individuals through their challenging times. With a flexible hybrid working model, employees enjoy a balanced work-life environment while benefiting from professional development opportunities and a collaborative culture that values compassion and teamwork. Joining the Salford Assist Team means being part of a mission-driven organisation that prioritises employee well-being and community service.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Development Management in Manchester
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Salford Council, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Salford Council and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
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Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Development Management in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Salford Council and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Salford Council
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Salford Council, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Salford Council.
