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- Tasks: Lead the Development Management and Planning Enforcement service, ensuring high-quality planning decisions.
- Company: Southend-on-Sea City Council, dedicated to community services and local government functions.
- Benefits: 25 days annual leave, flexible working, and excellent training opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive team focused on growth and regeneration in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the city's future through effective planning and community engagement.
- Qualifications: Senior-level experience in development management, strong understanding of planning legislation, and leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 60094 - 67402 £ per year.
Southend-on-Sea City Council is a unitary local authority providing vital services to the community. We employ about 1,800 staff who collaborate with partners and residents to deliver local government functions, supporting economic growth and regeneration. The Planning service plays a proactive role in shaping the city's future.
We are seeking an experienced Service Manager to lead the Development Management and Planning Enforcement service during a period of change and transformation. The role provides strong operational and professional leadership, ensuring high‑quality, timely and legally robust planning decisions. You will oversee planning applications, enforcement activity and appeals, manage budgets, commission specialist consultants, secure Section 106 and Community Infrastructure Levy contributions, and deputise for the Director of Planning when required.
Key responsibilities include:
- Lead pre‑application advice, complex enforcement cases, planning appeals and court proceedings.
- Drive the alignment and integration of planning services across Southend, Essex County Council and Thurrock Council.
- Develop consistent approaches, systems and a shared culture to support growth, regeneration and high‑quality placemaking.
- Partner with councillors, developers, statutory bodies and local communities to achieve outcomes.
- Manage budgets and secure statutory contributions.
What you'll need to succeed:
- Significant senior‑level experience in development management and planning enforcement.
- Strong understanding of planning legislation, policy, appeals and committee processes.
- Leadership experience, credibility in a political environment, and ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships.
- Excellent communication, sound judgement, budget management skills and a collaborative, solutions‑focused approach.
- Full and clean driving licence; access to own car preferred.
- Degree qualification and eligibility for full membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) or equivalent.
What you'll get in return:
Benefits include 25 days annual leave, flexible working, and excellent training and development opportunities.
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.
Service Manager Development and Enforcement in Colchester employer: The Planner Jobs Redactive Publishing Limited
Contact Detail:
The Planner Jobs Redactive Publishing Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Manager Development and Enforcement in Colchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the planning and development sector. Attend local events or webinars where you can meet people from Southend-on-Sea City Council or similar organisations. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the council's recent projects and initiatives. Show us that you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your passion for shaping the city’s future and how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find roles that match your skills. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Southend-on-Sea City Council. Let’s get you that Service Manager position!
We think you need these skills to ace Service Manager Development and Enforcement in Colchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in development management and planning enforcement. We want to see how your skills align with the key responsibilities mentioned in the job description.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role requires strong operational and professional leadership, don’t forget to include examples of your leadership experience. We love to see how you've managed teams or projects successfully in the past!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and experiences without wading through unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Planner Jobs Redactive Publishing Limited
✨Know Your Planning Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of planning legislation and policies. Be ready to discuss recent changes in the law or notable cases you've handled. This shows you're not just familiar with the basics but are also engaged with current developments in the field.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, especially in managing complex stakeholder relationships. Think about times when you successfully led a team through a challenging project or navigated political environments. This will demonstrate your capability to lead the Development Management and Planning Enforcement service effectively.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Given the role's emphasis on communication, consider doing mock interviews with a friend or mentor. Focus on how you can convey complex information simply, as this will be crucial when dealing with councillors and the community.
✨Budget Management Know-How
Be prepared to discuss your experience with budget management. Have specific examples ready that illustrate how you've successfully managed budgets in previous roles. This will show that you have the financial acumen needed to oversee budgets and secure contributions effectively.