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- Tasks: Lead planning services and ensure high-quality, timely decisions in a transformative role.
- Company: Southend-on-Sea City Council, dedicated to community growth and regeneration.
- Benefits: 25 days annual leave, flexible working, and excellent training opportunities.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to equal opportunities and community service.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the city's future while leading a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Senior-level experience in development management and strong 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.
Advert closing date Thursday 28th May 2026. 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 Essex 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 Essex
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the planning and development sector. Attend local council meetings or community events to meet potential colleagues and stakeholders. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Prepare a portfolio that highlights your previous projects, especially those related to development management and planning enforcement. This will give you an edge during interviews and demonstrate your hands-on experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your responses. Focus on articulating your leadership experience and how you've successfully managed complex stakeholder relationships in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to submit your application directly. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team at Southend-on-Sea City Council. Don't miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Service Manager Development and Enforcement in Essex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application 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 in a political environment.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to demonstrate your understanding of planning legislation and processes. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget 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 Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of planning legislation and policies. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities of the role, especially around development management and enforcement. This will help you answer questions confidently and demonstrate your expertise.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that showcase your leadership experience, particularly in managing complex stakeholder relationships. Think about times when you've successfully led a team or project, and be ready to discuss how you navigated challenges in a political environment.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Given the importance of communication in this role, consider doing mock interviews with a friend or mentor. This will help you refine your answers and ensure you convey your ideas effectively during the actual interview.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the organisation. You might want to inquire about the council's vision for future development or how they measure success in planning enforcement.