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- Tasks: Lead a team in shaping significant developments and managing planning applications.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking council committed to positive planning outcomes.
- Benefits: Attractive salary, sign-on bonus, generous leave, and hybrid working model.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on your community while mentoring a talented team.
- Qualifications: Experience in planning management and a collaborative leadership style.
- Other info: Enjoy professional development opportunities and a supportive work environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We’re growing our Development Management team and have an exciting opportunity for a Team Leader to join us at this pivotal moment.
With the upcoming adoption of the Tunbridge Wells Local Plan and the Town Centre Plan, we’re preparing for a busy and rewarding phase — and we’re looking for an experienced planning professional who’s ready to take on a leadership role.
Why this role?
You’ll lead a dedicated team of seven officers, working alongside another Team Leader and reporting to the Development Manager. This is a chance to shape and support some of the borough’s most significant developments — including major allocated sites — while guiding and mentoring a talented team.
You’ll be involved in:
- Allocating caseloads and managing your own planning applications
- Overseeing performance, outputs and report writing
- Attending and presenting at committee meetings (some outside standard office hours)
- Helping ensure we meet performance targets and maintain high-quality, consistent decisions
What we’re looking for:
- Experience supervising or mentoring others in a planning or development management setting
- A collaborative, supportive leadership style
- A passion for delivering good design and positive planning outcomes
We’ll support your growth with training, coaching and mentoring — because we believe in developing our people.
This is a politically restricted post
What we offer:
- Financial: An attractive basic salary within a clear pay structure. In addition to your salary, receive a sign-on payment of £5,000 (50% paid on completion of probation and 50% at 18 months) This is for new staff joiners to TWBC, not internal applicants.
- Holiday Entitlement: 26 days annual leave (increasing to 29 days after 5 years continuous Local Government service) plus three additional days in December and bank holidays.
- Employee Assistance Programme: The Council has partnered with Health Assured to provide staff with access to EAP (Employee Assistance Programme) to assist in balancing everyday life with the requirement of work and home.
- Free staff parking.
- Pensions: Membership of the Local Government (CARE – Career Average (Revalued Earnings) Pension Scheme – Employer contribution of 19.7%.
- Hybrid: The Council operates a hybrid working model with minimum 2 days working in the office.
- Personal Development: Invaluable training opportunities for continuing professional development.
- Take a look here at all the additional benefits that we offer.
Equal Opportunities
Tunbridge Wells – Working for Equality. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.
Safeguarding
The Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employee and volunteers to share this commitment.
Development Management Team Leader employer: Tunbridge Wells Borough Council
Contact Detail:
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Development Management Team Leader
✨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 potential colleagues or industry leaders. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the latest developments in Tunbridge Wells. Familiarise yourself with the Local Plan and Town Centre Plan. This shows you're genuinely interested and ready to hit the ground running when discussing how you can lead the team.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your leadership skills! Think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully mentored or supervised others. Be ready to discuss how you can foster a collaborative environment within the team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it gives us a chance to see your enthusiasm for joining our Development Management team right from the start.
We think you need these skills to ace Development Management Team Leader
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in planning and development management. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Team Leader, so don’t hold back on showcasing your leadership style and relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role is all about leading a team, it’s crucial to demonstrate your mentoring and supervisory experience. Share specific examples of how you’ve supported others in their professional growth — we love to see that collaborative spirit!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically. We appreciate well-organised applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and passion for the role.
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 this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Tunbridge Wells Borough Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the Tunbridge Wells Local Plan and the Town Centre Plan. Familiarise yourself with the key developments and challenges in the area, as this will show your genuine interest and understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples that highlight your collaborative and supportive leadership style. Think about times when you’ve successfully mentored or supervised others, and be ready to discuss how you can bring that experience to the team.
✨Be Ready for Committee Meetings
Since attending and presenting at committee meetings is part of the job, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. You might even want to rehearse a mock presentation to get comfortable with speaking in front of others.
✨Emphasise Your Passion for Planning
Express your enthusiasm for delivering good design and positive planning outcomes. Share specific examples of projects you’ve worked on that align with this passion, as it will resonate well with the interviewers.