Area Planning Service Manager

Role Purpose To manage and lead professional teams responsible for the day-to-day delivery of development management functions and to support the effective management of the Area Planning Team (North) and planning enforcement functions, ensuring agreed service plans and performance targets are delivered and that a culture of putting our residents first and continuous service improvement is maintained. Responsibiliteis To ensure all team members receive the appropriate level of communication to maintain engagement with the overall objectives within Development Management. To deputise for the Head of Development Management where required. To demonstrate understanding of the Council’s Customer Care Standards and ensure that these standards are met in order to deliver the Council vision of ‘putting our residents first\’ To represent Development Management in liaising with partners, stakeholders and customers in relation to the delivery of development management functions. To be responsible for maintaining and further developing constructive working relationships with all partners, stakeholders and customers (internal & external). To manage Area Planning Team (North), overseeing the signing off of all delegated and committee planning applications, the appeals process in so far as it relates to the planning decisions that are taken within the Team and overseeing the planning enforcement functions across the North Team. Responsible for the management and overview of all major, minor, other and householder planning decisions, pre-application submissions and a wide range of general planning and development management matters in line with KPI/service standards. To work closely with the team leader to ensure a high-quality planning service is provided and to act as a lead for the LPA at Planning Committees and in complex Public Inquiry/Court proceedings where required. To ensure budget compliance and financial forecasting across the team complies with the overall budget management objectives of the service. Where appropriate/required to liaise with the Council’s Corporate Communications Team, on behalf of the Head of Development Management, in relation to press and media enquiries for the Area Planning Team. Responsible for the management and overview of all members enquiries and formal complaints across the Area Planning Team in order to ensure that information on all planning related enquiries is provided in a concise and time sensitive manner. To ensure opportunities to utilise e-planning initiatives are maximised within the Area Planning Team with a view to delivering streamlined customer focused services. Requirements Extensive experience (5 years +) of the end to end process of managing Planning Teams within a local government setting. Experience of managing effective teams. Experience in the effective management of contractors/consultants. Experienced in successful change management. Experience of partnership working to deliver successful outcomes Ability to work in a systematic way paying attention to detail and work to critical deadlines. Ability to build and develop high performing teams. Extensive knowledge of planning legislation including S106/CIL. Proven negotiating and influencing skills. Strong ICT skills including the ability to use service specific systems. Ability to build positive working relationships with Elected Members