At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate Sandwell's Development Management Service for sustainable growth.
- Company: Award-winning local planning authority committed to exceptional service and design.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a chance to shape the future of planning.
- Other info: Join a dynamic environment with opportunities for career advancement and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a high-achieving team focused on modernising planning services.
- Qualifications: Extensive planning experience, strong leadership, and excellent communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council is an award‑winning local planning authority service (RTPI Awards 2025) – a reflection of our commitment to exceptional customer service, high‑quality design, and sustainable, well‑managed growth across the borough. We are now seeking an experienced and forward‑thinking leader and Town Planner to drive our Development Management Service. This is a pivotal leadership role, ideal for someone with a strong track record in planning, service improvement, and team development.
About The Role
- Drive Sandwell’s journey of continuous improvement, maintaining our outstanding performance levels.
- Champion the digitisation of planning services, ensuring modern, efficient, customer‑focused processes.
- Lead the service through upcoming changes under the Planning and Infrastructure Act, supporting elected members and colleagues through transition.
- Oversee all planning casework, ensuring high standards of decision‑making and service delivery.
- Uphold and promote the Council’s corporate values and behaviours across the team.
About You
- Extensive experience across planning and enforcement workstreams.
- Strong leadership skills, with the ability to inspire, guide, and develop a high‑performing team.
- Exceptional communication abilities, essential for this public‑facing, member‑supporting role.
- A solid understanding of ICT and digital technologies, with a passion for modernising services.
- Confidence in navigating legislative change and shaping service responses.
Essential Requirements for this role
- MRTPI or ARICS (Planning Division).
- Degree in Town and Country Planning.
- Post graduate qualification recognised by the RTPI.
Why Join Us?
This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of planning in Sandwell, working within a high‑achieving, award‑winning service that values innovation, collaboration, and excellence.
Development Planning Manager employer: WMJobs
Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and collaboration are at the forefront of our award-winning planning services. Employees benefit from a strong commitment to professional development, with opportunities to lead transformative projects that shape the future of the borough. Join us in a role that not only values your expertise but also empowers you to make a meaningful impact in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Development Planning Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with professionals in the planning field. Attend local events, join online forums, or even reach out to people on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, be ready to discuss your experience in planning and service improvement. Bring examples of your past work that demonstrate your leadership and communication abilities.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on industry changes! With the Planning and Infrastructure Act coming into play, make sure you're well-versed in the latest developments. This will not only help you in interviews but also show your commitment to staying ahead in the field.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application, so make sure you submit it directly on our platform. It’s the best way to ensure your details are seen by the right people and to keep track of your application status.
We think you need these skills to ace Development Planning Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in planning and leadership. We want to see how your skills align with our commitment to exceptional customer service and sustainable growth.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of how you've driven service improvement or led a team to success. We love seeing tangible results that demonstrate your impact in previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to convey your ideas, as we appreciate exceptional communication abilities. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can inspire and guide others!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at WMJobs
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest developments in planning and enforcement workstreams. Familiarise yourself with the Planning and Infrastructure Act and how it impacts service delivery. This will show that you're not just a candidate, but someone who’s genuinely invested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Think about specific situations where you inspired or guided your team through challenges. This is crucial for a leadership role, so be ready to discuss your approach to team development and service improvement.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since this role involves public-facing duties, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. You might want to do mock interviews with friends or family to refine your communication style. Remember, exceptional communication abilities are key to winning over both the interviewers and future colleagues.
✨Embrace Digital Transformation
Demonstrate your understanding of ICT and digital technologies by discussing any relevant experience you have in modernising services. Be prepared to share ideas on how you would champion the digitisation of planning services at Sandwell Council, as this aligns perfectly with their vision for the future.
