At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate in planning services for Sandwell's sustainable growth.
- Company: Award-winning local planning authority committed to exceptional service.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a chance to shape the future.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on innovation and excellence.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on community planning and drive positive change.
- Qualifications: Extensive planning experience and strong leadership 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 in Oldbury 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 our community. Join us in Sandwell, where your expertise will be valued, and you will play a crucial role in delivering high-quality, sustainable growth while enjoying a supportive and inclusive workplace culture.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Development Planning Manager in Oldbury
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend local planning events or workshops to meet people in the industry. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your past projects and achievements in planning. This will give potential employers a clear picture of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching Sandwell Council’s recent projects and initiatives. Being knowledgeable about their work will help you stand out and show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Development Planning Manager in Oldbury
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.
Communicate Clearly:Since this role involves exceptional communication, ensure your application is clear and concise. Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically, so we can easily see your qualifications and passion for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it reaches us directly and allows you to keep track of your application status. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at WMJobs
✨Know Your Planning Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and legislation in town planning, especially the Planning and Infrastructure Act. Being able to discuss how these changes impact service delivery will show that you're not just knowledgeable but also forward-thinking.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Think about specific situations where you inspired your team or improved service delivery. This role is all about leadership, so make sure you highlight your ability to guide and develop others.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Since this role involves a lot of public-facing communication, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. You might want to do mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable discussing your ideas and experiences in a concise manner.
✨Embrace Digital Transformation
Familiarise yourself with the latest digital tools and technologies in planning services. Be ready to discuss how you can champion the digitisation of processes at Sandwell Council, as this is a key part of the role. Showing enthusiasm for modernising services will set you apart.
