Assistant Head of Planning

• Location: Rochdale
• Job Type: Full-time
• Hourly rate: £50-£60 per hour Umbrella
• Length of role: Initial 3-6 months

We are seeking an Assistant Head of Planning Services to lead our Development Management function at Rochdale Borough Council. This role is pivotal in providing a customer-focused service, ensuring the effective management and development of staff to meet both statutory and non-statutory responsibilities. The successful candidate will be instrumental in achieving local and national performance targets and maintaining high service standards.

• Lead the Development Management Service to deliver professional, efficient, and cost-effective services that meet all legal and policy requirements.
• Assist in the development and maintenance of effective links with other council services, partner organisations, and external stakeholders to support the regeneration of the Borough.
• Take a lead role in negotiations on major and complex planning applications and legal agreements.
• Manage and motivate a team of planning professionals, including principal planning officers, senior planning officers, and technical support officers.
• Ensure compliance with service quality management procedures, checking reports, and making robust recommendations.
• Attend and provide professional advice at Planning and Township Committees and support other committees as required.

• Recognised qualification in Town Planning or equivalent, affording full exemption from the Final Examination of the RTPI.
• Extensive experience managing development management, enforcement, heritage, and technical support teams.
• Proven track record of managing budgets and interpreting financial information.
• Strong leadership skills with experience in performance management and service improvement.
• Excellent knowledge of legislation, policies, and best practices relating to development management services.
• Ability to effectively use enforcement and heritage controls.