senior development manager - Northamptonshire

Job Title: Senior Development Management Officer
Location: Northamptonshire (Hybrid Working)
Rate: £50 - £55 per hour
Contract: Interim / Temporary Assignment

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Senior Development Management Officer to join the Growth and Regeneration Directorate in Northamptonshire. This is a pivotal role supporting both Planning Policy and Development Management & Enforcement functions. The successful candidate will play a key role in delivering complex planning projects, managing key policy workstreams, and handling a caseload of significant planning applications and enforcement matters. This role offers a hybrid working arrangement, providing flexibility alongside engagement with key stakeholders across the region.

Key Responsibilities

• Policy Development
• Lead or support planning policy workstreams and manage the preparation of evidence documents.
• Contribute to the drafting and review of policy, design guidance, and consultation materials.
• Support the preparation of Local Plan documents, participating in Examination in Public where required.
• Advise on neighbourhood planning and provide policy observations on complex applications.
• Manage data, monitor trends, and maintain up-to-date policy information systems.
• Development Management & Enforcement
• Validate planning applications and manage a caseload of significant development proposals.
• Conduct site visits, assessments, and consultations.
• Prepare reports and present recommendations at Planning Committee meetings.
• Lead on enforcement investigations, prepare formal notices, and represent the Council at inquiries or in court.
• Negotiate developer contributions and advise stakeholders on planning procedures and policies.

We are looking for a qualified planning professional with:

• Substantial experience in development management, planning policy, and enforcement.
• Strong project management skills and a comprehensive understanding of planning legislation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including report writing and public representation.
• Ability to analyse complex information, make sound judgements, and deliver practical outcomes.
• A degree in Town Planning or a related discipline, ideally with RTPI membership.

Why Join Us?

• Competitive hourly rate
• Flexible hybrid working model
• Opportunity to influence strategic planning across a diverse and growing region

To find out more information please contact Lily at

Recruitment is done in line with safe recruitment practices. We are an equal opportunity agency.