Deputy Team Manager (Planning)

3 Month Contract With A Local Authority

To support the Planning Manager in the effective management and delivery of a high-quality Development Management service across the East or West Area Team of the Royal Borough.

The postholder will provide professional leadership and operational management to an expert planning team, ensuring the effective delivery of planning applications, pre-application advice, appeals and other town planning services in accordance with statutory requirements, Council policies, national and local targets, and corporate priorities.

The role will deputise for the Planning Manager when required, contribute to service improvement and change initiatives, and support the development and performance of staff to ensure a customer-focused, efficient and continuously improving planning service.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Planning Manager in managing the work and performance of the East or West Area Planning Team.
  


• Deputise for the Planning Manager as required and provide effective leadership and professional support to the team.
  


• Manage and oversee the delivery of high-quality development management services across the area.
  


• Manage an allocated planning application caseload, including assessing applications, preparing reports, making recommendations, issuing delegated decisions and providing professional planning advice.
  


• Clear reports for relevant planning committees and present planning applications and reports at committee as required.
  


• Manage and progress pre-application discussions for a wide range of planning proposals in accordance with statutory requirements, Council policies, procedures and agreed targets.
  


• Manage planning appeals and provide appropriate professional advice and representations.
  


• Support the delivery of a customer-focused planning service that maximises positive outcomes and provides value for money.
  


• Manage directly allocated staff, including up to six team members, providing leadership, direction, support and performance management.
  


• Manage consultancy and contracting staff where required.
  


• Motivate and develop staff, encouraging continuous professional development and supporting individuals to achieve their full potential.
  


• Support and lead change initiatives, business improvement projects and service transformation to improve the efficiency, effectiveness and quality of the Planning Service.
  


• Work collaboratively with senior officers and colleagues across the Council to deliver town planning services and corporate objectives.
  


• Ensure planning activities are undertaken in accordance with the Council’s corporate principles, service plans, financial regulations, standing orders and relevant legislation.
  


• Promote the delivery of high-quality and sustainable development that supports the Council’s corporate priorities.
  


• Build and maintain effective relationships with applicants, agents, elected Members, residents, consultants, stakeholders and internal services.
  


• Provide professional planning advice and support on complex or sensitive planning matters.
  


• Contribute to the achievement of service performance targets and continuous improvement objectives.
  

Requirements

• Significant professional experience in planning, particularly within a Development Management environment.
  


• Strong knowledge of planning legislation, national planning policy, local planning policy and development management procedures.
  


• Experience of managing or supervising planning professionals and supporting staff development and performance.
  


• Proven experience of assessing and determining complex planning applications and preparing high-quality planning reports and recommendations.
  


• Experience of presenting planning matters to Planning Committees and other decision-making bodies.
  


• Experience of managing planning appeals and providing professional planning advice.
  


• Strong understanding of pre-application processes and the ability to provide effective professional advice on a wide range of development proposals.
  


• Strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to motivate, develop and support a professional team.
  


• Excellent communication, negotiation and stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to deal effectively with elected Members, applicants, agents and members of the public.
  


• Strong organisational and decision-making skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet statutory and service deadlines.
  


• Ability to lead and implement service improvements, manage change and identify opportunities to improve efficiency and customer outcomes.
  


• Strong commercial and customer-focused approach, with an understanding of delivering high-quality services and value for money.
  


• Ability to work collaboratively with senior officers, internal services and external stakeholders.
  


• Commitment to continuous professional development and maintaining current professional planning knowledge.
  


• Ability to deputise for the Planning Manager and provide effective operational and professional leadership when required.
  

Additional Information