Planning Development Manager

  • carrington west
  • Aug 07, 2026
Contractor

Job Description

Planning Development Manager (Operational Manager)
Hybrid Working
£70-80 p/h (DOE)
37 hours per week
Job Ref - 68096


Lead the operational delivery of a county-wide planning service and play a key role in shaping strategic planning decisions. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Development Management Manager looking to lead planning applications, enforcement and service improvement within a progressive local authority.
Working closely with the Head of Strategic Planning, you'll oversee the delivery of the statutory planning service, ensuring high-quality decision making, managing performance, leading Planning Committee and enforcement functions, and driving continuous improvement across the service.


Key responsibilities:
Lead the operational delivery of Development Management and Planning Enforcement
Oversee Planning Committee and statutory enforcement functions, including court proceedings
Manage and develop a high-performing Development Management team
Lead on complex planning applications, appeals and enforcement matters
Work alongside the Head of Strategic Planning on Minerals and Waste policy and strategy
Identify opportunities to improve services and generate income through pre-application advice and other initiatives
Provide expert advice to senior leadership, Members and external stakeholders
Represent the Council at planning inquiries, hearings and legal proceedings where required


Requirements:
Degree qualified with MRTPI (or eligible for membership)
Significant management experience leading a Development Management service within a local authority
Strong technical knowledge of planning law, appeals, enforcement and Development Management processes
Experience managing and developing planning teams to achieve performance targets
Knowledge of Minerals and Waste planning is highly desirable
Excellent communication, negotiation and stakeholder management skills
Commercial awareness and experience identifying service improvement or income generation opportunities would be advantageous


This is a hybrid position with flexible working available in line with the Council's agile working policy. You'll be expected to attend offices across the county as required for meetings, committees and operational duties.


Please call Jake Herrington on (phone number removed) for a confidential discussion on this role, or email:
(url removed)
(url removed)


Carrington West's dedicated Town Planning Recruitment Team supply clients UK-wide on both a permanent and contract basis at all levels of seniority. If this role isn't quite right, feel free to get in touch to discuss other opportunities.