Thurrock Council is on an exciting journey to enhance our planning services, and we are making significant strides. Following a comprehensive review by the Planning Advisory Service, we have implemented numerous improvements that have been recognised as going "above and beyond" the initial recommendations. We are committed to continuing this progress and are looking for passionate individuals to join our team and contribute to our mission. We are seeking an exceptional and engaging individual to join us as Head of Development Management. We specifically want a candidate who has the drive to take our service forward and demonstrates a high level of ambition. You will need a background in Development Management with a capacity to lead a service through change. The Development Management service works on a range of cases, ranging from nationally significant through the householder proposals. Performance is critical to Thurrock’s planning service and you will be expected to ensure we continue on our improvement journey. This is an opportunity to contribute significantly towards bringing a Council out of Intervention, you will play an integral role in facilitating and guiding the Council on its journey to modernisation and financial sustainability - whilst transforming ways of working with our internal staff, elected members, residents, and leadership. On the other side of the change, as we leave intervention, expect career defining moments and a sense of pride that the Borough is not only fit for purpose but is ready to lead the way forward. What’s in it for you: This is a rare and exciting opportunity in an organisation that is committed to delivering better services for its residents, communities, and staff. You benefit from a range of benefits. Generous annual leave entitlement – 25 days rising to 30 after 5 years’ service. career average pension scheme relocation packages interest-free loans for green travel such as bikes or public transport season tickets salary sacrifice schemes such as childcare vouchers and cycle to work schemes maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave above the statutory minimum employee assistance programme to provide support to employees both at and outside of work flexible working to help balance work and personal life including job sharing, part-time working and home working buying additional annual leave career break scheme for up to 2 years wide range of courses to support employee development discounted rates for national restaurants, retailers, attractions and experience days discounts with local suppliers including cycle, beauty and fashion stores, restaurants, estate agents and driving schools 24-hour health advice and support Why Thurrock Council? At Thurrock Council, we believe in fostering a culture of inclusivity, innovation, and collaboration. We value diversity and strive to create an environment where every team member feels empowered to contribute their unique perspectives. Our commitment to continuous improvement and excellence drives us to support each other and celebrate our successes together. The Council's Planning function is making fantastic progress. We have implemented tangible measures for real improvements. Join us in building a better future for Thurrock. Help us continue to make a difference. We offer a hybrid working set-up, our office is just a 2-minute walk from the train station with rapid links in and out of Central London. Candidates are expected to be in the office a minimum of 2 days per week. A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check is not required for this post. If you have any queries regarding the post or would like to have an informal discussion about the post, please contact Ashley Baldwin – Chief Planning Officer on Ashley.baldwin@thurrock.gov.uk Advert Closing Date: 22nd June 2025 Interview Date: To Be Confirmed To view the Job Profile and Person Specification please follow the link below: Download Job Profile (PDF Document) To apply please click the Apply Now link below.