6 months contract with a Local Authority
Job Summary:
• The Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames is seeking an experienced Lead Officer – Development Management (Grade K) to provide senior leadership within the Planning Service.
• This interim role is required to cover a vacant post and will play a key part in supporting the delivery of major developments and regeneration across the borough.
• The postholder will lead a Development Management team, oversee complex and strategically significant planning applications, and act as a senior link between developers, stakeholders and the Council.
• Using a project-management approach, the role will ensure the effective progression of applications from pre-application stage through to determination, while securing high-quality, sustainable outcomes in line with local and national planning policy.
Key Duties/Accountabilities (Sample):
• Lead and coordinate the handling of major and complex planning applications from pre-application through to decision.
• Manage and provide professional leadership to a Development Management team of Principal, Senior and Planning Officers.
• Sign off officer reports and attend Planning Committee, briefings and public meetings as required.
• Provide expert planning advice on major development proposals, ensuring compliance with national and local planning policy and legislation.
• Project manage strategically significant sites, including regeneration and housing-led developments.
• Coordinate internal and external consultees, commissioned consultants and professional officers using a development team approach.
• Negotiate and secure planning obligations, including Section 106 agreements and Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL).
• Represent the Council at planning appeals, including hearings and inquiries, acting as expert witness where required.
• Exercise delegated authority in line with the Council’s Scheme of Delegation.
• Manage budgets, monitor income and oversee performance against agreed targets and timescales.
• Respond to complaints and enquiries from residents, Members, developers and the Local Government Ombudsman.
• Deputise for the Head of Development Management and contribute to service leadership and innovation.
Skills/Experience:
• Significant experience leading and advising on major planning applications.
• Strong knowledge of planning legislation, policy, case law and guidance at national and local level.
• Proven experience in Development Management within a local authority environment.
• Experience managing complex projects and high-profile development proposals.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Experience of planning appeals, including hearings and inquiries.
• Strong negotiation skills, particularly in relation to Section 106 and infrastructure delivery.
• Ability to work collaboratively with developers, elected Members, residents and multi-disciplinary teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including committee reporting.
• Strong commercial awareness and ability to manage budgets and performance.
• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusive practice.
Additional Information:
• Degree-level qualification in Town Planning or a related built environment discipline.
• Chartered Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) or eligible through equivalent post-qualification experience.
• Hours: 36 per week (09:00–17:00).