Development planning manager

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council – Development Planning Manager (Band J, £60,194 to £63,832, permanent, full‑time, 37 hours Monday‑Friday, Hybrid location on Oldbury). Closing date: 28/06/2026.

Sandwell Council’s Regeneration & Economy Division is seeking a forward‑thinking Development Planning Manager to lead its development management team, drive continuous improvement, champion digitisation, and steward planning casework.

About The Role

• Drive Sandwell’s journey of continuous improvement, maintaining outstanding performance levels.
• Champion digitisation of planning services, ensuring modern, efficient, customer‑focused processes.
• Lead the service through upcoming changes under the Planning and Infrastructure Act, supporting elected members and colleagues through transition.
• Oversee all planning casework, ensuring high standards of decision‑making and service delivery.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience across planning and enforcement workstreams.
• MRTPI or ARICS (Planning Division) accredited.
• Planning experience generally and considerable experience of Development Planning.
• Knowledge of Planning law and practice.
• Strong leadership skills, with ability to inspire, guide, and develop a high‑performing team.
• Exceptional communication abilities, essential for this public‑facing, member‑supporting role.
• Solid understanding of ICT and digital technologies, passion for modernising services.
• Confidence in navigating legislative change and shaping service responses.

Why Sandwell Council?

At Sandwell Council, our work has a real impact. We are proud to be a values‑led organisation that supports its employees with excellent benefits, a competitive remuneration package, and a strong focus on development.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We place equality, diversity and inclusion at the core of who we are and how we lead, where every voice matters. We recognise and value the richness that comes from diverse lived experiences, perspectives, backgrounds and identities. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to building a workplace where everyone feels they belong, is treated fairly, and has the opportunity to thrive. Creating an environment where colleagues feel respected, supported and able to contribute fully is central to our culture. We are committed to ensuring that all applicants and employees have equitable access to opportunities. Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the recruitment process and within the workplace so that everyone has the support they need to perform at their best and succeed in their role.

If you have any questions relating to equality, diversity, and inclusion, you can contact the EDI Team at EDI_Team@sandwell.gov.uk.