5 months contract with a Local Authority Job Summary: • An experienced Area Planning Service Manager is required to lead and manage the Area Planning Team (North), including planning enforcement functions, within a local authority setting. • The postholder will be responsible for overseeing the delivery of all development management services, ensuring high performance, excellent customer service, and compliance with statutory planning requirements. • This is a key leadership position, requiring a strategic thinker with strong operational management skills and the ability to drive continuous improvement while maintaining a culture of professionalism, accountability, and resident-focused service delivery. Key Duties/Accountabilities (Sample): • Lead and manage professional planning and enforcement teams, ensuring high standards of performance and service delivery. • Oversee the processing of planning applications (major, minor, and household), pre-application advice, appeals, and enforcement matters. • Monitor performance against service plans and national/local KPIs, implementing corrective actions where necessary. • Act as a lead representative for the local planning authority at Planning Committees, Public Inquiries, and court proceedings. • Manage team resources, budgets, and workloads effectively to meet service and statutory deadlines. • Promote customer-focused service delivery aligned with the organisation’s values and standards. • Develop and implement continuous improvement initiatives, modernisation programmes, and e-planning solutions. • Provide professional planning advice to senior officers, elected members, and external stakeholders. • Ensure all planning processes and policies comply with current legislation, guidance, and local priorities. • Foster collaborative working relationships with internal teams, elected members, developers, community groups, and regional agencies. • Deputise for the Head of Development Management when required and support wider service objectives. Skills/Experience: • Minimum five years’ experience managing development management or planning enforcement teams within local government. • Strong understanding of statutory planning functions, including S106, CIL, and relevant legislation. • Proven experience in performance management, budget control, and service improvement. • Demonstrated ability to manage complex caseloads and deliver decisions within statutory timescales. • Excellent leadership, people management, and team development skills. • Experience handling public inquiries, appeals, and presenting at planning committees. • Strong negotiation, communication, and stakeholder engagement abilities. • Sound project management and organisational skills, with attention to detail and accuracy. • Up-to-date knowledge of national planning policy, local government operations, and modern service delivery methods. Additional Information: • Degree in Town Planning or a related discipline and eligibility for RTPI membership (essential). • Valid UK driving licence and ability to attend evening meetings when required. • Hours: 36 per week (Monday to Friday, 09:00–17:00).