Development Management Lead Officer37 hours per weekPermanent£54,495 - £59,587 per annum plus £4000 market forces supplementWychavon and Malvern Hills have an ambitious growth strategy, supported by the recently adopted South Worcestershire Development Plan Review (SWDPR). The Plan sets out a significant programme of growth, delivering over 20,000 homes and 300 hectares of employment land across the area over the next 15 years. This includes the delivery of a major new community at Wychavon Town (approximately 10,000 homes). Alongside this planned growth, the Councils are also progressing ambitious regeneration programmes for our town centres including Evesham and Droitwich Spa.This is a unique opportunity to play a key role in shaping the future of some of the fastest growing districts in the West Midlands and helping to deliver sustainable communities supported by new infrastructure, employment opportunities and high-quality places.As the Development Management Lead Officer, reporting to the Head of Development Management, you will provide leadership and direction to a team of planning and enforcement officers within the Council's Joint Planning Service.This is a varied and rewarding role where you will provide operational leadership for Development Management, ensuring the effective day-to-day management of planning application processing, enforcement coordination and service performance across the joint service.You will play a key role in delivering an efficient, high-quality planning service, ensuring workloads are effectively managed and that performance targets and service standards are achieved across the Development Management teams.The role will involve acting as lead officer for Planning Committees, presenting applications and advising Members on planning matters, making recommendations based on planning policy and other material considerations. You will also be responsible for reviewing officer reports and recommendations and issuing planning decisions under delegated authority where appropriate.You will work closely with colleagues, applicants, agents, members of the public and other stakeholders. Strong communication skills and the ability to engage constructively with a wide range of stakeholders are therefore essential, alongside a commitment to delivering an excellent and responsive planning service.This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced planning professional to further develop their leadership skills and contribute to the delivery of an ambitious and high-performing shared planning service.About youThe successful candidate should have:Comprehensive and up to date knowledge of planning law and practiceDegree level education, with a recognised qualification in town planning, as well as full RTPI MembershipGood computer literacy and be able to use MS Office, property databases and GIS systemsThe ability to work under pressure and manage a caseload of complex/contentious planning applications is essential. This is a demanding role, but an exciting challenge for the right candidate, therefore you must be committed and have a desire to succeed and develop your skills within the roleExcellent presentation and communication skillsAn appreciation of good design, the ability to negotiate planning obligations within tight deadlinesOutstanding customer care and a commitment to supporting performance improvementWe are looking for an experienced individual who is able to successfully lead a team, providing valuable contributions with a friendly approach.You will be required to attend regular Planning Committee meetings and undertake site visits so flexibility, a full driving licence and use of a car is essential. You will also need to be able to travel throughout the districts.The role is required to be based at either the Council House, Malvern, or the Civic Centre, Pershore. If you have a preference in your base location, please detail this in your application to be considered. Please note, regular attendance at both of our offices will be required. What we can offerOur staff are at the heart of what we do and are key to ensuring we deliver Our Council Plan (attached) to make a positive difference to our communities, our economy and our environment. We are always looking to recruit, develop and retain the very best talent we can find. So, as well as a rewarding career, we offer a range of attractive benefits, such as:Excellent pension scheme with employer contributionsGenerous annual leave entitlement with options to purchase additional annual leaveCommitted training programme and development opportunitiesOnsite nursery with 20% staff discount (Pershore office)Discounted Gym and swim membershipHealth and Wellbeing support and a Free Employee Assistance scheme including access to counselling servicesCycle to Work schemeEmployee Discounts with a range of companies including EE and the Kaarp discount schemeWe are an employer that values face to face communication, collaboration and connection, therefore all our roles have an office-based requirement with some agile working as part of the role.Please note: Malvern Hills District Council does not currently offer sponsorship for candidates without the Right to Work in the UK.To discuss the post or for further information, please call Ciaran Power, Head of Development Management, on 01684 862317, or Ian Macleod, Director of Planning and Infrastructure, on07823 535035.Closing date: Sunday 19 April 2026Interview date: Monday 27 April & Wednesday 29 April 2026Please note if we experience a high intake of applications, we may close the role and interview for the position sooner than advertised.