Development planning manager

Grade/Salary: Band J (£60,194 to £63,832)

Contract Type: Permanent, Full-time

Working Pattern: Mon- Fri, 37 hours

Location: Sandwell Council House, Oldbury (Hybrid)

Sandwell Council’s Regeneration & Economy Division is seeking a forward-thinking Development Planning Manager to join its team. This is a pivotal leadership role, ideal for someone with a strong track record in planning, service improvement, and team development.

Sandwell Council is an award-winning local planning authority service (RTPI Awards 2025) — a reflection of our commitment to exceptional customer service, high‑quality design, and sustainable, well‑managed growth across the borough.

About the Role

As the lead for Development Management, you will:

• Drive Sandwell’s journey of continuous improvement, maintaining our outstanding performance levels.


• Champion the 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.


• Such other duties as may be appropriate to achieve the objectives of the post to assist the Service Area in the fulfilment of its objectives commensurate with the post holder’s salary grade, abilities and aptitudes.

About You

We’re looking for someone who brings:

• 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 the ability to inspire, guide, and develop a high‑performing team.


• A solid understanding of ICT and digital technologies, with a 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. By joining us, you’ll play a key role in delivering services that make a real and lasting difference to thousands of people across the borough.

We place equality, diversity and inclusion at the core of who we are and how we lead, where every voice matters. At Sandwell, we recognise and value the richness that comes from diverse lived experiences, perspectives, backgrounds and identities. This diversity makes us a stronger and more effective council.

We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to building a workplace where everyone feels they belong, are treated fairly, and have the opportunity to thrive. Creating an environment where colleagues feel respected, supported and able to contribute fully is central to our culture and the way we work. 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.