Head of Development Management & Major Projects – Interims
Customer: Liverpool City Council
Location: Cunard Building, Water Street, Liverpool, L2 2BS
Rate: £570.33 PAYE / £750.00 Umbrella (per day)
Hours: 35 per week
Start: 18 May 2026
Duration: 24 weeks
IR35: Inside
Job type: Hybrid
Overview
Liverpool City Council is seeking an experienced Head of Development Management & Major Projects to lead its Development Management and Enforcement functions. This senior interim role ensures delivery of a modern, customer‑focused and business‑friendly planning service, while overseeing major strategic development projects across the city.
“To lead and manage the Development Management and Enforcement functions to provide a modern, customer focussed and business friendly Planning service.”
Key Responsibilities
* Lead Development Management and Enforcement teams, setting objectives and managing performance.
* Build strong relationships with development, regeneration and community partners.
* Ensure community needs and expectations are represented in the planning process.
* Oversee major development projects of strategic importance to the city.
* Manage strategic and regionally significant planning applications from submission to delivery.
* Lead statutory Development Management functions and ensure compliance with planning legislation.
* Oversee Section 106 monitoring, reporting and expenditure.
* Represent the Planning Service at committees, member bodies and regional forums.
* Ensure Development Management contributes effectively to the Local Plan and policy development.
* Lead on implementing, monitoring and reviewing statutory planning policies and case law.
* Support city‑wide and area‑based planning policy preparation.
* Promote business excellence, continuous improvement and value for money.
* Manage budgets, resources and performance across the service.
* Champion social value and sustainable development in all planning activity.
* Contribute to business continuity, emergency planning and risk management.
* Provide leadership, coaching and development for team managers and staff.
“To oversee the delivery of major development projects of strategic importance to the City… across development control, planning policy design and implementation.”
Essential Requirements
* RTPI‑recognised degree/diploma in Town Planning.
* Experience managing a Development Management team within an urban authority.
* Strong background in large‑scale development proposals, appeals and enforcement.
* Experience managing the wider planning function.
* Proven delivery of service excellence and quality outcomes.
* Significant experience handling complex planning issues in a large urban area.
* Excellent report writing and presentation skills.
Desirable
* Strong leadership and team‑management skills.
* Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
* Comprehensive knowledge of development management processes.
* Excellent ICT skills and ability to work independently.
* Understanding of Liverpool City Council’s Vision and Values.
* Full driving licence.
What You’ll Bring
A strategic mindset, strong professional credibility, and the ability to lead a high‑performing planning service in a complex urban environment. You’ll be confident navigating political, community and development‑sector relationships while driving high‑quality outcomes for the city.
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