Head of Development Management, Enforcement and Compliance (Oxford St)
Seniority level: Director | Employment type: Full-time | Job function: Business Development and Sales | Industries: Marketing Services
Oxford Street Development Corporation
About the Role
This role will sit in the future Oxford Street Development Corporation (OSDC). OSDC is expected to be established by 1 January 2026 as a new Mayoral Development Corporation—part of the GLA Family—to drive the transformation of Oxford Street.
Key Responsibilities
* Establish and deliver a proactive and efficient pre‑application and planning application service.
* Lead enforcement investigations and compliance monitoring; provide advice and direction to applicants and those subject to enforcement action.
* Provide strategic advice to senior stakeholders and represent OSDC externally.
* Provide support and advice to the Director of Planning and ensure effective collaboration with all key partners, stakeholders and interested parties.
* Deputise for the Director of Planning and contribute to the strategic leadership of the Planning Directorate.
* Represent the Corporation externally on planning development management and enforcement matters.
What Your Day Will Look Like
* Establish and provide high level technical leadership and strategic direction for an effective, efficient, high quality development management and enforcement service.
* Lead engagement with key stakeholders regarding proposed and completed developments in the OSDC area.
* Oversee briefings and agendas for the OSDC Planning Committee.
* Ensure timely submission of statements of case and robust defence of decisions at appeal.
* Lead on any legal action required such as injunctions, prosecutions and confiscation proceedings.
* Deputise for the Director of Planning in overall management of the Planning Service.
* Ensure work programmes are established, monitored and delivered within allocated budgets.
* Provide effective leadership and management of staff, ensuring personal development and performance.
* Procure and manage the work of consultants to support the development management, planning enforcement and compliance section.
* Maintain budgetary oversight and plan for expenditure over the annual horizon.
* Keep abreast of best practice, planning reform and other changes to the planning system.
* Promote equality of opportunity and diverse needs within London’s communities.
* Adopt a flexible approach to work to fulfil duties and responsibilities.
Skills, Knowledge and Experience
* Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (or eligible) and a relevant degree (or equivalent) in Town and Country Planning.
* Extensive experience leading teams of planners in a senior planning role delivering an effective development management and/or enforcement service.
* Extensive demonstrable professional and practical knowledge and understanding of development management and planning enforcement processes.
* Clear understanding of the planning policy context and the political, social environmental and economic issues relating to OSDC.
* Significant experience of writing reports for local authority planning committees and giving evidence at hearings/public enquiries/magistrates, Crown and High Court.
* Extensive experience of handling complex planning and enforcement cases.
The Following Competencies Will Also Be Essential
Building and Managing Relationships
* Actively engage partners and encourage others to build relationships that support GLA objectives.
* Understand and recognise contributions of staff at all levels.
* Proactively manage partner relationships, preventing or resolving conflict.
* Adapt style to work effectively with partners, building consensus, trust and respect.
* Deliver objectives by bringing together diverse stakeholders.
Strategic Thinking
* Translate GLA vision and strategy into practical and tangible plans.
* Consistently take account of wider implications of team actions for the GLA.
* Encourage self and others to think about long‑term potential.
* Inform strategy development by identifying gaps in current delivery or evidence.
* Takes account of a wide range of public and partner needs to inform team work.
Managing and Developing Performance
* Motivate and inspire others to perform at their best.
* Set clear direction and expectations and enable others to interpret competing priorities.
* Agree and monitor challenging, achievable performance objectives.
* Manage performance issues effectively to avoid adverse impact on team morale.
Planning and Organising
* Monitor allocation of resources, anticipating changing requirements.
* Ensure evaluation processes measure project benefits.
* Gain buy‑in and commitment to project delivery from diverse stakeholders.
* Implement quality measures to ensure directorate output is of a high standard.
* Translate political vision into action plans and deliverables.
Assessment Process
Once you have submitted an application, your details will be reviewed by a panel. If shortlisted, you will be invited to an interview. Interview dates are w/c 8 December and w/c 15 December.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
London’s diversity is its biggest asset, and we strive to ensure our workforce reflects London’s diversity at all levels. We welcome applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability. We particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian, Minority ethnic and disabled candidates who are underrepresented in our workforce. We are committed to being an inclusive employer and can accommodate flexible working arrangements. Role is open to job share.
Benefits
Staff work hybrid up to three days a week in office and remotely. Salary paid every four weeks. Benefits include 30 days annual leave, interest‑free season ticket loan, interest‑free bicycle loan and a career average pension scheme.
How to Apply
Submit the following:
* Up to‑date CV (max 1.5 MB, Word or PDF, naming convention “CV applicant name - 012345”).
* Personal statement (max 1500 words) addressing essential criteria and competencies.
Upload CV and Personal Statement in the CV and Cover Letters section of the application form. Please ensure you address the technical requirements and competencies in your statement.
Contact the hiring manager Molly Strauss (Head of Oxford Street Transformation at the GLA) at atmolly.strauss@london.gov.uk for questions about the role. Contact the GLA recruiting team at theglaopdcrecruitment@tfl.gov.uk for questions about the recruitment process.
Sponsorship
This role does not meet the criteria for sponsorship for external candidates. It may meet criteria for some internal candidates.
#J-18808-Ljbffr