Head of Development Management & Building Control
South London | Hybrid Working
£700 PD Inside IR 35 - 6 months - Hybrid
An established local authority is seeking an experienced and strategic Head of Development Management & Building Control to lead one of the organisation’s most critical regulatory and regeneration functions offering a rate of up to £700 PD Inside IR 35 for a 6 month contract to be based onsite 3 x PW in South West London.
This is a high-profile leadership opportunity for an accomplished planning or building control professional to shape the future growth, regeneration, and placemaking strategy across a diverse borough, while leading a large multi-disciplinary service responsible for Development Management, Building Control, Planning Enforcement, Conservation, Arboriculture, and Land Charges.
You will act as the lead professional advisor on Development Management matters, working closely with senior leadership, elected members, developers, and external stakeholders to ensure high-quality development outcomes that align with the borough’s long-term vision.
Key Responsibilities
Lead and manage Development Management & Building Control services across multiple specialist teams
Act as the organisation’s lead advisor on Development Management matters
Drive regeneration initiatives and ensure delivery aligns with the wider Development Plan
Lead negotiations on major and complex planning applications, Section 106 agreements, and Planning Performance Agreements (PPAs)
Oversee planning enforcement, conservation, arboriculture, and land charges functions
Manage significant capital and revenue budgets and maximise service income generation
Provide strategic leadership to Planning Committees and deliver member training
Ensure compliance with evolving planning, building control, and fire safety legislation
Build strong relationships with councillors, developers, emergency services, and external agencies
Lead service modernisation, operational performance, and continuous improvement initiatives
Experience Required
Extensive senior-level experience within Development Management and/or Building Control within the public sector is a must have.
Strong knowledge of planning legislation, building regulations, and local government procedures is a must have.
Proven leadership experience managing large multidisciplinary teams is a must have.
Experience working within a politically sensitive environment and engaging with elected members
Strong commercial awareness with experience managing complex budgets and income-generating services
Ability to manage high-profile planning applications, enforcement matters, and public inquiries
Demonstrated experience driving service transformation and performance improvement
Essential Qualifications
Degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline
Membership of the RTPI
Management qualification or equivalent leadership experience