Salary: £51,356 - £52,413 per annum
Hours: 37 hours per week (part‑time hours may be considered)
Location: Allerdale House, Workington
Contract: Permanent
About This Opportunity
Cumberland Council is looking for an experienced and motivated Development Management Team Leader to help deliver a high‑quality planning service that supports regeneration, housing growth, environmental quality and economic prosperity.
Bring your planning career to a place where balance, flexibility and wellbeing truly matter. Hybrid working, freedom to shape your week and a generous annual leave package – with the option to buy more. Combine this with a local government pension (18.3% employer contribution) and RTPI membership fee assistance for a role that supports your future as well as your day‑to‑day.
Considering a move? Cumberland offers an appealing mix of vibrant towns, beautiful coastal scenery and easy access to stunning natural landscapes, along with a great quality of life in one of England’s more affordable housing areas.
For candidates moving to Cumberland to take up the position, a relocation allowance may be available subject to meeting qualifying criteria.
About The Role
You’ll lead a team of planning officers, oversee complex and high‑profile planning cases, and provide expert professional advice to applicants, members, partners and stakeholders. You’ll ensure decisions are robust, timely and aligned with policy, while driving service improvements and contributing to the delivery of the Cumberland Local Plan.
What You’ll Do
* Lead, coach and develop a high‑performing Development Management team
* Manage complex planning applications, appeals and enforcement matters
* Represent the Council at planning committees, hearings and inquiries
* Provide clear, consistent advice to customers, members and partners
* Support policy development, service improvements and corporate priorities
* Ensure quality assurance, risk management and effective budget oversight
About You
* Degree in planning or related discipline
* Chartered membership of RTPI or equivalent
* Strong leadership and staff management experience
* Extensive Development Management experience, including work with major developers
* Excellent communication, negotiation and report‑writing skills
* Confident representing the authority in formal or legal settings
* Effective budget and performance management capability
We’re looking for individuals who embody our organisation’s core values: ambitious, collaborative, compassionate, empowering, and innovative. We believe these values drive positive change, deliver excellent public services and shape a better future for our communities.
Contact
For more information about the role or to arrange an informal chat prior to your application, please contact Nick Hayhurst by email at Nick.Hayhurst@Cumberland.gov.uk
Guaranteed Interviews
We offer a guaranteed interview to the following applicants as long as your application can demonstrate you meet the essential criteria for the role.
* Those who consider themselves disabled as defined by the Equality Act 2010
* Those in care or who have left care and are aged 24 and under
* Those who identify as a member of the British Armed Forces community (service leavers, veterans, their partners or spouses, reservists, cadets)
Diversity, Inclusion & Adjustments
We’re dedicated to enhancing the diversity of our workforce and we encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds. That’s why we’re a proud Disability Confident Leader and also an Age Friendly Employer – to provide opportunities for everyone to thrive.
If you need any reasonable adjustments to participate in the recruitment process, please let either the hiring manager or our Resourcing Team know by emailing Resourcing@Cumberland.gov.uk. While adjustments aren’t always guaranteed, we’ll always listen and we’ll try our best to accommodate your needs.
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