Development Management Lead Officer
37 hours per week
Permanent
£54,495 - £59,587 per annum plus £4,000 market forces supplement
Malvern Hills and Wychavon District Councils are pursuing an ambitious growth strategy supported by the South Worcestershire Development Plan Review (SWDPR). The plan calls for over 20,000 homes and 300 hectares of employment land in the next 15 years, including a major new community at Wychavon Town (approximately 10,000 homes). Alongside this growth, the councils are advancing regeneration programmes for town centres such as Evesham and Droitwich Spa.
This role offers the chance to shape the future of some of the fastest‑growing districts in the West Midlands, delivering sustainable communities with new infrastructure, employment opportunities and high‑quality places.
As Development Management Lead Officer, reporting to the Head of Development Management, you will provide leadership and direction to a team of planning and enforcement officers within the Council’s Joint Planning Service.
The role involves operational leadership for Development Management: managing day‑to‑day planning application processing, enforcement coordination and service performance across the joint service. You will deliver an efficient, high‑quality planning service, ensure workloads are balanced, meet performance targets and service standards, and act as lead officer for Planning Committees. You will present applications, advise members, make recommendations based on policy, review officer reports and issue delegated decisions where applicable.
You will work closely with colleagues, applicants, agents, members of the public and other stakeholders. Strong communication skills and the ability to engage constructively with a wide range of stakeholders are essential, alongside a commitment to delivering an excellent, responsive planning service.
About You
* Comprehensive and up‑to‑date knowledge of planning law and practice
* Degree level education, recognised qualification in town planning and full RTPI membership
* Good computer literacy – MS Office, property databases and GIS systems
* Ability to work under pressure and manage a caseload of complex or contentious planning applications; committed, ambitious and eager to develop within the role
* Excellent presentation and communication skills
* Appreciation of good design and ability to negotiate planning obligations within tight deadlines
* Outstanding customer care and commitment to performance improvement
Leadership experience is required; you should be able to lead a team, work collaboratively and bring a friendly approach. Regular Planning Committee meetings and site visits are part of the role – full driving licence, personal car and willingness to travel across the districts are essential.
The role is based at either the Council House, Malvern or the Civic Centre, Pershore. Please state your preferred base location in your application; regular attendance at both offices is required.
What We Can Offer
* Excellent pension scheme with employer contributions
* Generous annual leave entitlement with options to purchase additional days
* Committed training programme and development opportunities
* On‑site nursery with 20% staff discount (Pershore office)
* Discounted gym and swim membership
* Health and wellbeing support, Free Employee Assistance Scheme with counselling services
* Cycle to Work scheme
* Employee discounts with a range of companies, including EE and the Kaarp discount scheme
Malvern Hills District Council does not currently offer sponsorship for candidates without the Right to Work in the UK.
To discuss the post or for further information, please call Ciaran Power, Head of Development Management, 01684 862317, or Ian Macleod, Director of Planning and Infrastructure, 07823 535035.
Closing date: Sunday 19 April 2026
Interview dates: Monday 27 April & Wednesday 29 April 2026
Note: if we receive a high intake of applications, we may close the role and interview sooner than advertised.
#J-18808-Ljbffr