Helmsley, North Yorkshire
The North York Moors National Park Authority helps to look after one of the most wonderful parts of the British Isles. Filled with beautiful moorlands and fantastic woodland, the North York Moors is a unique area with a diversity of landscape and wildlife. It provides a high quality of life combining a remote and tranquil upland with one of the country’s finest coastlines yet within travelling distance of the attractions and heritage of the city of York.
We are now seeking a Head of Development Management to lead our DM planning and enforcement team. This is a full-time role, but we also welcome applications from those seeking part-time hours or flexible working arrangements.
The Benefits
* Salary up to £55,000 (£45,091– £52,413 plus a market supplement of up to £2,586) for 37 hours per week
* Local Government Pension Scheme
* 25 days’ annual leave, rising annually to 30 days after five years’ service, plus eight public holidays
* Flexitime system to support work-life balance
* A collaborative and supportive team environment
* Opportunities to engage in volunteering activities and director training days
This is a fantastic and rare opportunity for a skilled development management professional with RTPI membership to lead a high-performing team in a stunning and unique National Park environment.
You’ll have the chance to shape the future of the built environment in the North York Moors, working collaboratively with planning applicants, their agents and other stakeholders. You’ll be making a meaningful impact on conservation and community well-being as well as involvement in the wider corporate leadership of the Authority.
Plus, with excellent benefits, flexible working options, and a supportive team environment, this role offers the perfect balance between professional achievement and personal wellbeing.
The Role
As the Head of Development Management, you will lead our friendly and talented Development Management and Enforcement team, ensuring the delivery of an efficient, high-quality service, resulting in development that enhances our protected landscape.
You will oversee the preparation and presentation of planning committee reports, ensuring timely and accurate submissions, and manage a small caseload of complex and contentious applications.
As a member of our Senior Leadership Team, you will contribute to the preparation of plans and policies for managing development in the National Park and have the opportunity to get involved in wider project delivery as well.
You will also ensure effective appeal management, preparing statements and presenting evidence at hearings and public inquiries.
About You
To be considered as the Head of Development Management, you will need:
* Significant post-qualification experience in development management
* Experience working successfully with local communities
* The proven ability to lead, motivate, and manage skilled teams
* A keen interest in and commitment to the aims and purposes of Protected Landscapes
* Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills
* Exceptional written and verbal communication abilities, including report writing and presentation skills
* Confidence in decision-making, empathy, and the ability to navigate complex issues
* Full membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI)
The closing date for this role is midnight on 18 June 2025.
Interviews are to be held on Tuesday 1 July 2025.
Other organisations may call this role Development Planning Manager, Head of Planning Services, or Planning and Development Manager.
Webrecruit and North York Moors National Park Authority are equal opportunities employers, value diversity and are strongly committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and all applicants for employment. Equal opportunities are the only acceptable way to conduct business, and we believe that the more inclusive our environments are, the better our work will be.
So, if you’re seeking your next challenge as the Head of Development Management, please apply via the button shown. This vacancy is being advertised by Webrecruit. The services advertised by Webrecruit are those of an Employment Agency.
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