• An experienced Area Planning Service Manager is required to lead and manage the Area Planning Team (North), including planning enforcement functions, within a local authority setting.

• The postholder will be responsible for overseeing the delivery of all development management services, ensuring high performance, excellent customer service, and compliance with statutory planning requirements.

• This is a key leadership position, requiring a strategic thinker with strong operational management skills and the ability to drive continuous improvement while maintaining a culture of professionalism, accountability, and resident-focused service delivery.

• Lead and manage professional planning and enforcement teams, ensuring high standards of performance and service delivery.

• Oversee the processing of planning applications (major, minor, and household), pre-application advice, appeals, and enforcement matters.

• Monitor performance against service plans and national/local KPIs, implementing corrective actions where necessary.

• Act as a lead representative for the local planning authority at Planning Committees, Public Inquiries, and court proceedings.

• Manage team resources, budgets, and workloads effectively to meet service and statutory deadlines.

• Promote customer-focused service delivery aligned with the organisation’s values and standards.

• Develop and implement continuous improvement initiatives, modernisation programmes, and e-planning solutions.

• Provide professional planning advice to senior officers, elected members, and external stakeholders.

• Ensure all planning processes and policies comply with current legislation, guidance, and local priorities.

• Foster collaborative working relationships with internal teams, elected members, developers, community groups, and regional agencies.

• Deputise for the Head of Development Management when required and support wider service objectives.

• Minimum five years’ experience managing development management or planning enforcement teams within local government.

• Strong understanding of statutory planning functions, including S106, CIL, and relevant legislation.

• Proven experience in performance management, budget control, and service improvement.

• Demonstrated ability to manage complex caseloads and deliver decisions within statutory timescales.

• Excellent leadership, people management, and team development skills.

• Experience handling public inquiries, appeals, and presenting at planning committees.

• Strong negotiation, communication, and stakeholder engagement abilities.

• Sound project management and organisational skills, with attention to detail and accuracy.

• Up-to-date knowledge of national planning policy, local government operations, and modern service delivery methods.

• Degree in Town Planning or a related discipline and eligibility for RTPI membership (essential).

• Valid UK driving licence and ability to attend evening meetings when required.

• Hours: 36 per week (Monday to Friday, 09:00–17:00).