Head of Development Management and Strategic Planning

Head of Development Management and Strategic PlanningSouth London£650 per day

About the Role:

A local authority is seeking an ambitious and experienced Head of Development Management and Planning to lead the strategic management of the Council's statutory planning function. This is a unique opportunity to drive high-quality development and shape the future of the borough, ensuring it remains sustainable, inclusive, and forward-thinking.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic leadership in the development of planning policies, strategies, and masterplans to enable high-quality, low-carbon development.
• Oversee all statutory planning functions as the Chief Planning Officer, ensuring efficient management of planning applications from inception to completion.
• Support major regeneration and investment programmes, including town centre and housing estate regeneration, biodiversity enhancements, and the London Cancer Hub.
• Work closely with senior leadership, elected members, and the Planning Committee to provide impartial expert advice.
• Drive transformation within the service to modernise and align with financial and operational goals.
• Build strong partnerships with the GLA and South London boroughs to advocate for regional investment priorities in the London Plan.
• Ensure efficient management of resources, including a revenue budget of approximately £1.5M and a team of around 40 staff.
• Lead the development and implementation of key planning policies, ensuring compliance with local, regional, and national legislation.
• Maximise development-generated income streams, including s106 agreements, the Community Infrastructure Levy, carbon offset funds, and biodiversity net gains.

Person Specification:

Essential Qualifications & Experience:

• Educated to degree level or equivalent and holding Chartered Planner status.
• Substantial senior management experience in development management, strategic planning, or building control.
• Proven ability to provide strategic advice and briefings to senior leadership, elected members, and committees.
• Experience leading high-profile, customer-focused planning services and managing complex stakeholder relationships.
• Strong knowledge of relevant legislation and best practices in urban planning, development management, sustainability, transport planning, and urban design.

Skills & Competencies:

• Ability to position planning as an enabler of high-quality, sustainable development.
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to develop and motivate a high-performing team.
• Strong relationship-building skills with government agencies, developers, local authorities, and community groups.
• Astute political awareness and experience in providing strategic advice to elected officials.
• Excellent communication skills, including report writing, negotiation, and public speaking.
• Strong problem-solving ability and a commitment to continuous service improvement.

Why Join?

• Influence the future of a dynamic and growing borough.
• Lead on high-profile regeneration and planning initiatives.
• Work in a forward-thinking local authority committed to sustainability, innovation, and high-quality urban design.