Area Planning Manager
Matchtech
Our client, a leader in the highways sector, is seeking an accomplished Area Planning Manager to join their team on a contract basis.
Key Responsibilities:
Development Management:
- Determining large and complex planning applications
- Providing professional planning advice on strategic development projects
- Preparing reports and recommendations for planning decisions
Leadership & Management:
- Directly managing Principal Planning Officers and overseeing wider planning teams
- Conducting performance management, appraisals, mentoring, and staff development
- Deputising for the Planning & Development Services Manager
Committee & Public Representation:
- Leading as the principal officer at planning committees
- Presenting reports and evidence at committees, hearings, inquiries, and meetings
- Acting as the senior planning contact for elected members, applicants, and stakeholders
Stakeholder Management:
- Building relationships with councillors, developers, planning agents, and consultees
- Collaborating with internal departments and external partners
- Handling complaints, MP enquiries, and other regulatory responses
Strategic & Senior-Level Capability:
- Operating as a senior officer with autonomy
- Leading projects and service improvements
- Supporting the delivery of council priorities and corporate development projects
- Ensuring governance, compliance, and service performance standards are met
Job Requirements:
- Strong development management experience
- In-depth knowledge of Town & Country Planning legislation and planning policy
- Significant experience handling major planning applications
- Proficiency in preparing reports and recommendations for planning decisions
- Leadership skills with team management, mentoring, and staff development experience
- Experience presenting reports and evidence at committees
- Ability to build and maintain relationships with stakeholders
- Experience in operating as a senior officer with strategic capabilities
Ideal Candidate Summary:
The ideal candidate would be an experienced Area Planning Manager, Development Management Manager, Principal Planning Officer, or Senior Planning Officer with local authority planning experience, team leadership, significant involvement in major planning applications, strong presentation skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively with councillors, developers, and senior stakeholders.
If you are a proficient Planning Manager with experience in the highways sector, we invite you to apply now to join our client's dynamic and forward-thinking team.
Application opens at the source listing. Free for jobseekers.