Deputy Team Leader Planning Applications

Job Description

Grade 9 - £54,267- £58,461pa.

Help Shape Havering's Future:

Are you an experienced planning professional looking to take the next step in your leadership career? Do you thrive on managing complex planning applications, leading teams and delivering high-quality outcomes that support growth and regeneration?

Deputy Team Leader - Planning Applications

The London Borough of Havering is seeking a talented Deputy Team Leader - Planning Applications to support the delivery of an ambitious Development Management service at a time of significant growth and investment across the borough. Working alongside the Planning Applications Team Leader, you will play a key role in ensuring high-quality planning decisions that help shape Havering's future.

About The Role

As Deputy Team Leader, you will support the management and operational delivery of a busy Planning Applications Team responsible for determining over 2,700 planning applications annually. You will deputise for the Team Leader when required, supervise planning officers, manage a complex caseload and contribute to the strategic direction and continuous improvement of the Development Management service.

This is an exciting opportunity to influence development across the borough, work on challenging and high-profile applications, and help deliver growth and regeneration in line with the Havering Local Plan.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in leading and managing the Planning Applications Team and deputise for the Team Leader when required.
• Manage and determine complex and strategically important planning applications.
• Supervise and support planning officers, helping to develop a high-performing team.
• Prepare and present reports on major and controversial applications to Planning Committee.
• Provide high-quality pre-application advice and negotiate planning obligations.
• Represent and defend the Council's decisions at appeal.
• Work closely with councillors, developers, consultants and local communities.
• Contribute to service planning, performance management and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Foster strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to achieve successful project outcomes.

About You

We are looking for an experienced planning professional who can combine technical expertise with effective leadership skills.

You will have:

• A fully RTPI-accredited degree with at least four years' relevant post-qualification experience, or a degree in another discipline with at least five years' relevant post-qualification planning experience.
• Eligibility to become a Chartered Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI).
• Significant experience dealing with complex planning applications and development management matters.
• Experience supervising, mentoring or managing staff within a planning environment.
• Strong knowledge of planning legislation, planning policy and local government processes.
• Excellent negotiation, communication and report-writing skills.
• The ability to make sound decisions within politically sensitive and complex environments.
• A commitment to delivering excellent customer service and promoting equality, diversity and inclusion.

What We Offer

At Havering, we value our employees and offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Competitive Grade 9 salary.
• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), one of the UK's leading public sector pension schemes.
• Generous annual leave entitlement plus bank holidays.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements where service requirements permit.
• Excellent training and development opportunities, including support for Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
• Access to employee wellbeing and assistance programmes.
• Staff discounts and employee benefits scheme.
• Opportunities to work on exciting developments that will help shape the future of the borough.
• A supportive and collaborative working environment committed to career progression and professional growth.

Why Join Havering?

Havering is one of London's largest boroughs and is undergoing a period of significant regeneration, investment and growth. This role offers the opportunity to influence major developments, support talented planning professionals and play a leading role in delivering sustainable growth for our communities.

Additional Information

The role will involve site visits, attendance at Planning Committees and other evening meetings where required. Applicants should hold a valid driving licence and have access to suitable transport arrangements to undertake the duties of the role.

The closing date for the receipt of applications is 27/9/26.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

The London Borough of Havering is committed to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We welcome applications from all sections of the community and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.

About Us

With its excellent transport links into central London, extensive town centre regeneration and the highest concentration of green space anywhere in London, Havering has a unique offer as a place to live, work and visit. By making the most of its position and opportunities, Havering is becoming a hub for start-ups and expanding businesses, as well as construction, logistics, engineering and manufacturing industries.

Find out why you should work for Havering Council.