Head of Development Management & Major Projects

Carrington West are assisting their local authority client based in the North of England in the search for a Head of Development Management to join their Town Planning Department on an initial 6 month contract (Extensions likely). The role will require you to lead and manage the Development Management (Including Major projects) and Enforcement functions to provide a modern, customer focussed and business friendly Planning service.

• Develop and maintain effective relationships with physical development and regeneration partners across the City, regionally and nationally.
• Develop and maintain a clear understanding of the needs, concerns and expectations of local communities and ensure these are fairly represented in the Planning process.
• Implement relevant core Regeneration and Planning strategies and associated policies.
• Effectively manage the development management service including setting objectives and managing performance.
• Effectively manage, support and promote the development of Council policy and joint strategic plans.
• Provide strong performance management of the Planning Service by owning and developing service planning, robust financial and budget management and performance measurement ensuring that continuous improvement, value for money and best value are delivered.
• Assess staff performance and set appropriate target levels of service. Create a positive learning and working environment through delegation and mentoring. Initiate and develop strong working relationships, both internally and externally.
• Build and maintain effective networks in order to seek out new ideas and innovations to improve service delivery.
• Deal with conflicting demands to establish corporate priorities.
• Attend committee meetings, other member bodies and such external working groups as required.
• Represent the Planning Service at local and regional events as required for learning and sharing opportunities.
• To oversee the delivery of major development projects of strategic importance to the City. This key role will work across traditional boundaries within the planning profession and involve the areas of development control, planning policy design and implementation.
• To oversee strategic/regionally important planning applications (and associated detailed applications) from submission through negotiation and determination, to implementation and delivery.
• To co ordinate, manage and lead the statutory Development Management function across the Planning and Enforcement Teams.
• To monitor and manage the Development Management / Enforcement work programme including the management and reporting of collection and expenditure of Section 106 monetary contributions.
• To develop and implement systems and procedures to ensure that all services are carried out in a timely, accurate and efficient manner, leading to the achievement of the City Developments Portfolios Business Plan, Planning Service and Government performance targets.
• Responding to development enquiries from within and outside the Council, including the provision of advice to the Senior Managers in respect of the Council's land holdings.
• To take lead responsibility for the Development Management function at the Planning Committee and other appropriate meetings of the Council including the preparation of information, editorial responsibility for reports and liaison with Committee Services.
• To ensure co ordination and liaison with staff in the Building Control team.
• To ensure that Development Management makes a positive contribution to the strategic Local Plan including the preparation of land use allocations and development management policies based on sound evidence.
• To lead to ensure that the key processes for local development document production are undertaken, including statutory, regulatory and technical requirements; continuous community involvement in accordance with the Statement of Community Involvement and Sustainability and other appraisals and assessments; negotiation with outside agencies and dealing with elected members.
• To lead on implementing, monitoring and reviewing statutory development management policies/case law, planning strategies and proposals in relation to the Local Plan and other non statutory guidance