Deputy Team Manager (Planning)

Deputy Team Manager - Development Management

Royal Borough Council | 3-Month Contract

Location: Woolwich, London

Rate: £55.00 per hour (Umbrella)

Contract: 3-Month Contract

Hours: Full-Time

Pay: Bi-Weekly

Summary

We are seeking a seasoned planning professional to join our Local Authority Development Management Service as a Deputy Team Manager within the Place and Growth Directorate. This role is pivotal in supporting the Strategic Development, East Area, or West Area Planning Manager by leading a high-performing planning team, managing complex planning applications, and ensuring the delivery of top-tier planning services across the borough. Responsibilities include handling a diverse range of planning applications and appeals, spearheading pre-application discussions, presenting reports to the Planning Committee, and stepping in for the Team Manager as needed.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist the Team Manager in steering the Development Management Service and act as a deputy when necessary.
  
• Oversee a complex portfolio of planning applications, appeals, and pre-application inquiries.
  
• Make determinations on planning applications under delegated authority.
  
• Draft, review, and approve planning reports, recommendations, permissions, refusals, and enforcement actions.
  
• Lead pre-application discussions for various development proposals.
  
• Present applications and reports to the Planning Committee and participate in committee meetings as required.
  
• Manage planning appeals, hearings, inquiries, and court proceedings.
  
• Offer expert planning advice to applicants, developers, architects, residents, Members, and statutory consultees.
  
• Negotiate planning obligations, Section 106 Agreements, and Planning Performance Agreements (PPAs).
  
• Supervise, mentor, and develop planning officers and technical staff.
  
• Manage consultant and agency planning resources as needed.
  
• Monitor team performance to ensure statutory and corporate targets are met.
  
• Support service improvement, business change initiatives, and continuous professional development within the team.
  
• Collaborate with the Planning Inspectorate, Greater London Authority, Historic England, neighboring authorities, and other stakeholders.
  
• Ensure compliance with planning legislation, Council policies, FOI, Environmental Information Regulations, and GDPR requirements.
  

Essential

Requirements

Requirements:

• Degree in Town Planning or a related field.
  
• At least 3 years of experience in Development Management or Development Control.
  
• Experience with a broad range of planning applications in an urban setting.
  
• Proficiency in handling planning appeals, hearings, and inquiries.
  
• Experience in preparing reports and presenting cases to Planning Committees.
  
• Strong understanding of Development Management practices, planning legislation, Government policy, and planning procedures.
  
• Experience in negotiating Section 106 Agreements and planning obligations.
  
• Ability to provide sound planning advice on complex development proposals.
  
• Excellent report writing, communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
  
• Experience in supervising or mentoring planning officers.
  
• Ability to work effectively within a political environment and advise elected Members.
  
• Experience working with public, private, and community stakeholders.
  
• Capability to meet performance targets and manage competing priorities.
  
• Willingness to attend evening committee meetings when required.
  
• Understanding of Equal Opportunities, Health & Safety, and GDPR requirements.
  

Desirable

• RTPI Membership (MRTPI) or eligibility for membership.
  
• Previous experience as a Deputy Team Manager, Principal Planner, Planning Team Leader, or Senior Planning Officer.
  
• Experience managing consultant or contract planning staff.
  
• Experience leading Planning Performance Agreements (PPAs).
  
• Experience driving service improvement and change programs.
  

Additional

• Attendance at committee meetings, hearings, inquiries, and site visits as required.
  
• No DBS requirement.
  
• Flexibility to attend meetings outside normal office hours when necessary.
  

What's on Offer?

• £55.00 per hour (Umbrella)
  
• 3-Month Contract
  
• Full-Time Hours
  
• Bi-Weekly Pay
  
• Leadership opportunity within a dynamic Local Authority planning service.
  
• Exposure to major and complex planning applications and developments.
  
• Supportive and collaborative team environment.
  
• Potential for contract extension.
  

Ideal for candidates with experience as a Deputy Team Manager, Principal Planner, Senior Planning Officer, Planning Team Leader, Development Management Team Leader, Principal Planning Officer, Planning Manager, Major Applications Officer, or Development Management Officer.