Contract: Temporary, Full Time (Initial 6-month contract)
Rate: £65.00 – £67.00 per hour (umbrella)
Location: Hybrid – 2 days per week in-office

A progressive Local Authority in Essex is seeking an experienced Planning Development Manager to lead their Development Management service during a period of significant regeneration and growth. This interim leadership role offers a competitive rate of up to £67.00 per hour, a stable 6-month contract, and the opportunity to manage a high-performing team shaping the area’s planning and development future.

The Role

You will lead a team of Principal, Senior, and Planning Officers, overseeing all aspects of Development Management, Planning Enforcement, and administrative support functions. With a wide range of residential, commercial, and strategic schemes coming forward, this role will be central in ensuring the effective delivery of high-quality planning outcomes and service improvement across the board.

You’ll supervise caseloads, review complex applications, support the committee process, and deputise for senior leadership where needed.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage and coordinate the Development Management, Planning Enforcement, and Technical Admin teams

• Allocate caseloads and ensure timely progression and high-quality service delivery

• Determine applications under delegated powers and present cases at Planning Committee

• Represent the council in meetings with stakeholders, developers, Members, and partner agencies

• Support the ongoing improvement of planning processes and service standards

• Provide leadership and mentoring to planning officers at all levels

• Deputise for the Director of Planning as required

About You

• Strong and recent experience managing a local authority planning team

• Thorough knowledge of UK planning legislation and Development Management procedures

• Skilled in handling complex and major planning applications from inception to decision

• Confident in providing robust pre-application advice and presenting to committee

• Proven ability to deliver service improvements and manage competing priorities

• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills

• Degree in Town Planning or equivalent (MRTPI desirable)

Why Apply?

• £57.00 – £67.00 per hour (umbrella)

• 6-month contract with high potential for extension

• Hybrid working – just 2 days per week in-office

• Leadership role in a fast-paced, regeneration-focused environment

• Direct influence over major growth, housing, and infrastructure projects

Interested?

To apply or learn more, contact Billy at Park Avenue Recruitment on 07763 200416 or email [email protected].

Please note: Not all roles are advertised. I work closely with a number of Local Authorities across Essex and the wider East of England, recruiting for contract and interim roles across Development Management, Planning Policy, and Enforcement. Get in touch to explore other opportunities tailored to your experience.