Development Manager - Planning

£0.00

Abingdon on Thames

£74,170 - £80,511

Full Time

Planning

9 September 2025

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Why join us

We believe in putting our people first – we work hard every day to make sure everyone can achieve a healthy and enjoyable work-life-balance. That is why we have a very flexible hours system. We also believe in each of us challenging and improving. We love success and we reward hard work. 

We are seen as being customer focused and approachable. We are honest and open and are committed to providing high quality cost-effective public services. 

About the role 

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Development Manager. In this pivotal role, you will provide strong corporate and operational leadership, working closely with the Head of Service and senior colleagues to drive service excellence, support strategic priorities, and embed a culture of high performance, accountability, and continuous improvement. You'll be responsible for aligning the service with both councils’ objectives, building effective partnerships with internal and external stakeholders, and promoting a collaborative, customer-focused approach to service delivery. 

As Development Manager, you will lead and inspire multidisciplinary teams, ensure compliance with planning legislation, represent the councils at appeals and public meetings, and provide expert advice in a politically sensitive environment. The role also involves active contribution to corporate planning, budget management, staff development, and cross-council initiatives. This position operates on an 18-month rotational cycle with other Development Managers, offering the opportunity to broaden your leadership impact across the service.

Essential criteria for the role

    • A relevant professional qualification or equivalent demonstrable vocational experience
    • Proven successful line management experience
    • In-depth knowledge and experience of at least one of the significant service functions
    • Experience of development management, performance monitoring and managing budgets 

Key responsibilities for the role

    • Corporate management - To assist the head of service in providing strong and effective corporate and operational management of both councils. 
    • Service management - To ensure strong and robust leadership and management of the service.
    • To deliver a development management service in a timely way that meets the requirements of legislation.
    • To ensure the councils are represented effectively and expert evidence is provided on planning matters at examinations, appeals and public meetings.
    • To possess in-depth knowledge and experience of town planning and deal with planning matters within a politically sensitive environment 

A full list of the duties this role provides, as well as the benefits we offer, can be found within the job description.   

Thank you for taking the time to read our advert, we look forward to receiving your application. 

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