Team Leader - Development Management

Team Leader (Planning) – Development Management

Salary: £55,351 - £59,665
Location: The Burys, Godalming, Surrey GU7 1HR / Hybrid working
Hours: Full time, 37 hours per week

About the role

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our Planning service as a Team Leader (Development Management). You will play a key leadership role within one of our three Development Management teams, helping to deliver high‑quality, sustainable development across the borough.

Reporting to the Joint Executive Head of Planning Development, you will lead and manage a team of professional planning officers, ensuring the timely and effective determination of planning applications while maintaining excellent customer service standards.

This is a senior role requiring strong leadership, sound professional judgement and the ability to work confidently with elected members, developers, residents and a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the operational management of a Development Management team (Major & Minor Applications, Applications & Enforcement, or Strategic Sites)
• Manage performance, workloads and professional development of officers within the team
• Determine planning applications under delegated powers and oversee sensitive and complex cases
• Take the lead on applications reported to Planning Committee, including presenting reports
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with councillors, developers, partners and communities
• Represent the Council at appeals, hearings and inquiries where required
• Contribute to service planning, improvement projects and wider strategic objectives
• Ensure performance targets, quality standards and customer service expectations are met

About you

You will be an experienced planning professional with a strong track record of leadership and decision‑making in a development management environment. You will bring excellent communication skills, political awareness and the ability to balance performance pressures with high‑quality outcomes.

Essential requirements include:

• Degree or equivalent qualification in a planning discipline
• Full Chartered Membership of the RTPI
• Significant senior‑level experience in development management
• Strong leadership, influencing and negotiation skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• A commitment to customer service, equality and continuous improvement

Why join us?

Waverley is an ambitious authority committed to professionalism, collaboration and wellbeing. We offer:

• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
• A supportive and engaged leadership team
• Opportunities for professional development and CPD
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• A chance to make a real impact on the future of our communities

Please note:
No agencies or speculative CVs please. Direct applications only.