Planning and Development Area Manager - SHEER JOBS LIMITED : Job Details

The Planning and Development Area Manager will serve as the lead officer for two out of four Area Planning Committees, managing teams of development management officers focused on delivering high-quality development in Somerset. The role entails reporting to the Head of Service, deputising for the Service Manager, and ensuring exemplary service performance that meets national/legal requirements while addressing the needs of various stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the two development management area teams, ensuring a customer-focused approach in determining planning applications.
• Assist the Service Manager in overseeing the Development Management Service and coordinating with internal and external consultees.
• Manage applications from the pre-application stage through to implementation, ensuring compliance with client policies.
• Drive the teams to exceed performance targets and enhance income through application fees.
• Act as the lead professional officer at Area Planning Committees to support sound decision-making aligned with client objectives, including climate change and affordable housing.
• Deputise for senior management, supporting complex applications and engaging with senior officials and members.
• Prepare and present clear reports and recommendations for Area Committees, ensuring legal and procedural compliance.
• Represent the client in public inquiries, informal hearings, and court, addressing complaints and enquiries as needed.
• Directly manage and mentor Principal Planning Officers, focusing on team performance and individual welfare.

Knowledge

• Knowledge of statutory regulations relating to planning and related functions (including environmental legislation and regulations
• Knowledge of project management methodologies and tools

Experience

• Operational and managerial experience of the delivery of local authority planning services, development management functions and team leadership.
• Experience in designing and implementing service transformation processes to deliver service change and improvement.
• Significant experience in leading, managing and developing a large team and service area.
• Significant experience in performance management in the corporate context and external accountabilities.
• Experience in providing professional advice on complex and controversial applications to planning committees.
• Knowledge of providing strategic input to wider place-based policy development and strategy.
• Experience of giving evidence at Public Inquiries/Development Plan Examination.
• Significant experience in handling customer complaints and enquiries.
• Qualifications / Registrations / Certifications
• Educated to degree level, ideally in planning, geography or a related subject.
• Chartered member of the Royal Town Planning Institute (MRTPI) or eligible to be a member.
• Management qualification ILM 5 or higher.
• Evidence of continual professional development is required by the requirements of the professional institute.

Skills

• Able to advise/guide senior management and elected members on complex/specialist issues related to the planning service areas, spanning local casework, service performance and long-term strategic planning.
• Resilient by nature and have excellent communication skills, due to the significant portions of their time they spend interacting with the public, statutory consultees, stakeholders and elected representatives.
• Ability to provide professional advice and guidance
• Attention to detail in checking decisions
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with partner organisations
• Good interpersonal skills and a team player