Interim Team Leader (Planning)
Central England | Hybrid Working | 6-Month Contract | £65 per Hour
A Local Authority in Central England is seeking an experienced Interim Team Leader (Planning) to provide leadership, oversight, and technical support within a busy Development Management service.
This is a management-focused role suited to a senior planning professional who can confidently oversee a varied caseload, provide direction on complex applications, and support planning officers in delivering high-quality and timely decisions. You will play a key role in ensuring applications progress efficiently through the system while providing clear guidance on challenging and politically sensitive matters.
The Opportunity
Reporting into senior management, you will be responsible for overseeing planning caseloads, supporting officers with complex applications, and ensuring the consistent delivery of an effective planning service.
This role requires a strong technical planning background combined with excellent leadership, decision-making, and stakeholder management skills.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic direction on planning applications and ensure cases progress efficiently through the system
- Support, mentor, and manage planning officers across a varied caseload
- Review and sign off complex planning reports and recommendations
- Act as Lead Officer at Planning Committee when required
- Provide advice on complex and contentious planning applications
- Escalate significant issues and risks appropriately
- Support service delivery, performance management, and workload prioritisation
- Work closely with senior officers, members, applicants, and stakeholders
- Demonstrate strong political awareness and sound professional judgement in decision-making
Candidate Requirements
- Extensive Development Management experience within a UK Local Authority environment
- Previous management or team leadership experience within Planning
- Strong background dealing with complex planning applications and challenging development proposals
- Significant experience assessing proposals within Green Belt and Grey Belt locations
- Thorough understanding of tilted balance considerations and planning judgement
- Experience working on applications involving National Landscapes and major developments
- Knowledge of SANGs (Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspaces), SACs (Special Areas of Conservation), and DCOs (Development Consent Orders)
- Experience advising on greenfield developments, particularly within Green Belt and National Landscape designations
- Excellent report writing, decision-making, and stakeholder management skills
- Confident presenting at committees and advising elected members
Working Arrangements
- £65 per hour
- 6-month contract
- 37 hours per week
- Flexible working pattern
- Hybrid working arrangement
- Minimum 2 days per week in the office initially, with one office day required on Wednesdays
- No regular site visits expected, although attendance may be required should specific issues arise
- Candidates must hold appropriate business-use vehicle insurance due to the nature of the role
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