Development Manager

Company: Local Government Chronicle
Apply for the Development Manager
Location: Havant
Job Description:

Overview

Development Manager – Havant, UK • Hybrid, typically 2–3 days a week in Havant

Make a visible difference to a place that’s ready to move forward. If you care about supporting planners to do their best work, this is a role with real purpose.

The Development Management service oversees the processing of planning applications, including complex major developments, ensuring they align with our long-term strategic goals for regeneration and sustainable development. The role will manage an established service, providing clear leadership, consistency and a renewed sense of direction.

What you’ll lead and deliver

  • Lead the DM team day to day to ensure timely, well-reasoned decisions and a reliable service to residents, Members and developers.
  • Manage a group of planners and technical officers, support them through complex cases, and provide the clarity and structure the service needs.
  • Establish consistent performance expectations, case management standards and a strong customer experience.
  • Drive improvements to processes, workflows and reporting to make the service run more smoothly.
  • Foster constructive, professional relationships with Members and applicants.
  • Maintain a supportive team environment with coaching, guidance and day-to-day problem-solving.
  • Deliver outcomes that support the Local Plan and wider regeneration of the borough.

About You

You’re an experienced DM professional who understands the pressures and realities of the work. You’re steady, fair and good at building confidence in a team. You know how to keep cases moving, balance risk, and support officers while raising standards. You want a role where you can make a practical impact and help a service feel proud of the quality it delivers.

For a confidential conversation about the role, please contact our executive search partners GatenbySanderson: Kembi Coakelin (kembi.coakelin@gatenbysanderson.com) and Louise Bickley (louise.bickley@gatenbysanderson.com).

Details

Closing date: Sunday 26 April

Employer: Havant Borough Council • Havant, UK

Contract: Temporary

Salary: £64,021 – £69,728 • Hybrid, typically 2–3 days a week in Havant

Published on 27 Mar 2026

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Posted: March 30th, 2026