Interim Head of Development Management & Major Projects (Building)

Job Purpose

To lead and manage the Development Management and Enforcement functions to provide a modern, customer‑focused and business‑friendly Planning service.

Directly Responsible To

Director of Planning and Building Control

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain effective relationships with physical development and regeneration partners across the City, regionally and nationally.
• Develop and maintain a clear understanding of the needs, concerns and expectations of local communities and ensure these are fairly represented in the Planning process.
• Implement relevant core Regeneration and Planning strategies and associated policies.
• Effectively manage the development management service including setting objectives and managing performance.
• Effectively manage, support and promote the development of Council policy and joint strategic plans.
• Provide strong performance management of the Planning Service by owning and developing service planning, robust financial and budget management, and performance measurement to ensure continuous improvement, value for money and best value.
• Assess staff performance and set appropriate target levels of service.
• Create a positive learning and working environment through delegation and mentoring.
• Build and maintain effective networks to seek out new ideas and innovations to improve service delivery.
• Deal with conflicting demands to establish corporate priorities.
• Attend committee meetings, other member bodies and external working groups as required.
• Represent the Planning Service at local and regional events as required for learning and sharing opportunities.
• Oversee the delivery of major development projects of strategic importance to the City, working across traditional boundaries within the planning profession.
• Oversee strategic/regionally important planning applications from submission through negotiation and determination, to implementation and delivery.
• Co‑ordinate, manage and lead the statutory Development Management function across the Planning and Enforcement Teams.
• Monitor and manage the Development Management / Enforcement work programme, including the reporting of Section 106 monetary contributions.
• Develop and implement systems and procedures to ensure services are carried out in a timely, accurate and efficient manner, supporting the City Developments Portfolios Business Plan and government performance targets.
• Respond to development enquiries from within and outside the Council, including advice to Senior Managers regarding the Council’s land holdings.
• Take lead responsibility for the Development Management function at the Planning Committee and other appropriate meetings of the City Council, preparing information, editing reports and liaising with Committee Services.
• Ensure coordination and liaison with staff in the Building Control team.
• Ensure Development Management contributes positively to the strategic Local Plan, preparing land use allocations and development management policies based on sound evidence.
• Lead the key processes for local development document production, ensuring statutory, regulatory and technical requirements, continuous community involvement, and negotiation with outside agencies and elected members.
• Lead the implementation, monitoring and review of statutory development management policies/case law, planning strategies and proposals in relation to the Local Plan and non‑statutory guidance.
• Assist in undertaking city‑wide and area‑based planning policy preparation and implementation.
• Champion social value, ensuring it is integral to service provision and procurement, delivering wider social, economic and environmental benefits.
• Manage council resources efficiently, complying with statutory requirements, and reducing personal impact through waste avoidance, reuse and recycling.
• Embed the Local Plans vision and strategic priorities in planning decision making to maximise development opportunities.
• Have a good understanding of contract management.
• Liaise with other local authorities, the Combined Authority and organisations on development plans and strategic planning policy issues, ensuring compliance with the duty to cooperate.
• Represent the Council and Director of Planning & Building Control in committee meetings, other member bodies and external working groups as required.
• Promote and implement business excellence throughout the service.
• Develop and maintain information systems to support plan, strategy and policy development work.
• Monitor, review and ensure a balanced and cost‑effective discharge of the Services function, organising and continuously developing working practices.
• Contribute to the delivery of the Council Plan.
• Deliver and promote excellent customer service, internally and externally.
• Contribute to sustainable development in all duties undertaken.
• Ensure business continuity, emergency planning and risk management, maintaining health and safety and duty of care responsibilities.
• Participate in the tactical / out‑of‑hours rota.
• Commit to managing people well, in line with the Council’s People Plan.
• Complete the relevant leadership development programme.

Supervision and Management Responsibility

• Ensure activities are planned to include meaningful one‑to‑one conversations, quality annual appraisals and regular workforce planning and development.
• Manage performance and behavioural issues effectively.
• Complete the relevant leadership development programme.
• Motivate and develop staff within the service, maximizing their personal development and facilitating the achievement of individual targets and the portfolio’s business and service aims and objectives.

Budget and Financial Responsibility

• Manage the functional cost centre budget.
• Account for council resources while complying with statutory requirements, including waste avoidance, reuse and recycling.
• Manage trading and non‑trading accounts, including dangerous structures.
• Monitor financial performance, deliver within budget, and seek savings and efficiencies.
• Set and monitor budgets while challenging the team to deliver increased efficiencies.
• Explore options for funding and income generation.

Social Value Responsibility

• Drive social value through all activities, ensuring wider social, economic and environmental benefits for the council, residents and communities.

Corporate Responsibility

• Contribute to the delivery of the Council Plan.
• Deliver and promote excellent customer service, internally and externally.
• Address customer feedback, including complaints, and use it for continuous improvement.
• Make the council a great place to work by living council values, engaging in regular communication, undertaking training and managing own performance.
• Develop the Council’s commitment to equal opportunities and promote non‑discriminatory practices in all work.
• Ensure all work functions comply with health and safety legislation, codes of practice and the Council’s safety plan.

Competency Framework

The post holder will be required to demonstrate the ability to perform at the following competency level 4.

Qualification, Training and Experience

• A degree, diploma or equivalent experience in Town Planning. The qualification must be RTPI recognised (A, I).
• Further training in management, urban design, heritage, local planning or other allied skills to Development Management (A, I).

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