Salary: £51,356 – £52,413 per annum
Hours: 37 hours per week (part‑time hours may be considered)
Location: Allerdale House, Workington
Contract: Permanent
About This Opportunity
Cumberland Council is looking for an experienced and motivated Development Management Team Leader to help deliver a high‑quality planning service that supports regeneration, housing growth, environmental quality, and economic prosperity. The role offers hybrid working, a generous annual leave package, an outstanding local government pension with an 18.3% employer contribution, and assistance with RTPI membership fees. A relocation allowance may be available for candidates moving to Cumberland.
About the Role
You will lead a team of planning officers, oversee complex and high‑profile planning cases, and provide expert professional advice to applicants, Members, partners, and stakeholders. You will ensure decisions are robust, timely, and aligned with policy while driving service improvements and contributing to the delivery of the Cumberland Local Plan.
What You’ll Do
- Lead, coach, and develop a high‑performing Development Management team
- Manage complex planning applications, appeals and enforcement matters
- Represent the Council at planning committees, hearings and inquiries
- Provide clear, consistent advice to customers, Members and partners
- Support policy development, service improvements and corporate priorities
- Ensure quality assurance, risk management and effective budget oversight
About You
- Degree in planning or related discipline
- Chartered membership of RTPI or equivalent
- Strong leadership and staff management experience
- Extensive Development Management experience, including work with major developers
- Excellent communication, negotiation and report‑writing skills
- Confident representing the authority in formal or legal settings
- Effective budget and performance management capability
Guaranteed Interviews
We offer a guaranteed interview to the following applicants, provided your application demonstrates that you meet the essential criteria for the role:
- People who consider themselves disabled as defined by the Equality Act 2010
- Those in care or who have left care and are aged 24 and under
- Those who identify as a member of the British Armed Forces community (service leavers, veterans, their partners or spouses, reservists, cadets)
Diversity, Inclusion & Adjustments
We are committed to enhancing the diversity of our workforce and encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds. We are a proud Disability Confident Leader and an Age Friendly Employer. If you need any reasonable adjustments to participate in the recruitment process, please let either the hiring manager or our Resourcing Team know by emailing Resourcing@Cumberland.gov.uk. While adjustments are not always guaranteed, we will listen and do our best to accommodate your needs.
Contact
For more information about the role or to arrange an informal chat prior to your application, please contact Nick Hayhurst by email at Nick.Hayhurst@Cumberland.gov.uk.
Closing Date
Sunday 14th June 2026 (the role may close early subject to demand; we cannot accept applications once the role has closed).
Interview Date
To be confirmed.
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