Planning Development Manager

Oxford Based - Hybrid working

£450 - £500 Day rate Umbrella – Negotiable

We are seeking an experienced Planning Development Manager to lead the delivery of our statutory county planning and development management service. This is a senior leadership opportunity for a planning professional who is passionate about delivering high-quality planning services, driving continuous improvement, and leading high-performing teams.

The Role

• Lead the operational delivery of the planning applications and enforcement service.
• Oversee the Planning Committee process, enforcement activity, statutory notices, and court proceedings.
• Work alongside the Head of Strategic Planning to oversee Minerals and Waste planning policy and strategy.
• Drive service improvement, innovation, and performance across the planning service.
• Identify and develop opportunities for income generation, including pre-application advice services, monitoring fees, and planning support for the capital programme.
• Provide expert advice to senior leadership on operational planning matters.
• Represent at planning inquiries, hearings, appeals, and court proceedings where required.

About you

• A degree or equivalent professional experience.
• Membership of, or eligibility for membership of, the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI).
• A management qualification (NVQ Level 3 or equivalent) or substantial experience leading a Development Management service.
• Significant experience managing and developing teams within Development Management.
• Extensive knowledge of planning legislation, development management processes, appeals, and enforcement.
• Experience of Minerals and Waste planning policy and its application within local government.
• A proven track record of delivering complex change programmes and service improvements.
• Strong financial awareness and experience making operational decisions with budget implications.
• Excellent judgement, particularly when managing complex planning cases and sensitive issues.
• Outstanding communication, presentation, negotiation, and report-writing skills.

If you have the leadership experience, technical planning expertise, and commitment to public service excellence to help shape the future of our county, we would like to hear from you.

To find out more information please contact Lily at Lilye@4recruitmentservices.com

Recruitment is done in line with safe recruitment practices. We are an equal opportunity agency.