Area Manager - Development Management (South & East) (Grade 6)
| Posting date: | 02 September 2025 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £61.24 per hour |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 02 October 2025 |
| Location: | Somerset, South West England |
| Remote working: | Hybrid - work remotely up to 3 days per week |
| Company: | Nations Recruitment |
| Job type: | Contract |
| Job reference: |
Summary
Job Category: Planning
Job location: Brympton Way, Yeovil, Somerset, BA202HT, Somerset Council
Hours per week: 37
Start date: Immediate start
Salary: £61.24 per hour
Role purpose
Act as the lead officer and manager for two of the four Area Planning Committees leading the two teams of DM officers focused on delivering high quality development in Somerset. The postholder will report to the Head of Service, will deputise for the Service Manager Development Management and will be required to ensure that the service performs to an excellent level that meets national/legal requirements and responds positively to transformational change and the expectations of a wide variety of internal and external stakeholders.
Knowledge / Experience / Skills
Essential at full competence Essential at recruitment
Knowledge
Knowledge of statutory regulations relating to planning and related functions (including environmental legislation and regulations
Knowledge of project management methodologies and tools
Experience
Operational and managerial experience of the delivery of local authority planning services, development management functions and team leadership
Experience of designing and implementing service transformation processes to deliver service change and improvement
Significant experience of leading, managing and developing a large team and service area
Significant experience of performance management in corporate context and external accountabilities
Experience of providing professional advice on complex and controversial applications to planning committees
Knowledge of providing strategic input to wider place based policy development and strategy
Experience of giving evidence at Public Inquiries/Development Plan Examination
Significant experience of handling customer complaints and enquiries
Qualifications / Registrations / Certifications
Educated to degree level, ideally in planning, geography or a related subject
Chartered member of the Royal Town Planning Institute (MRTPI) or eligible to be a member
Management qualification ILM 5 or higher
Evidence of continual professional development in accordance with the requirements of the professional institute
Skills
Able to advise/guide senior management and elected members on complex/specialist issues related to the planning service areas, spanning local casework, service performance and long-term strategic planning.
Resilient by nature and have excellent communications skills, due to the significant portions of their time they spend interacting with the public, statutory consultees, stakeholders and elected representatives.
Ability to provide professional advice and guidance
Attention to detail in checking decisions
Ability to build and maintain relationships with partner organisations
Good interpersonal skills and a team player
Job location: Brympton Way, Yeovil, Somerset, BA202HT, Somerset Council
Hours per week: 37
Start date: Immediate start
Salary: £61.24 per hour
Role purpose
Act as the lead officer and manager for two of the four Area Planning Committees leading the two teams of DM officers focused on delivering high quality development in Somerset. The postholder will report to the Head of Service, will deputise for the Service Manager Development Management and will be required to ensure that the service performs to an excellent level that meets national/legal requirements and responds positively to transformational change and the expectations of a wide variety of internal and external stakeholders.
Knowledge / Experience / Skills
Essential at full competence Essential at recruitment
Knowledge
Knowledge of statutory regulations relating to planning and related functions (including environmental legislation and regulations
Knowledge of project management methodologies and tools
Experience
Operational and managerial experience of the delivery of local authority planning services, development management functions and team leadership
Experience of designing and implementing service transformation processes to deliver service change and improvement
Significant experience of leading, managing and developing a large team and service area
Significant experience of performance management in corporate context and external accountabilities
Experience of providing professional advice on complex and controversial applications to planning committees
Knowledge of providing strategic input to wider place based policy development and strategy
Experience of giving evidence at Public Inquiries/Development Plan Examination
Significant experience of handling customer complaints and enquiries
Qualifications / Registrations / Certifications
Educated to degree level, ideally in planning, geography or a related subject
Chartered member of the Royal Town Planning Institute (MRTPI) or eligible to be a member
Management qualification ILM 5 or higher
Evidence of continual professional development in accordance with the requirements of the professional institute
Skills
Able to advise/guide senior management and elected members on complex/specialist issues related to the planning service areas, spanning local casework, service performance and long-term strategic planning.
Resilient by nature and have excellent communications skills, due to the significant portions of their time they spend interacting with the public, statutory consultees, stakeholders and elected representatives.
Ability to provide professional advice and guidance
Attention to detail in checking decisions
Ability to build and maintain relationships with partner organisations
Good interpersonal skills and a team player