Planning manager

Planning Manager Permanent, Full Time From GBP48,474 to GBP55,309 Location: Thundersley Closing Date: 24th April 2024 Our clients values: Trust, Respect, Improving and Learning, and Customer Focus The Opportunity: They are currently going through an exciting period of change and growth in areas such as planning, regeneration and housing. Due to an internal promotion, they are seeking to appoint a new Planning Manager who will be pivotal in shaping and delivering high quality developments, contributing to the new lsquo;Castle Point Plan rsquo;,building new relationships and supporting the development in housing and regeneration in the Borough. This is a great opportunity for an individual to take a lsquo;step up rsquo; in their career and join at a time where they can really influence the direction of the department and support the Assistant Director in strategic decision making. This role is being offered on a hybrid basis whereby you will be required to be in the office at least 2-3 days per week and the rest working from home. Accountabilities: * To contribute to achieving the business corporate objectives and priorities * To contribute to the business #39;s agenda for achieving continuous improvement in service delivery and any external performance assessments * To ensure that development management achieves the highest standards of design and place making and works with developers to achieve that * To manage the Development Management and Enforcement Service and provide support for the overall management of Development Services and input into corporate projects * To provide the Council with professional advice on planning matters affecting the Borough and implement the highest standards of professional integrity * To commission and ensure the effective delivery of all aspects of development management and enforcement services, including pre-application advice, planning application determination, appeal processing and planning enforcement, including regular reports to the Development Management Committee * To ensure that the planning services consistently comply with relevant legislation as well as the Council rsquo;s policies and procedures * To ensure consistent decision making to enable the effective implementation of the Local Plan Key Service Accountabilities: * Management of all development management and enforcement planning work including the provision of advice and guidance in accordance with the clients policies and procedures * Defining what best practice and optimum looks like and inputting that into service plans, budgets and monitoring, including within agreed limits cost centre management responsibilities; to recruit staff and ensure that staff development plans are agreed, and appraisals against those plans are undertaken; to identify own and staff development and training needs; to input into corporate projects as required; and if required deputise for the Assistant Director of Development Services * To be committed to continuing professional development, keeping informed and up-to-date on best practice, relevant legislation and current planning issues and to implement service, technological and culture changes and improvements necessary to maintain and enhance the development management function at the leading edge of best practice * Providing the development management input into the preparation of the Castle Point Plan and supplementary planning guidance, and on the preparation of new residential Design Guidance, site planning briefs and master plans * To ensure effective and good decision making, including by the Development Management Committee and to contribute to an effective training programme for Committee members and providing clear professional advice to elected members * To commission, guide and undertake analysis and interpretation of data, policy and law * To undertake, manage and represent the client at external meetings (including within professional forums), briefings, presentations, tribunals, public inquiries, engagement work and consultation with stakeholders, including the community, as required * To foster strong internal working links between all the functions of the clients planning activities, and create an environment for ideas, innovation and the development of best practice * In conjunction with the Assistant Director for Development Services, ensure that there is effective communication between the team and senior management, other service areas within the Council and elected members as necessary The Experience You Will Bring: * Previous experience within Planning is essential for this post, gained from either a local authority or private sector background * Educated to degree level in related subject or equivalent relevant experience and knowledge * Ability to build positive and dynamic relationships with other planning partners with excellent communication, advocacy and negotiation skills * Excellent project planning, management and delivery skills, and the ability to multi-task and work to tight timescales