Deputy Team Manager (Planning)

Deputy Team Manager

• Development Management Royal Borough Council | 3-Month Contract Location: Woolwich, London Rate: £55.00 per hour (Umbrella) Contract: 3-Month Contract Hours: Full-Time Pay: Bi-Weekly Summary We are seeking a seasoned planning professional to join our Local Authority Development Management Service as a Deputy Team Manager within the Place and Growth Directorate. This role is pivotal in supporting the Strategic Development, East Area, or West Area Planning Manager by leading a high-performing planning team, managing complex planning applications, and ensuring the delivery of top-tier planning services across the borough.

Responsibilities include

handling a diverse range of planning applications and appeals, spearheading pre-application discussions, presenting reports to the Planning Committee, and stepping in for the Team Manager as needed.

Key Responsibilities

Assist the Team Manager in steering the Development Management Service and act as a deputy when necessary. Oversee a complex portfolio of planning applications, appeals, and pre-application inquiries. Make determinations on planning applications under delegated authority. Draft, review, and approve planning reports, recommendations, permissions, refusals, and enforcement actions.

Lead pre-application discussions for various development proposals. Present applications and reports to the Planning Committee and participate in committee meetings as required. Manage planning appeals, hearings, inquiries, and court proceedings. Offer expert planning advice to applicants, developers, architects, residents, Members, and statutory consultees.

Negotiate planning obligations, Section 106 Agreements, and Planning Performance Agreements (PPAs). Supervise, mentor, and develop planning officers and technical staff. Manage consultant and agency planning resources as needed. Monitor team performance to ensure statutory and corporate targets are met. Support service improvement, business change initiatives, and continuous professional development within the team.

Collaborate with the Planning Inspectorate, Greater London Authority, Historic England, neighboring authorities, and other stakeholders. Ensure compliance with planning legislation, Council policies, FOI, Environmental Information Regulations, and GDPR requirements. Essential Requirements Requirements: Degree in Town Planning or a related field.

At least 3 years of experience in Development Management or Development Control. Experience with a broad range of planning applications in an urban setting. Proficiency in handling planning appeals, hearings, and inquiries. Experience in preparing reports and presenting cases to Planning Committees. Strong understanding of Development Management practices, planning legislation, Government policy, and planning procedures.

Experience in negotiating Section 106 Agreements and planning obligations. Ability to provide sound planning advice on complex development proposals. Excellent report writing, communication, negotiation, and presentation skills. Experience in supervising or mentoring planning officers. Ability to work effectively within a political environment and advise elected Members.

Experience working with public, private, and community stakeholders. Capability to meet performance targets and manage competing priorities. Willingness to attend evening committee meetings when required. Understanding of Equal Opportunities, Health & Safety, and GDPR requirements. Desirable RTPI Membership (MRTPI) or eligibility for membership.

Previous experience as a Deputy Team Manager, Principal Planner, Planning Team Leader, or Senior Planning Officer. Experience managing consultant or contract planning staff. Experience leading Planning Performance Agreements (PPAs). Experience driving service improvement and change programs. Additional Attendance at committee meetings, hearings, inquiries, and site visits as required.

No DBS requirement. Flexibility to attend meetings outside normal office hours when necessary. What's on Offer? £55.00 per hour (Umbrella) 3-Month Contract Full-Time Hours Bi-Weekly Pay Leadership opportunity within a dynamic Local Authority planning service. Exposure to major and complex planning applications and developments.

Supportive and collaborative team environment. Potential for contract extension. Ideal for candidates with experience as a Deputy Team Manager, Principal Planner, Senior Planning Officer, Planning Team Leader, Development Management Team Leader, Principal Planning Officer, Planning Manager, Major Applications Officer, or Development Management Officer.