Area Planning Manager

Job Description Location: Shropshire / Hybrid Pay: £360 per day Hours: 37 hours per week Contract: 6-month maternity cover Start Date: 14 September 2026 End Date: 5 March 2027 Hybrid Working: Part-remote attendance varies depending on service requirements, averaging approximately one day per week on siteWe are recruiting for an experienced Area Planning Manager to join a busy Development Management service on an initial six-month maternity cover contract.

This is a senior-level planning position , responsible for managing a professional planning team, overseeing complex development management work and providing authoritative planning advice to senior management, elected members and other key stakeholders.## The RoleKey responsibilities will include: Leading and managing an area-based Development Management teamDirectly managing Principal Planning Officers and providing wider leadership to Planning Officers and Assistant Planning OfficersManaging team performance, workloads and resourcesActing as the lead professional officer at Planning CommitteesLeading the assessment and determination of large and complex planning applicationsProviding senior professional planning advice to Members, applicants and stakeholdersSupporting and deputising for the Planning and Development Services ManagerEnsuring robust, timely and consistent planning decisionsProviding professional planning advice on corporate and strategic development projectsOverseeing applications under the Town and Country Planning Acts and associated legislationPreparing and presenting reports and attending committees, public inquiries, court hearings, site visits and other meetings as required## About YouThis is a senior appointment and candidates will need substantial Development Management and leadership experience .Essential experience includes: Extensive experience of development management and associated regulatory processes Proven experience leading and managing teams of professional staff at a senior level Significant experience in a senior professional or managerial planning role Experience managing performance and quality assurance Strong experience engaging and negotiating with planning professionals, agents and stakeholders Ability to operate confidently and sensitively within a political environment Strong leadership, decision-making and people-management skills ### QualificationsCandidates should be educated to degree level or equivalent in a development-related discipline , hold an appropriate professional qualification, or have relevant training and experience providing an equivalent level of competence.

RTPI membership or membership of an equivalent recognised professional body is desirable.### Additional RequirementsYou will need: Excellent written and verbal communication skills Strong report-writing and presentation skills Excellent influencing and negotiation skills Ability to manage competing priorities and work to tight deadlines Full UK driving licence Access to a vehicle for business use Flexibility to work from home and attend the primary work base or other locations when requiredThis would be an excellent opportunity for an experienced Area Planning Manager, Development Management Manager, Principal Planning Manager or senior Development Management professional looking for a well-paid interim assignment.

Please apply with an up-to-date CV clearly demonstrating your Development Management, complex planning application and senior team leadership experience.

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