Head of Development Management

Head of Development Management

£650 per day
Inside IR35
6 Months
London Local Authority


This is a senior leadership role, directly reporting to the Assistant Director for Strategic Planning & Infrastructure.
You will lead the Council’s Development Management and Planning Enforcement services, driving growth and regeneration across the borough in line with the Local Plan and wider corporate priorities.

About the Head of Development Management role:

• Provide strategic leadership across Development Management and Enforcement, ensuring alignment with the Council’s Local Plan and regeneration ambitions.
• Lead on complex and high-profile planning applications, providing expert professional advice and ensuring robust decision-making.
• Manage negotiations on infrastructure, Section 106 agreements and Community Infrastructure Levy contributions to secure community benefits.
• Oversee planning appeals, defend Council decisions, and ensure effective governance through Planning Committees and Panels.
• Champion a customer-focused culture, ensuring high-quality service delivery, responsiveness to stakeholders, and strong community engagement.
• Build strong relationships with councillors, communities, developers, and public/private partners to support key developments.

Your previous experience as Head of Development Management role:

• Degree-level qualification in Town Planning (or related discipline) with RTPI chartered membership (or equivalent eligibility).
• Extensive experience in assessing, advising, and leading on planning applications within a complex local authority setting.
• In-depth knowledge of planning legislation, case law, and the operation of local government.
• High-level political awareness, with experience of working with councillors, committees, and in public hearings.
• Demonstrated ability to drive innovation, digital adoption, and service transformation.
• Management qualification (e.g. Certificate, Diploma, MBA) desirable.

This role requires flexibility, including attendance at evening meetings and public events.

If this Head of Development Management role, sounds like a good fit for you, please send your CV to George.

(We offer a senior referral scheme upon successful placement of your recommendation, so please get in touch if you know someone suitable.)

Our clients are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. Reasonable adjustments will be supported throughout the application and interview process.