Area Development Manager

HIRING WIZARD; Essex; Hybrid; GBP 56,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Hybrid working

Local government pension scheme

Learning and development

Employee discounts

Job summary

The District Council in Braintree, Essex, is seeking an Area Development Manager to lead a planning team during a growth phase. You will oversee 4-5 Planning Officers, sign off delegated decisions, monitor performance and act as Lead Officer at Planning Committee.

The role demands extensive planning knowledge, strong communication, and a proactive, customer-focused approach to deliver well-designed homes and infrastructure while preserving district character.

Qualifications

• Extensive planning knowledge and Development Management experience.
• Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute or eligible for membership.
• Strong communication, report writing and customer service skills.
• Proactive, analytical and commercially aware.
• Ability to work accurately and to tight deadlines.
• Previous management experience is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach and mentor a team of 4-5 Planning Officers
• Sign off delegated decisions for one of the area teams
• Manage and monitor team performance and service delivery
• Serve as Lead Officer at Planning Committee
• Drive continuous improvement and embed service transformation

Job description

Are you an experienced Town Planner ready to step into management or a manager seeking a new challenge? The District Council has an exciting Area Development Manager opportunity!

Location: Braintree, Essex, CM7

Salary: £55,965 to £60,102 (Inclusive of Market Supplement)

Job Type: Full-time, Permanent

Closing Date: Sunday 13th September 2026

About Us:

Braintree is an ambitious and dynamic Council and is becoming one of the fastest growing Districts in the East of England with three growing towns, London just 45 minutes away and the district located directly between the international transport centres of Stansted Airport and Harwich and Felixstowe International Ports. We have a deserved track record for delivering and a strong reputation within the business community.

The District Council is a great place to work. We pride ourselves on our creative and innovative approach, which is led by our employees, and are committed to having an engaged workforce who understand our strategy and how they can help deliver it. Our people see the difference they make and how the work they do actively contributes to and encourages positive change in the local community.

Area Development Manager - The Role:

As Area Development Manager, you will lead a dynamic Planning service during an exciting period of significant growth for the district. You will manage a team of 4-5 professional Planning Officers, signing off delegated decisions, monitoring team performance, and ensuring excellent customer service delivery. You will be the Lead Officer at Planning Committee and play an active role in driving continuous improvement and service transformation. You will help deliver well-designed new homes, jobs and supporting infrastructure whilst preserving the character and quality of the district.

Area Development Manager - Key Responsibilities:

• Lead, coach and mentor a team of 4-5 Planning Officers
• Sign off delegated decisions for one of the area teams
• Manage and monitor team performance and service delivery
• Serve as Lead Officer at Planning Committee
• Drive continuous improvement and embed service transformation

Area Development Manager - You:

• Extensive planning knowledge and Development Management experience
• Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute or eligible for membership
• Strong communication, report writing and customer service skills
• Proactive, analytical and commercially aware
• Ability to work accurately and to tight deadlines
• Previous management experience is desirable

Why choose The District Council?

We also offer some great benefits, including:

• Flexible working
• Hybrid working arrangements are available in this role (home/office based) subject to business need
• Local government pension scheme
• Learning and development for all employees
• Employee discounts at local businesses
• Employee recognition schemes
• Extensive health and wellbeing programmes, including discounted gym membership

Interviews will be held w/c 21st September 2026.