Development Management Area Team Leader

Civic Recruitment Limited; Bromley; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Bi-weekly pay

Job summary

Civic Recruitment Limited is assisting Bromley Council in recruiting a Planning Team Leader / Principal Planning Officer for a 6‑month contract. The role combines team leadership, case management, and strategic planning within Development Management, with hybrid working (2 office days) and committee participation.

The successful candidate will lead a DM team, oversee complex planning files, and liaise with Members and stakeholders to drive timely decisions in a busy London Borough.

Qualifications

• MRTPI membership or eligibility required.
• Extensive Development Management experience in a Local Authority.
• Proven staff management experience.
• Experience with major applications and statutory deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Lead a Development Management team and oversee workloads and performance.
• Make determinations on planning applications under delegated authority.
• Draft and approve reports for complex and contentious cases.
• Present planning recommendations and counsel elected Members.
• Represent the Council at Planning Committees and Public Inquiries.
• Negotiate Section 106 agreements with developers and consultees.
• Provide guidance on planning legislation and policy.

Skills

MRTPI eligibility

Leadership

Development Management

Report writing

Negotiation

Planning legislation

Public inquiries

Section 106

Local Authority experience

Education

MRTPI Membership or eligibility

Job description

Bromley, United Kingdom | Posted on 18/08/2026

At Civic Recruitment and Limited, we know that individuals are more than just fixed expenses; they are the cornerstone of every thriving organisation. That’s why we are passionate about transforming recruitment in the public and private sectors.

In the modern job market, organisations in both public and private sectors face significant workforce challenges. Public sector entities, such as local councils and central government departments, often struggle with lengthy recruitment processes, limited access to qualified candidates, and stringent budgetary and regulatory constraints. Private sector businesses, on the other hand, encounter high turnover rates, difficulties managing a mix of permanent and temporary staff, and challenges in sourcing specialised talent for niche industries. These sector‑specific obstacles, coupled with the universal complexities of payroll management, create a pressing need for efficient workforce solutions.

Civic Recruitment Limited addresses these challenges with innovative recruitment and payroll solutions tailored for diverse organisational needs. Recognising the critical hurdles organisations face, the company leverages its expertise to streamline processes, reduce recruitment times, and alleviate administrative burdens. With an extensive database of over 1 million pre‑screened candidates, Civic Recruitment Limited is well‑positioned to cater to the specific needs of both public and private sectors.

Job Description

Planning Team Leader / Principal Planning Officer – 6‑Month Contract

Location: Churchill Court, 2 Westmoreland Road, Bromley, Kent, BR1 1AS

Contract: 6‑Month Contract

Hours: Full Time

Working Pattern: Hybrid Working – 2 Days Office‑Based plus Committee Attendance

Summary

Bromley Council is in search of a seasoned Planning Team Leader / Principal Planning Officer to enhance the management and execution of its dynamic Development Management service. This pivotal position involves a blend of casework, staff oversight, and strategic planning duties. You will lead a Development Management team, ensuring the prompt and effective processing of planning applications while upholding exemplary service standards. The role also entails managing intricate and contentious planning applications, representing the Council at Planning Committees and Public Inquiries, and assisting the Head of Development Management in delivering a high-caliber planning service.

Responsibilities

• Lead a Development Management team, managing workloads, performance, and service quality.
• Make determinations on planning applications under delegated authority.
• Draft and approve reports for complex and contentious planning applications.
• Review and authorize reports prepared by other team members.
• Offer technical advice and support to planning officers.
• Conduct negotiations with applicants, developers, housing associations, agents, and consultees.
• Organise and preside over planning screening meetings.
• Provide guidance on Section 106 Agreements and planning obligations.
• Represent the Chief Planner at Planning Committee meetings.
• Present planning recommendations and counsel elected Members on planning issues.
• Serve as an expert witness at Planning Appeals, Hearings, Public Inquiries, and court proceedings as needed.
• Apply and interpret planning legislation, national policy, and local planning guidance.
• Conduct site visits related to development proposals.
• Address correspondence and inquiries from Members, residents, stakeholders, and developers.
• Contribute to service enhancement, performance management, and continuous improvement efforts.

Requirements

Requirements:

• MRTPI Membership or eligibility for membership.
• Extensive experience in Development Management within a Local Authority planning setting.
• Proven experience in managing staff within a Planning Service.
• Proficiency in handling complex and major planning applications.
• Experience working in a target-driven environment and adhering to statutory deadlines.
• Competence in preparing committee reports and presenting recommendations.
• Experience in preparing and presenting evidence at planning appeals and public inquiries.
• Comprehensive knowledge of planning legislation, policy, and development management procedures.
• Exceptional report writing and communication skills.
• Strong leadership, organisational, and team management abilities.
• Effective negotiation skills with developers, consultants, elected members, and stakeholders.
• Experience at the level of Team Leader, Principal Planning Officer, or Planning Manager.
• Experience managing Section 106 negotiations.
• Experience representing a local authority at major planning inquiries.
• Previous management experience within a Local Authority.

What's on Offer?

• 6‑Month Contract
• Location: Bromley, Kent
• Hybrid Working – 2 Office Days Per Week
• Planning Committee Attendance Required
• Bi‑weekly Pay
• Opportunity to lead a Development Management team in a bustling London Borough.
• A diverse role that combines leadership, case management, committee work, and strategic planning.
• An excellent opportunity for experienced Planning Managers, Team Leaders, Principal Planning Officers, or Senior Development Management Professionals.

Ideal for candidates with experience as a Planning Team Leader, Principal Planning Officer, Development Management Manager, Senior Planning Officer, Area Planning Manager, Planning Manager, or Development Management Team Manager.