Development Management Area Team Leader

Civic Recruitment Limited; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bi-weekly pay

Hybrid working

Job summary

Civic Recruitment Limited is recruiting for a seasoned Planning Team Leader / Principal Planning Officer on a 6-month contract in Bromley. The role blends casework, staff oversight and strategic planning within Development Management.

Hybrid working: 2 office days per week, with committee attendance. Responsibilities include leading a team, determining applications, drafting reports, and representing the Council at committees and inquiries.

Qualifications

• MRTPI membership or eligibility to join the institute.
• Extensive experience in Development Management within Local Authority planning.
• Proven experience in managing staff within a Planning Service.
• Experience handling complex and major planning applications.
• Experience in a target-driven environment with deadlines.
• Competence in preparing committee reports and presenting recommendations.
• Experience presenting evidence at planning appeals and inquiries.
• Strong knowledge of planning legislation, policy and development procedures.
• Exceptional report writing, leadership and negotiation skills.
• Experience at Team Leader/Principal Planning Officer or Planning Manager level.
• Experience in Section 106 negotiations and major inquiries.

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 applications.
• Review and authorise reports prepared by other team members.
• Provide technical advice and support to planning officers.
• Negotiate with applicants, developers, housing associations, agents and consultees.
• Preside over planning screening meetings.
• Guide on Section 106 agreements and planning obligations.
• Represent the Chief Planner at Planning Committee meetings.
• Present recommendations and advise elected Members on planning issues.
• Act as expert witness at appeals, hearings, inquiries and courts as needed.
• Apply and interpret planning legislation and local guidance.
• Conduct site visits related to development proposals.
• Address queries from Members, residents and stakeholders.
• Contribute to service improvement and performance management.

Education

MRTPI Membership or eligibility

Job description

Contract | Civic Recruitment Limited | United Kingdom

Posted On 18/08/2026

Job Information

Community & Social

City Bromley

Province Bromley

Postal Code BR1

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.
  
• Organize 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, organizational, 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 in 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.

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.