Development Management Area Team Leader (Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands) - ARB16918

Argyll and Bute Council; Lochgilphead; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A local council in Scotland is seeking an Area Team Leader for their Development Management team in Lochgilphead. The role involves leading a professional team responsible for planning applications and development monitoring in the Mid Argyll area. Candidates should have relevant qualifications, leadership experience, and a full UK driving license. This position offers competitive salary and benefits including a pension scheme and career growth opportunities.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Pension scheme

Generous leave entitlement

Cycle to work scheme

Learning and career growth opportunities

Relocation package available

Qualifications

• Experience in leading planning teams.
• Understanding of rural planning matters preferred.
• Full UK driving license for travel.

Responsibilities

• Manage the Development Management team.
• Support continuous improvement of planning services.
• Deliver work plans and ensure performance standards.

Skills

Leadership skills

Development management process

Knowledge of local authority environment

Education

Relevant town planning or related qualification

Chartered membership of RTPI

Job description

Overview

Service: Development & Economic Growth

Closing Date: Sunday 26th October 2025

We would love to welcome an Area Team Leader to join the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands (MAKI) area Development Management team in working for Argyll and Bute. Let us tell you about why this could be a great move for you

Argyll and Bute is one of Scotland’s most stunning areas. As its award-winning council, we play a vital part in the day-to-day life and long-term future of our beautiful and diverse communities. Our unwavering purpose is to make Argyll and Bute the place to be, the place where people want to live, to work and do business. And we are committed to making the council the place to have a great career, by providing excellent benefits and a friendly, dynamic working culture so that each of our 5000 colleagues can deliver services that help our corner of Scotland thrive. Join us to make a difference.

The Development Management Service is seeking to recruit a motivated professional to be based in our Lochgilphead office and be responsible for leading the Development Management area team who are responsible for the determination of the planning applications, monitoring and enforcement of development in and around Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands of Islay, Jura, Colonsay and Gigha.

Responsibilities

• Manage a team of Professional and Technical staff who deliver the Council’s Development Management (Planning) function for the south-west of Argyll and Bute.
• Be a key member of the DM Management Team and support the continuous improvement and the delivery of an efficient and effective planning service.
• Deliver work plans and be responsible for performance standards for the team, and work with partners to deliver service outcomes and aspirations of the Development Plan.

Requirements

• Relevant town planning or related qualification.
• Member of the RTPI (or eligible for chartered membership).
• Detailed knowledge and experience of the development management process and excellent leadership skills.
• Knowledge/experience of working in a local authority environment and of rural planning matters would be advantageous.
• Full UK driving licence to facilitate efficient and effective travel.

Benefits

• Competitive salary.
• Pension scheme, generous leave entitlement.
• Cycle to work scheme, discounts on gym memberships and leisure centres, wellbeing initiatives.
• Opportunities for learning and career growth; flexible first approach to work where possible.
• Relocation package may be available for someone relocating to Argyll.

Additional Information

We care about our people and the world around us and always aim to do the right thing. We have many initiatives in place to help us look after what matters.

Interviews will be held on Wednesday 12th November 2025.

To apply for this vacancy, please click on the Apply Now button at the top of this page.

If you would like clarification on any information contained within the vacancy advert and/or the job description please contact the recruiting manager, who is:

• Peter Bain, Development Manager
• Telephone: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]
• Reference: ARB16918 / 038466

Please note that you cannot apply for this vacancy by contacting the recruiting manager, applications must be made by clicking on the Apply Now button at the top of this page. Please also note that we do not accept CVs, only applications completed and submitted via the Apply Now button on this page.

We encourage applications from people from all backgrounds and aim to have a workforce that represents the wider society that we serve. We pride ourselves on being an employer of choice. We champion diversity, inclusion and wellbeing and aim to create a workplace where everyone feels valued and a sense of belonging. To find out more about our commitment to this please visit Equality & Diversity Policy.