Head of Development Management, Enforcement and Compliance (Oxford Street Development Corporation)

Greater London Authority (GLA); City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A primary urban development authority in London seeks a leader for its planning department. Responsibilities include managing the development management service and advising stakeholders on planning and enforcement issues. The ideal candidate will have extensive planning experience and be a member of the Royal Town Planning Institute. This role involves strategic engagement and compliance responsibilities within the fast-evolving urban landscape.

Benefits

30 days annual leave

Interest-free season ticket loan

Career average pension scheme

Qualifications

• Extensive experience of leading teams in a senior planning role.
• Demonstrable knowledge of development management processes.
• Ability to provide high-level strategic direction.

Responsibilities

• Lead on the development management and enforcement service.
• Engage with stakeholders on developments in the OSDC area.
• Manage the Planning Committee briefings and decision-making processes.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Planning enforcement

Strategic thinking

Report writing

Education

Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute

Relevant degree in Town and Country Planning

Job description

Oxford Street Development Corporation

This role will sit in the future Oxford Street Development Corporation (OSDC). OSDC is expected to be established by 1 January 2026 as a new Mayoral Development Corporation--part of the GLA Family--to drive the transformation of Oxford Street.

You can learn more about OSDC here: Oxford Street Transformation | London City Hall

About the role

This role’s purpose is to build key parts of the Oxford Street Development Corporation (OSDC)’s planning department, leading on the effective discharge of OSDC’s statutory responsibilities across development management and planning enforcement.

This includes:

• Establishing and delivering a proactive and efficient pre-application and planning application service.
• Leading enforcement investigations and compliance monitoring; providing advice and direction to applicants and those subject to enforcement action.
• Providing strategic advice to senior stakeholders and representing OSDC externally.
• Providing support and advice to the Director of Planning and ensuring effective involvement and collaboration with all key partners, stakeholders and interested parties.
• Deputising for the Director of Planning and contributing to the strategic leadership of the Planning Directorate.

It will also provide effective, high-level advice to the OSDC Chief Executive Officer, OSDC Chair of the Board, Mayor, OSDC Chair of the Planning Committee, Deputy Mayor, Mayoral advisors, Assembly members and senior officers of the GLA and functional bodies on planning development issues.

Finally, the role will represent the Corporation externally on planning development management and enforcement matters.

What your day will look like

Your day-to-day will include the following responsibilities:

• Establish—and provide high level technical leadership and strategic direction for— an effective, efficient, high quality development management and enforcement service for the Corporation which meets the OSDC’s objectives and statutory responsibilities, including the provision of an efficient enforcement and compliance function.
• Lead on engagement with key stakeholders in relation to proposed and completed developments in the OSDC area.
• Oversee, briefings and agendas for the OSDC Planning Committee (PC) in relation to planning applications and planning enforcement matters, ensure the provision of good quality reports to the PC for decision, and make decisions on development management and planning enforcement matters as delegated to officers in accordance with the agreed scheme of delegation;
• Ensure the timely submission of statements of case etc. and the robust defence of OSDC planning and enforcement decisions at appeal, whether written representations, hearings or public inquiry;
• Lead on any legal action required as a consequence of planning decisions and enforcement action including injunctions, prosecutions and confiscation proceedings under the Proceeds of Crime Act as required.
• Deputise for the Director of Planning in the overall management of the Corporation’s Planning Service, and at Planning Committee or Board meetings, when required; assist the Director of Planning in ensuring the provision of update training and advice and support to the PC to enable members to discharge their duties effectively, and work collaboratively with the Head of Planning Policy by providing input to the production of the OSDC Local Plan and supporting documents.
• Ensure work programmes are established, monitored and delivered within allocated budgets, in a collaborative manner.
• Provide effective leadership and management of staff to ensure personal development, successful performance, and ensure that staff are motivated and satisfied within the performance management framework.
• Procure and manage the work of consultants to support the work of the development management, planning enforcement and compliance section.
• Maintain budgetary oversight for relevant areas of division spend, managing and planning for expenditure over the annual horizon, providing support and intelligence to influence future resources and budget requirements.
• Keep abreast of best practice, planning reform and other changes to the planning system, to be able to advise authoritatively on these topics.
• Realise the benefits of London’s diversity by promoting and enabling equality of opportunities and promoting the diverse needs and aspirations of London’s communities.
• Realise the benefits of a flexible approach to work in undertaking the duties and responsibilities of this post

Skills, knowledge and experience

To be considered for the role you must meet the following essential criteria:

• Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (or eligible) and a relevant degree (or equivalent) in Town and Country Planning;
• Extensive experience of leading teams of planners in a senior planning role delivering an effective development management and/or enforcement service;
• Extensive demonstrable professional and practical knowledge and understanding of development management and planning enforcement processes;
• Clear understanding of the planning policy context and the political, social environmental and economic issues relating to OSDC;
• Significant experience of writing reports for local authority planning committees/planning management(or equivalent) and writing/giving evidence at hearings/public enquiries/magistrates, Crown and High Court;
• Extensive experience of handling complex planning and enforcement cases.

The following competencies will also be essential

Building and Managing Relationships

… is developing rapport and working effectively with a diverse range of people, sharing knowledge and skills to deliver shared goals.

Level 3 indicators of effective performance

• Actively engages partners and encourages others to build relationships that support GLA objectives
• Understands and recognises the contributions that staff at all levels make to delivering priorities
• Proactively manages partner relationships, preventing or resolving any conflict
• Adapts style to work effectively with partners, building consensus, trust and respect
• Delivers objectives by bringing together diverse stakeholders to work effectively in partnership

Strategic Thinking

…is using an understanding of the bigger picture to uncover potential challenges and opportunities for the long term and turning these into a compelling vision for action.

Level 3 indicators of effective performance

• Translates GLA vision and strategy into practical and tangible plans for own team or delivery partners
• Consistently takes account of the wider implications of team’s actions for the GLA
• Encourages self and others to think about organisation’s long-term potential
• Informs strategy development by identifying gaps in current delivery or evidence
• Takes account of a wide range of public and partner needs to inform team’s work

Managing and Developing Performance

… is setting high standards for oneself and others, guiding, motivating and developing them, to achieve high performance and meet the GLA’s objectives and statutory obligations.

Level 3 indicators of effective performance

• Motivates and inspires others to perform to their best, recognising and valuing their work and encouraging them to learn and reflect
• Sets clear direction and expectations and enables others to interpret competing priorities
• Agrees and monitors challenging, achievable performance objectives in line with GLA priorities
• Manages performance issues effectively to avoid adverse impact on team morale and performance

Planning and Organising

… is thinking ahead, managing time, priorities and risk, and developing structured and efficient approaches to deliver work on time and to a high standard.

Level 3 indicators of effective performance

• Monitors allocation of resources, anticipating changing requirements that may impact work delivery
• Ensures evaluation processes are in place to measure project benefits
• Gains buy-in and commitment to project delivery from diverse stakeholders
• Implements quality measures to ensure directorate output is of a high standard
• Translates political vision into action plans and deliverables

This is a politically restricted role under the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.

The GLA Competency Framework Guidelines further detailing each competency and the different level indicators can be found here: GLA Competency Framework

How to apply

If you would like to apply for the role you will need to submit the following:

• Up to date CV
• Personal statement with a maximum of 1500 words. Please ensure you address how you demonstrate the essential criteria outlined above in the advert.

Please ensure your CV and Personal Statement have a maximum file size of 1.5MB each and upload your Personal Statement to the ‘CV and Cover Letters’ section’ of the form, ensuring you address the technical requirements and competencies in your Personal Statement.

Word or PDF format preferred and do not include any photographs or images. Please ensure your CV and Personal Statement are saved with the job reference number as part of the naming convention (E.g., “CV – applicant name - 012345)

As part of GLA’s continuing commitment to be an inclusive and equal opportunity employer we will be removing personal identifiable information from CVs and Personal Statements that could cause discrimination.

We may close this advert early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

If you have questions about the role

If you wish to talk to someone about the role, the hiring manager Molly Strauss, Head of Oxford Street Transformation at the GLA, would be happy to speak to you. Please contact them at [e-mail]

If you have any questions about the recruitment process, contact the [e-mail] who support the GLA with recruitment.

Is this role eligible for sponsorship?

This role DOES NOT meet the criteria for sponsorship for external candidates. It may meet the criteria for sponsorship for some internal candidates, in limited circumstances. Please contact the hiring manager if you wish to discuss this further.

Assessment process

Once you have submitted an application, your details will be reviewed by a panel.

If shortlisted, you’ll be invited to an interview.

The interview date is w/c 8 December and w/c 15 December.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

London's diversity is its biggest asset, and we strive to ensure our workforce reflects London's diversity at all levels. We welcome applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability.

We particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian and Minority ethnic candidates and disabled candidates who are currently underrepresented in our workforce.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer and we are happy to consider flexible working arrangements. We would welcome applications from candidates who are seeking part time work as this role is open to job share.

Please note we are a Disability Confident Employer so for candidates who wish to be considered under the scheme and meet the essential criteria, they will automatically be invited to interview. Please note, should you require any adjustments through the process, we will accommodate as much as possible. Please contact the recruitment team for further information if required.

Benefits

Staff are hybrid working up to 3 days a week in our offices and remotely depending on their role. As part of this, you will need to split your time between home working and coming into the office.

In addition to a good salary package, you will be paid every four weeks, providing frequent salary payments. We also offer an attractive range of benefits including 30 days’ annual leave, interest free season ticket loan, interest free bicycle loan and a career average pension scheme.

Additional Information

Please note, all candidates will need to confirm that the information provided in this application form is true and correct. Should a candidate deliberately give false information, including the use of AI software, they understand that this would disqualify them from consideration.

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record (DBS) check but some roles may require additional security screening.

More Support

If you have a disability which makes submitting an online application form difficult, please contact [e-mail].