Lead Officer - Development Management

North Lincolnshire Council; Scunthorpe; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation package

Hybrid working

26 days annual leave

Health benefits

Parking

Induction & development

Career progression

LGPS

Job summary

North Lincolnshire Council is seeking an exceptional planning professional to lead the Development Management Team and shape the future growth of North Lincolnshire. You will deliver high‑quality planning outcomes, provide expert advice, and drive service improvements while supporting sustainable development.

The role requires robust leadership, RTPI membership or eligibility, and a track record of managing major developments in a political environment.

Qualifications

• Degree in Town Planning or related discipline.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Development Management Service, ensuring delivery of high‑quality planning outcomes.
• Oversee statutory planning functions and timely determination of planning applications.
• Provide expert planning advice to elected members, senior officers and stakeholders.
• Lead negotiations on major developments, planning obligations and infrastructure contributions.
• Represent the council at planning committees, hearings, inquiries and examinations.
• Lead, motivate and develop a high‑performing planning team, fostering a positive and customer‑focused culture.
• Drive service improvement, innovation and performance.
• Support the delivery of sustainable growth, regeneration and investment across North Lincolnshire.
• Deputise for the Head of Planning when required and represent the council at local, regional and national forums.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Communication

Negotiation

Education

Town Planning degree

RTPI membership

Management qualification

Job description

Lead Officer – Development Management

Grade 11 ¦ Permanent

Shape places. Enable growth. Lead planning excellence.

North Lincolnshire is an ambitious place with significant opportunities for growth, regeneration and investment. We are seeking an exceptional planning professional to lead our award‑winning Development Management Team and help shape the future growth of North Lincolnshire.

This is an exciting opportunity to lead a busy, high‑performing service, ensuring the effective determination of planning applications and supporting the delivery of sustainable development in line with the council's priorities and Local Plan.

In this role, you will:

• Lead and manage the Development Management Service, ensuring the delivery of high‑quality planning outcomes.
• Oversee the effective delivery of statutory planning functions and the timely determination of planning applications.
• Provide expert planning advice to elected members, senior officers and stakeholders.
• Lead negotiations on major developments, planning obligations and infrastructure contributions.
• Represent the council at planning committees, hearings, inquiries and examinations.
• Lead, motivate and develop a high‑performing planning team, fostering a positive and customer‑focused culture.
• Drive service improvement, innovation and performance.
• Support the delivery of sustainable growth, regeneration and investment across North Lincolnshire.
• Deputise for the Head of Planning when required and represent the council at local, regional and national forums.

What We Are Looking For

Essential Qualifications

• Degree in Town Planning or a related discipline.
• Membership of, or eligibility for membership of, the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI).
• Management qualification or significant management experience.
• Commitment to continuing professional development.

Essential Experience

• Significant experience within Development Management.
• Experience leading and managing professional planning teams.
• Strong understanding of planning legislation and practice.
• Experience managing complex planning applications and major developments.
• Experience of working within a political environment.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and build effective partnerships.
• Ability to travel throughout North Lincolnshire in a timely manner.

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to make a significant contribution to the future of North Lincolnshire, leading a talented team as we strengthen our planning service and support investment, regeneration and sustainable development across our communities.

We offer:

• Competitive salary.
• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Relocation package.
• Minimum 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase additional leave.
• Flexible and hybrid working opportunities.
• BHSF health and wellbeing benefits.
• Pluxee employee benefits platform.
• Cycle to Work and Tusker salary sacrifice schemes.
• Free onsite parking.
• Comprehensive induction and onboarding support.
• Ongoing learning, development and career progression opportunities.

One Council. One Place. One Family. One Purpose.

Inclusive Employer

North Lincolnshire Council is committed to being an inclusive employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. We are proud to create a working environment where everyone is treated fairly, with dignity and respect.

Further Information

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Rebecca Brown, Head of Planning at .

Please refer to the job description and employee specification when completing your application and demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria for the role.

Candidates must be able to evidence their right to work in the UK. Please note the council does not hold a sponsor licence to sponsor people to work in the UK.

Closing Date: 8 November 2026
Interview Date: 20 November 2026

Candidates must be able to evidence their right to work in the UK. Please note the council does not hold a sponsor licence to sponsor people to work in the UK.

Candidates must be able to evidence their right to work in the UK. Please note the council does not hold a sponsor licence to sponsor people to work in the UK.