Lead Officer - Town Planning Development Management

Neway International Ltd; Kingston; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A public sector organization is seeking a Lead Officer – Development Management to provide senior leadership within the planning team. This role involves overseeing the planning process for significant projects in the Royal Borough of Kingston, ensuring timely decisions and high-quality outputs. Successful candidates will possess a degree in Town Planning, chartered membership of the RTPI, and significant experience in development management. The position offers a pay rate of £45.66 per hour (PAYE) and £60.00 per hour (Umbrella).

Qualifications

• Degree-level qualification in Town Planning or a related built-environment discipline.
• Chartered membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), or eligibility for chartered status.
• Significant experience leading and advising on major development applications.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate a Development Management team, providing oversight.
• Sign off planning reports and ensure high-quality outputs.
• Project manage major and complex development proposals.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Planning legislation understanding

Project management

Decision-making

Education

Degree in Town Planning or related field

Chartered membership of RTPI or eligibility

Job description

Neway International are seeking a Lead Officer – Development Management (Gr K) to join our client based with the Royal Borough of Kingston.
Location: Guildhall 2
Hours: 36 hours per week
Start Date: asap
Working Pattern: 09:00–17:00
Pay Rate: £45.66 per hour (PAYE) / £60.00 per hour (Umbrella)

About the Client

The Royal Borough of Kingston is undergoing significant regeneration and development, including major strategic projects such as the Cambridge Road Estate redevelopment. With increasing housing targets and substantial development potential across the borough, Kingston’s Planning Service plays a pivotal role in shaping high‑quality, sustainable growth. This role supports the Development Management function during a period of organisational need.

The Role

The Lead Officer – Development Management will provide senior‑level leadership across a team of Principal, Senior, and Planning Officers. You will oversee the full planning process for major and strategically significant applications, ensuring high‑quality outcomes, timely decision‑making, and strong engagement with developers, stakeholders, and the local community. The role includes signing off reports, attending Planning Committee, and acting as a senior professional advisor within the service.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate a Development Management team, providing professional oversight and direction.
• Sign off planning reports and ensure high‑quality outputs across the team.
• Attend Planning Committee and represent the service as required.
• Project manage major and complex development proposals from pre‑application through to determination.
• Provide expert planning advice in line with legislation, policy, case law, and best practice.
• Coordinate internal and external consultees, including commissioned consultants, to support robust decision‑making.
• Manage appeal casework for major applications, including acting as expert witness.
• Lead discussions with applicants and legal teams on Section 106 agreements and infrastructure delivery.
• Ensure procurement of specialist advice complies with legislation and council procedures.
• Build strong working relationships across public, private, and voluntary sectors.
• Respond to complaints and enquiries relating to casework or major projects.
• Support performance management, commissioning, and value‑for‑money outcomes.
• Deputise for the Head of Development Management when required.

Candidate Requirements

• Degree‑level qualification in Town Planning or a related built‑environment discipline.
• Chartered membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), or eligibility for chartered status.
• Significant experience leading and advising on major development applications.
• Strong understanding of planning legislation, policy, and complex case management.
• Confident communicator with experience presenting at committees, hearings, and public meetings.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and deliver high‑quality outcomes.
• Experience coordinating multidisciplinary teams and external consultants.
• Eligibility to work in the UK and ability to provide required compliance documentation.