Major Developments Manager

Trades Workforce Solutions; Bradford; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading local council seeks a Major Developments Manager to lead the Major Developments team and ensure effective management and delivery of planning responsibilities. The role includes managing resources, compliance with policies, and representing the council in public inquiries. Candidates must have at least 5 years of senior-level experience in Town and Country Planning, proven operational management skills, and be a Corporate Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute. Fluency in English is essential for public interaction.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years experience at a senior level within a Town and Country Planning Service.
• 3 years experience in managing professional staff or multifunctional teams.
• Proven track record of effective operational management.

Responsibilities

• Manage the Major Developments team within Development Services.
• Ensure compliance with Council Policies and Codes of Practice.
• Represent the Council at Examinations and Public Inquiries.

Skills

Fluency in English

Management experience

Communication

Decision making

Problem solving

Education

Corporate Member of Royal Town Planning Institute

Job description

Job Title: Major Developments Manager

Department: Place Service Group: Planning, Transportation & Highways

Reports to: Development Services Manager

Grade: PO6

Key Purpose of Post

To provide effective management of and leadership to the Major Developments team within Development Services to ensure that it makes the maximum contribution to the regeneration and sustainability of the district through effective delivery of the statutory responsibilities of the local planning authority with particular regard to the effective and proactive control of major development and minerals and waste major development. To ensure the service group provides the best practicable level of customer service, including the management of the effective delivery of the ‘Development Team Approach’ across the Service. To support and advise the elected members of the Council as accountable representatives of the public and in particular to service the Area Planning Panels, the Regulatory and Appeals Committee and Improvement Committees as appropriate.

Main Responsibilities of Post

1. Manage the group within the strategic framework, ensuring that resources, policies, systems and procedures are in place to deliver effective and efficient services, in line with the constraints of available budgets.
2. Ensure that performance indicators and targets are set for service group and that the output of individual teams is coordinated to meet targets and to deliver high quality outcomes for customers.
3. Ensure compliance with all Council Policies and Codes of Practice including Equal Rights, Health and Safety at Work, Discipline and Grievance, and Recruitment and Selection.
4. Advise staff on professional, technical, personnel/finance and political implications of the group’s work.
5. Ensure that appropriate staff attends Committees, Panels and briefing meetings with Members making recommendations on the content of the work area.
6. Represent the Council as an expert witness at Examinations, Public Inquiries and in Court.
7. Work with the Development Services Manager to ensure performance against targets including the regular monitoring of work load and appropriate allocation of resources.
8. Work with other service groups to prepare development briefs and other guidance for the promotion of development and high quality design.
9. Lead, coordinate and provide guidance on best practice with regard to Planning Obligations, Environmental Assessment and Compulsory Purchase across the service groups to ensure consistency and opportunity.
10. Ensure the collection of information on the delivery of financial contributions received under Planning Obligations and other agreements and prepare and present reports as required.
11. Secure appropriate social/community/financial benefits in relation to development proposals, in line with the Council’s policies and priorities and in accordance with current government guidance.
12. Sustain an open and positive working relationship with staff of Bradford Centre Regeneration to facilitate engagement with the transformational regeneration of the city centre, achievement of high standards of design and proactive use of planning powers.
13. Sustain an open and positive working relationship with staff of the Economic Development Service and other specific regeneration bodies/initiatives to achieve high standards of design and the proactive use of planning powers to achieve regeneration objectives.
14. Alert and liaise with the Building Control Service on development inquiries and matters of common interest.

Special Knowledge Requirement

Applicants must demonstrate fluency in English and be able to express themselves fluently and spontaneously, especially for posts involving direct interaction with the public. Knowledge of all town planning legislation and procedures, local and national planning policy (including NPPF and NPPG), as well as use of specialist ICT systems and understanding of risk and environmental policies are essential.

Relevant Experience Requirement

At least 5 years experience at a senior level within a Town and Country Planning Service, including at least 3 years experience of the following:

• Management experience, including leading the work of professional staff/multifunctional teams/front line staff.
• Proven track record of effective operational and personnel management.
• Successful track record in leading, developing and implementing corporate strategies and policies within the service area concerned.
• Advise on policy & operational issues relating to the service area.
• Experience of promoting the policies, core values and services to the organisation’s customers and stakeholders, using a variety of techniques.

Relevant Professional Qualifications Requirement

• Corporate Member of Royal Town Planning Institute / Chartered Town Planner.

Core Employee Competencies (Manager Level)

• Performance Management – manage workload and carry out tasks to high standard.
• Communicates Effectively – spoken and written communication, giving advice, counselling, negotiating, persuading and handling confidential information.
• Effective Decision Making – planning, organising, self‑effectiveness and quality checking.
• Structured Problem Solving – analytical, creative and critical thinking, practical solutions, managing interpersonal relationships.
• Dignity and Respect – treat everyone with respect and fairness, maintain impartiality.

Management Competencies (Interview Stage)

• Strategic Awareness – work with corporate priorities, policies and joined‑up approach.
• Appropriate Leadership – motivate staff to exceed expectations, move beyond self‑interest for team benefit.
• Successful Performance – monitor performance, celebrate success, promote VAT values and outcomes.

Working Conditions

The post holder may occasionally be required to work outside normal working hours and travel to Council planning offices as directed by the Development Services Manager. The role is subject to reasonable adjustment under the Equality Act 2010.