OPERATIONAL MANAGER - DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT

Cardiff Directory; Cardiff; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Cardiff Council is seeking inspiring and experienced planning professionals to lead its Development Management function and make a visible difference to Cardiff’s people, places and future.

Reporting to the Head of Planning, you will co-lead the service with a team of about 20 and set clear direction, inspiring high performance and applying sound professional judgement to significant proposals. This is a high-profile leadership posting in a thriving Welsh capital.

Qualifications

• Chartered Town Planner or proven senior-level planning expertise.
• Experience leading planning teams and managing complex applications.
• Strong knowledge of planning legislation and policy in Wales.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and collaborative abilities.
• Ability to delegate, develop staff and build a high-performing team.
• Commitment to customer service, equality, innovation and placemaking.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate Development Management, overseeing caseloads and complex proposals.
• Lead negotiations with developers and advise senior colleagues.
• Support Planning Committee operation and advise elected members.
• Support Planning Policy delivery, guidance and technical standards.
• Manage people, budgets, performance and service improvement, including digitalisation.
• Champion placemaking, climate action and environmental objectives.
• Deputise for Head of Planning when required.

Skills

Leadership & management

Strategic planning

Negotiation

Stakeholder engagement

Communication skills

Education

Chartered Town Planner

Job description

Cardiff is one of the UK’s most dynamic and fast-growing cities. With major developments, ambitious regeneration and a strong commitment to sustainable placemaking, this is an exciting time to help shape the future of the Welsh capital. Our Planning Service is at the heart of that ambition, supporting high-quality development, thriving communities and positive environmental outcomes. We are seeking inspiring and experienced planning professionals to lead our Development Management function and make a visible difference to Cardiff’s people, places and future.

About the job

This is a high-profile leadership opportunity at the centre of Cardiff’s growth agenda. Reporting to the Head of Planning, you will be one of two Operational Managers leading the Council’s Development Management function and a team of approximately 20 employees. Together you will set a clear direction, inspire excellent performance and bring sound professional judgement to complex and significant development proposals. Your leadership will help deliver a responsive, efficient and customer-focused service that enables good development while protecting and enhancing what makes Cardiff distinctive.

In this influential role, you will be:

• Leading and co-ordinating Development Management, including oversight of caseloads and complex development proposals.
• Leading negotiations with developers and providing professional advice to Group Leaders and Case Officers.
• Supporting the effective operation of Planning Committee and advising elected members.
• Supporting the Planning Policy function, including delivery of relevant policy, supplementary planning guidance and technical guidance.
• Managing people, budgets, performance and service improvement, including digitalisation and opportunities to generate income.
• Championing planning’s contribution to placemaking, climate action, well-being and environmental objectives.
• Deputising for the Head of Planning when required.

Some evening and weekend working may occasionally be required.

What We Are Looking For From You

We are looking for a credible, forward-thinking leader who combines strong technical planning expertise with the energy and judgement to lead people, influence partners and deliver results. You will be a Chartered Town Planner, or hold an appropriate professional qualification supported by demonstrable senior-level experience and expertise in planning and development management.

You will bring:

• Successful leadership and management of planning teams.
• Experience of determining complex planning applications and leading negotiations with developers.
• A sound understanding of planning legislation and policy in Wales.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities and challenging deadlines.
• Highly developed communication, interpersonal and collaborative working skills.
• The ability to delegate effectively, develop staff and create a high-performing, empowered team.
• A commitment to customer service, equality of opportunity, innovation and the positive, enabling role of planning.

You will join a service where your ideas, leadership and professional expertise is respected and can have real impact. Experience of managing planning Teams, budgets, applying placemaking principles and advising elected members would be advantageous. A leadership or management qualification, or equivalent professional development, would also be desirable.

We understand you might use AI and other resources for your application; however, please ensure all information you provide is factually accurate, truthful, original and does not include ideas or work that is not your own.

We welcome applications in both English and Welsh. Applications received in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than English applications.

Working Pattern/Contract Type Full Time Permanent