Planning Area Manager - Development Management

ZipRecruiter; Swindon; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority in Somerset is seeking an experienced Area Manager for Development Management. The role involves providing strategic oversight and managing operations across the East and South planning areas. Candidates must have significant planning experience, strong communication skills, and relevant qualifications. This hybrid position requires on-site presence for 2 days a week. Competitive pay rates are offered.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a senior planning role within a local authority or similar environment.
• Confident communicator with experience in complaint handling and report writing.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate the Development Management function.
• Attend and represent the council at Planning Committees.
• Manage and resolve complex complaints and planning disputes.

Skills

Senior planning experience

Understanding of planning legislation

Complaint handling

Report writing

Stakeholder engagement

Education

MRTPI or equivalent qualification

Job description

Job DescriptionArea Manager – Development Management (South & East) – Local Authority (Somerset Region)
£450 per day PAYE - £500 per day Umbrella / Deemed LTD (Inside IR35)
37 hours per week
3-month initial contract

Overview of the role: An excellent opportunity has arisen for a highly experienced Planning professional to join a Local Authority in Somerset as Area Manager – Development Management, covering both the East (Mendip) and South (Yeovil) areas.
This senior leadership role sits within the Planning & Development service and will involve providing strategic oversight, managing operational delivery, and representing the service at committee level.
The position is hybrid with 2 days per week on-site.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and coordinate the Development Management function for the East and South planning areas.
• Attend and represent the council at Planning Committees, offering professional advice and guidance.
• Manage and resolve complex complaints, planning disputes, and escalated service issues.
• Support day-to-day operations of the planning service, ensuring service standards are maintained.
• Provide strategic input to service planning and improvements, working with senior leadership.
• Mentor and support planning officers across both regions.

Requirements:

• Proven experience in a senior planning role within a local authority or similar environment.
• Strong understanding of planning legislation, committee procedures, and local governance.
• Confident communicator with experience in complaint handling, report writing, and stakeholder engagement.
• MRTPI or equivalent qualification

Contact: If you are an experienced Planning Manager looking for a strategic leadership role, please contact James at Service Care Solutions on 01772 208967
or email [e-mail]