Planning Development Management Manager

Wiltshire Council; England; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government council in England is seeking an experienced Planning Manager to lead a team of professional planning officers. You will oversee the determination of complex planning applications and work closely with stakeholders to ensure sustainable development. The ideal candidate will have MRTPI membership and significant experience in a senior planning role, along with strong leadership and negotiation skills. This position offers hybrid working opportunities and career development.

Benefits

Flexible working hours

Local Government Pension Scheme

Hybrid working arrangements

Career development opportunities

Qualifications

• Significant experience in a senior planning role.
• Expertise in negotiation with developers for community benefits.
• Ability to oversee complex planning applications.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of planning officers.
• Oversee determination of planning applications.
• Work with stakeholders to secure place-shaping outcomes.

Skills

Planning policy expertise

Leadership skills

Negotiation skills

Communication skills

Resilience under pressure

Education

MRTPI Membership

Job description

Overview

Planning - Shaping Tomorrow's Communities Today

We’re looking for a skilled and experienced Planning Manager to lead a team of professional planning officers, helping shape the future of Wiltshire through high-quality, sustainable development.

This is a strategic role where you’ll oversee the determination of planning applications, including complex and high-profile proposals, ensuring decisions align with national policy, legislation, and the council’s Local Plan.

You will play a key role in working with the Service management team in shaping and implementing the Improvement Plan to transform the Development Management service.

You’ll bring expert knowledge of planning policy and legislation, with the confidence to present at committees and appeals, and the ability to negotiate with developers to secure meaningful community benefits. You’ll work closely with stakeholders, including town and parish councils, statutory bodies, and internal teams, to deliver place-shaping outcomes that support growth and protect the environment.

We’re looking for someone with MRTPI membership, significant experience in a senior planning role, and strong leadership and mentoring skills. You’ll be politically aware, resilient under pressure, and able to communicate clearly and effectively at all levels.

Why us?

Wiltshire Council is a friendly, welcoming place to work, with a "One Council" ethos. That’s why we focus on getting the things that matter to our people right. As part of our agile and high-performing team, you’ll enjoy:

• Flexible working hours.
• Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Hybrid working arrangements with modern, open plan offices.
• Career development opportunities.
• Exciting and varied projects that make a real difference to our communities.

New to Wiltshire?

Wiltshire’s rich heritage, beautiful landscapes and vibrant communities make it a fantastic place to live, work and grow. We border Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Hampshire, Dorset and Somerset. Almost half of our county is labelled as a Natural Landscape, and we are home to iconic world heritage sites like Stonehenge and Avebury.