Planning Team Manager

Service Care Solutions Ltd; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Service Care Solutions are currently recruiting on behalf of a Local Authority for an experienced Team Manager – Planning to lead their Planning, Historic and Natural Environment service in Leicestershire. This role offers strategic influence over development management and planning policy.

You will manage a multi-disciplinary team, oversee Local Plans, budgets, performance and stakeholder engagement, and deputise for the Head of Planning when required in a fast-paced environment with complex

Qualifications

• Degree qualification in Town Planning or equivalent.
• Membership of RTPI or equivalent professional body.
• Significant senior‑level experience within a Local Authority Planning environment.
• Strong knowledge of Development Management, Planning Policy and Planning legislation.
• Experience preparing Local Plans, particularly Minerals and Waste Planning.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Planning Team, overseeing Development Management, Planning Policy, Monitoring and Enforcement.
• Manage the preparation, implementation, review and monitoring of the Minerals and Waste Local Plan.
• Oversee the planning application process from pre-application to determination, appeals and enforcement.
• Build strong working relationships with internal departments, developers, consultants, elected members and external stakeholders.
• Prepare and present reports to committees, members and senior leadership.
• Lead on complex planning appeals, inquiries and hearings, providing expert evidence where required.
• Monitor changes to planning legislation and policy, providing professional advice to the wider organisation.
• Manage team performance, workloads, resources and budgets to ensure service objectives are achieved.
• Support the Head of Planning and deputise where required.
• Drive continuous improvement, ensuring the service remains customer focused and delivers high‑quality outcomes.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Budget management

Communication

Education

Degree in Town Planning

RTPI membership

Job description

Team Manager – Planning

Location: Leicestershire

Contract: Ongoing Temporary contract

Rate: £230 PAYE / £300 Umbrella per day

Hours: Full Time

Service Care Solutions are currently recruiting on behalf of a Local Authority for an experienced Team Manager – Planning to lead their Planning, Historic and Natural Environment service. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced planning professional to take ownership of a high-performing team responsible for Development Management, Planning Policy, Minerals & Waste Planning and Planning Enforcement. The role offers the opportunity to influence strategic planning across the county while managing complex planning matters and leading a team of planning specialists.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Planning Team, overseeing Development Management, Planning Policy, Monitoring and Enforcement functions.
• Manage the preparation, implementation, review and monitoring of the Minerals and Waste Local Plan.
• Oversee the planning application process from pre-application through to determination, appeals and enforcement.
• Build strong working relationships with internal departments, developers, consultants, elected members and external stakeholders.
• Prepare and present reports to committees, members and senior leadership.
• Lead on complex planning appeals, inquiries and hearings, providing expert evidence where required.
• Monitor changes to planning legislation and policy, providing professional advice to the wider organisation.
• Manage team performance, workloads, resources and budgets to ensure service objectives are achieved.
• Support the Head of Planning and deputise where required.
• Drive continuous improvement, ensuring the service remains customer focused and delivers high‑quality outcomes.

Requirements

• Degree qualification in Town Planning or a related discipline.
• Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) or equivalent professional body.
• Significant senior‑level experience within a Local Authority Planning environment.
• Strong knowledge of Development Management, Planning Policy and Planning legislation.
• Experience preparing Local Plans, particularly Minerals and Waste Planning.
• Experience presenting evidence at Planning Appeals and Public Inquiries.
• Proven leadership and people management experience.
• Strong stakeholder engagement, negotiation and communication skills.
• Experience managing budgets, business planning and service performance.