Senior Development Area Manager

Elevate Projects Ltd; Scotland; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Elevate Projects is seeking an experienced Development Manager for an ongoing interim contract in Scotland. The role involves leading development management teams, overseeing the processing of planning applications, and ensuring alignment with strategic planning objectives. The ideal candidate will have experience in local government, strong management skills, and the ability to support planning committees in making decisions that support sustainable development.

Qualifications

• Experience in a development management role within local government.
• Strong leadership and management skills to oversee area teams.
• Ability to interpret planning legislation and deliver against performance targets.

Responsibilities

• Lead officer for two development management area teams and provide a customer-focused service.
• Ensure professional management of planning applications from pre-application to compliance.
• Support planning committees and advise on complex applications and management issues.

Job description

Elevate Projects is working in partnership with a regional authority to appoint an experienced Development Manager on an ongoing interim contract.

Responsibilities

1. Act as the lead officer for two development management area teams, providing a high-quality, customer-focused development management function responsible for determining planning and relevant applications.
2. Assist the Service Manager of Development Management in managing the Development Management Service and lead two area teams in determining planning applications, liaising within the planning service and with other internal and external consultees.
3. Ensure applications are professionally managed from pre-application stage through to implementation and compliance, in accordance with the constitution and agreed scheme of delegation.
4. Lead and manage the teams to ensure achievement of government and local performance targets; maximize income through application fees and charges; and deliver organizational, policy, and legislative changes to the service.
5. Act as the lead professional officer at the relevant Area Planning Committees, ensuring effective management and supporting Members in making sound planning decisions that align with the delivery of the adopted Development Plans, supplementary planning documents, and other guidance. Also, support objectives related to climate change, ecological emergency, affordable housing, and quality placemaking.
6. Deputise for the Service Manager of Development Management and Head of Planning, providing necessary support and advice on cases, and liaising with chief officers, senior members, and external contacts on management issues and complex applications.