Development Manager

Development Manager

• Location: Rochdale
• Job Type: Full-time

We are seeking a Development Manager to lead our development management function, ensuring a customer-focused and integrated service. This role involves the effective management, performance, improvement, motivation, and development of staff to meet the Council’s statutory and non-statutory responsibilities. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in planning, heritage, and enforcement, and be adept at meeting local and national performance targets.

• Lead the Development Management Service to provide a professional, efficient, and cost-effective service that meets all legal and policy requirements.
• Manage, motivate, and develop a team including Senior Planning Officers, Planning Officers, and Assistant Planning Officers, along with heritage, design, project support, administrative, and enforcement staff.
• Ensure service standards and quality procedures are maintained, reviewed, and developed.
• Take the lead role in negotiations on major and complex planning applications and legal agreements.
• Ensure compliance with the Council’s Code of Conduct for Members and Officers dealing with planning matters.
• Attend and provide professional advice at various committee meetings and support other committees, partnerships, public meetings, or working parties as required.

• Recognised qualification in Town Planning or equivalent, affording full exemption from the Final Examination of the RTPI.
• Extensive experience managing development management, enforcement, heritage, and technical support teams.
• Proven ability to manage budgets and interpret financial information.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage and motivate staff.
• Excellent knowledge of legislation, policies, and best practices relating to all aspects of a development management service.
• Experience in using electronic information systems, databases, and files.