Planning Team Leader – Development Management

About the Role

Are you an experienced planner with a passion for shaping sustainable communities and leading a high-performing team? We are seeking a Planning Team Leader to join our Development Management Team at North East Derbyshire District Council.

In this new pivotal role, you will lead an established, committed and friendly team of planning officers, managing a diverse caseload of planning applications and delivering high-quality, timely decisions that support our strategic vision for growth and regeneration.

The team has embraced significant changes to the way we work in recent times, including the adoption of a new pre-application advice service and a partnership with Design:Midlands to increase the quality of schemes submitted at the formal application stage.

You will be committed to continuous improvement and you will be empowered to build on the recent changes made by a supportive management culture.

North East Derbyshire can offer an excellent platform for you to develop your career. The Planning Service is involved in a number of national pilot schemes, including the Proptech Innovation Fund and the Planning Skills Delivery Fund. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to get involved in these projects and work with the Service management team to promote the excellent work of the team.

The Service is leading on a number of corporate priorities. The Local Plan review is underway and you will play a key role in making sure that the Development Management team add value to this process. There are major regeneration projects in the pipeline, including those affecting heritage assets and the Green Belt. You will be the lead officer on some of these corporately significant projects that include the redevelopment of Council assets.

The role would suit experienced planners who are seeking their first role in management. We have a genuine ‘One Team’ approach here at North East Derbyshire. This is not just a slogan, it is a way of working that recognises that we will deliver far better outcomes for residents if we see the ‘bigger picture’ and work together. This approach fosters people who have bold ideas, seize the initiative and have a determination to push things forward. If this sounds like you, we would very much welcome your application!

The successful candidate will:

• Lead, mentor, and support a team of planning officers to deliver excellent development management services.
• Oversee complex and high-profile planning applications, appeals, and enforcement cases.
• Ensure compliance with statutory requirements and local planning policies.
• Provide expert advice to elected members, stakeholders, and the public.
• Contribute to service improvement initiatives and help shape planning policy and procedures.
• Represent the council at planning committees, public inquiries, and stakeholder meetings.

We’re looking for someone who is:

• A qualified town planner (RTPI membership or eligibility is essential).
• Experienced in development management within a local authority or similar setting.
• A confident leader with excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• Able to manage competing priorities and make sound, evidence-based decisions.
• Passionate about delivering sustainable development and excellent public service.

In return the Council offer

• A supportive and collaborative working environment.
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
• Flexible working arrangement, up to 35 days annual leave and a strong focus on work-life balance.
• Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme and other employee benefits.

Join us and help shape the future of our District – where your leadership can make a lasting impact.

Apply today!

If you are interested in this post, please apply using the online application, attaching a CV and covering letter explaining how you meet the job specification on our dedicated webpage on Derbyshire Jobs at North East Derbyshire District Council Vacancies or via Derbyshire – Jobs and Careers by clicking ‘Apply for this job’ and creating an account.  You can save your progress and exit the application at any time, coming back to it at a later stage to complete and submit your application. 

Applications close Midnight, 29^th June 2025.

Please read the Guidance Notes provided before completing any application.

If you do not have internet access, you can request an offline application pack by contacting North East Derbyshire District Council Contact Centre on (01246) 231111 or emailing HumanResources@ne-derbyshire.gov.uk

We welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Please note the Council only consider applications from candidates eligible to work in the UK and who possess a current work permit appropriate to the job role advertised.

For further information

For an informal discussion about the post, please contact David Thompson, Assistant Director of Planning on (01246) 217436 or via email david.thompson@ne-derbyshire.gov.uk

If you have not received any communication within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion, and we thank you for your interest in the job role.