Development Management Team Leader (Workington) - CMB2484e

Job description

Salary: £51,356 - £52,413 per annum

Hours: 37 hours per week (part-time hours may be considered)             

Location: Allerdale House, Workington

Contract: Permanent

 

About this opportunity

 

Cumberland Council is looking for an experienced and motivated Development Management Team Leader to help deliver a high‑quality planning service that supports regeneration, housing growth, environmental quality, and economic prosperity.

 

Bring your planning career to a place where balance, flexibility and wellbeing truly matter. You’ll enjoy hybrid working, the freedom to shape your week, and a generous annual leave package — with the option to buy even more. Add in an outstanding local government pension with an 18.3% employer contribution, plus assistance with RTPI membership fees, and you’ve got a role that supports your future as well as your day‑to‑day.

 

Considering a move? Cumberland offers an appealing mix of vibrant towns, beautiful coastal scenery and easy access to stunning natural landscapes — creating a fantastic setting for both work and life. You can also enjoy a great quality of life in one of England’s more affordable housing areas.

 

For candidates moving to Cumberland to take up the position, a Relocation Allowance may be available subject to meeting the qualifying criteria.

 

About the role

You’ll lead a team of planning officers, oversee complex and high‑profile planning cases, and provide expert professional advice to applicants, Members, partners, and stakeholders. You’ll ensure decisions are robust, timely, and aligned with policy, while driving service improvements and contributing to the delivery of the Cumberland Local Plan.

 

What you’ll do

 

• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing Development Management team
• Manage complex planning applications, appeals, and enforcement matters
• Represent the Council at planning committees, hearings, and inquiries
• Provide clear, consistent advice to customers, Members, and partners
• Support policy development, service improvements, and corporate priorities
• Ensure quality assurance, risk management, and effective budget oversight

 

 

About you

 

• Degree in planning or related discipline
• Chartered membership of RTPI or equivalent
• Strong leadership and staff management experience
• Extensive Development Management experience, including work with major developers
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and report-writing skills
• Confident representing the authority in formal or legal settings
• Effective budget and performance management capability

 

We’re looking for individuals who embody our organisation's core values: ambitious, collaborative, compassionate, empowering, and innovative. We believe in the power of these values to drive positive change, deliver excellent public services and shape a better future for our communities.

 

Be sure to take a look at the post specification (below) for the essential criteria for this role.

 

Contact

 

For more information about the role or to arrange an informal chat prior to your application, please contact Nick Hayhurst by email at [email protected]

 

Guaranteed Interviews

 

We offer a guaranteed interview to the following applicants as long as your application can demonstrate you meet the essential criteria for the role.

 

• Those who consider themselves disabled as defined by the Equality Act 2010
• Those in care or who have left care and are aged 24 and under
• Those who identify as a member of the British Armed Forces community (service leavers, veterans, their partners or spouses, reservists, cadets).

 

If you meet one or more of the criteria above, and wish to be considered for this scheme, select 'yes' to the appropriate question during your application. Find out more.

 

Diversity, Inclusion & Adjustments

We’re dedicated to enhancing the diversity of our workforce and we encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds. That’s why we’re a proud Disability Confident Leader and also an Age Friendly Employer – to provide opportunities for everyone to thrive.

 

If you need any reasonable adjustments to participate in the recruitment process, please let either the hiring manager or our Resourcing Team know by emailing [email protected]. While adjustments aren’t always guaranteed, we’ll always listen and we’ll try our best to accommodate your needs.

 

Application and Interview information

 

Easily apply by submitting your CV and answering a few short questions.  You must include a cover letter explaining how you meet the requirements of the role. Please upload this along with your CV.

Closing date: Sunday 14^th June 2026

Interview date: To be confirmed

Please note this role may close early subject to demand. If you’re interested in applying, you should apply well before the advised closing date. We cannot accept applications once the role has closed.