Development Services Manager

Monmouthshire County Council
Location: County Hall, Usk
Salary: Band L, SCP 5–8 — £54,495 to £58,970
Hours: 37 per week
Contract: Permanent
Post ID: RDC01
DBS: Not required
Closing date: 12 noon, 12 June 2026

Join Us as Development Services Manager

Monmouthshire County Council is looking for an ambitious and motivated planning professional to lead our Development Management Service. This is a key strategic role within the Planning Service, overseeing a broad portfolio including Applications, Heritage, Enforcement and Business Support.

You’ll provide clear leadership, drive service improvement, and ensure high‑quality development outcomes across the county. If you’re passionate about planning, performance, people and place‑making, this is an excellent opportunity to make a real impact.

About the Role

As Development Services Manager, you will:

• Lead and manage the Development Management and Heritage teams
• Ensure high‑quality, timely and customer‑focused delivery of planning services
• Provide expert professional advice on planning matters
• Represent the Council at Planning Committee, appeals, hearings and inquiries
• Oversee performance, service planning, reporting and statutory returns
• Drive continuous improvement and innovation across the service
• Manage budgets, resources and staff development
• Support the Head of Planning and deputise when required
• Promote effective cross‑service and regional partnership working
• Ensure compliance with key policies including equality, safeguarding and health & safety

What We’re Looking For

You will bring:

• Strong leadership and management experience within planning or a related field
• Excellent knowledge of planning legislation, policy and best practice
• Confidence presenting at committee, appeals and public forums
• A track record of improving service delivery and performance
• The ability to motivate, support and develop staff
• Strong communication, problem‑solving and organisational skills
• Commitment to high‑quality development and excellent customer service
• Welsh language skills are desirable

About the Service

Development Management is responsible for:

• Processing and determining planning applications
• Managing planning appeals
• Providing pre‑application advice
• Investigating breaches of planning control
• Managing the county’s heritage assets

We are committed to delivering a high‑quality, responsive and customer‑focused service that supports sustainable development across Monmouthshire.

What We Offer

• Supportive management, peer review and skill‑sharing
• Flexible and agile working
• Access to a pool car for site visits
• A positive, collaborative working environment
• Opportunities for professional development and progression

Safeguarding

Safeguarding children and adults at risk is a core priority for the Council. All employees are expected to uphold their responsibilities and complete appropriate safeguarding training.

How to Apply

Please complete the online application form via:
https://www.monmouthshire.gov.uk/jobs-employment/

Applications may be submitted in Welsh and will not be treated less favourably.

We welcome applications from all sections of the community and are proud to be:

• An equal opportunities employer
• A Disability Confident committed employer
• Armed Forces friendly
• Autism aware
• Supportive of care‑experienced young people

All posts are open to job‑share unless stated otherwise.