Head of Development Management Jobs

The Head of Development Management is a senior leadership role within UK local authorities, responsible for overseeing the development management service, managing planning officers and ensuring high‑quality decision making. They lead the delivery of planning applications, pre‑application advice, appeals and enforcement, ensuring the service operates efficiently and in line with national and local planning policy.

This role involves strategic oversight, performance management, stakeholder engagement and providing expert advice to councillors, senior officers and external partners.

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Main Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the development management service
• Oversee planning applications, pre‑application advice and appeals
• Ensure high‑quality, timely and defensible planning decisions
• Manage planning officers, team leaders and technical staff
• Provide expert advice to councillors, senior officers and applicants
• Represent the authority at committees, hearings and public meetings
• Drive service improvements, performance monitoring and customer service

Typical Employers

• Local authorities
• Combined authorities
• Urban development corporations

Salary Range

Head of Development Management salaries typically range from £65,000 to £85,000, depending on location and authority size.

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Progression Routes

• Head of Planning
• Chief Planner
• Director of Planning

Related Job Titles

• Development Management Manager
• Lead Planner / Team Leader
• Principal Planning Officer

See all planning jobs
https://www.planningjobs.com/