Lead Planner / Team Leader Jobs

Lead Planner / Team Leader Jobs

A Lead Planner or Team Leader is a senior development management professional within UK local authorities. They oversee a team of planners, manage complex caseloads, ensure high‑quality decision‑making, and support the delivery of strategic development priorities. Team Leaders act as a bridge between Principal Planners and senior management, providing operational leadership and expert planning advice.

These roles are central to delivering housing growth, regeneration, infrastructure and sustainable development. Team Leaders often specialise in major applications, strategic sites, regeneration areas, conservation zones or policy leadership.


Main Responsibilities

  • Manage and supervise a team of planners
  • Allocate caseloads and monitor performance
  • Lead major and strategic planning applications
  • Prepare high‑level committee reports and recommendations
  • Provide expert advice to councillors, senior officers and external partners
  • Ensure consistent decision‑making and service quality
  • Support recruitment, training and professional development

Typical Employers

  • Local authorities
  • Combined authorities
  • GLA, OPDC, LLDC and public sector planning bodies
  • Public sector regeneration organisations

Salary Range

Lead Planner / Team Leader salaries typically range from £50,000 to £65,000, depending on location, experience and authority type. London and major urban authorities often offer higher salary bands.


Progression Routes

Related Job Titles

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