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Liverpool

Public Sector

Interim

14-04-2026

24-04-2026

TJ-786-1077


£750 per day


Job Purpose

We have a great opportunity for an experienced Senior Interim Head of Development Management and Major Projects. To lead and manage the Development Management and Enforcement functions to provide a modern, customer focussed and business friendly Planning service.

Your new role

  • Develop and maintain effective relationships with physical development and regeneration partners across the City, regionally and nationally.
  • Develop and maintain a clear understanding of the needs, concerns and expectations of local communities and ensure these are fairly represented in the Planning process.
  • Implement relevant core Regeneration and Planning strategies and associated policies.
  • Effectively manage the development management service including setting objectives and managing performance.
  • Effectively manage, support and promote the development of Council policy and joint strategic plans.
  • Provide strong performance management of the Planning Service by owning and developing service planning, robust financial and budget management and performance measurement ensuring that continuous improvement, value for money and best value are delivered.
  • Assess staff performance and set appropriate target levels of service. Create a positive learning and working environment through delegation and mentoring. Initiate and develop strong working relationships, both internally and externally.
  • Build and maintain effective networks in order to seek out new ideas and innovations to improve service delivery
  • Deal with conflicting demands to establish corporate priorities.
  • Assess staff performance and set appropriate target levels of service.
  • Create a positive learning and working environment through delegation, mentoring and coaching of staff and through the identification of training and development needs.
  • Attend committee meetings, other member bodies and such external working groups as required.
  • Represent the Planning Service at local and regional events as required for learning and sharing opportunities.
  • To oversee the delivery of major development projects of strategic importance to the City. This key role will work across traditional boundaries within the planning profession and involve the areas of development control, planning policy design and implementation.
  • To oversee strategic/regionally important planning applications (and associated detailed applications) from submission through negotiation and determination, to implementation and delivery.
  • To co-ordinate, manage and lead the statutory Development Management function across the Planning and Enforcement Teams.
  • To monitor and manage the Development Management / Enforcement work programme including the management and reporting of collection and expenditure of Section 106 monetary contributions.
  • To develop and implement systems and procedures to ensure that all services are carried out in a timely, accurate and efficient manner, leading to the achievement of the City Development's Portfolios, Business Plan, Planning Service and Government performance targets.
  • Responding to development enquiries from within and outside the Council, including the provision of advice to the Senior Managers in respect of the Council's land holdings.
  • To take lead responsibility for the Development Management function at the Planning Committee and other appropriate meetings of the City Council including the preparation of information, editorial responsibility for reports and liaison with Committee Services.
  • To ensure co-ordination and liaison with staff in the Building Control team.
  • To ensure that Development Management makes a positive contribution to the strategic Local Plan including the preparation of land use allocations and development management policies based on sound evidence.
  • To lead to ensure that the key processes for local development document production are undertaken, including statutory, regulatory and technical requirements; continuous community involvement in accordance with the Statement of Community Involvement and Sustainability and other appraisals and assessments; negotiation with outside agencies and dealing with elected members.
  • To lead on implementing, monitoring and reviewing statutory development management policies/case law, planning strategies and proposals in relation to the Local Plan and other non-statutory guidance and to advise on further work as appropriate.
  • To undertake or assist in undertaking city-wide and area based planning policy preparation and implementation.
  • To champion social value and ensure it is an integral part of service provision and procurement ensuring wider social, economic and environmental benefits for the council, residents and communities.
  • Being fully accountable for managing the council's resources well and complying with statutory requirements. This includes managing time, avoiding unnecessary waste, reuse and recycle resources to reduce personal impact.
  • Embed the Local Plans vision and strategic priorities in planning decision making to help maximise development opportunities.
  • To have a good understanding of contract management
  • To liaise with other local authorities, Combined Authority and organisations over development plans and strategic planning policy issues ensuring that the City Council complies with the duty to cooperate.
  • Representing the Council and Director of Planning & Building Control in committee meetings, other member bodies and such external working groups as required.
  • Promote and implement business excellence throughout the service.
  • Developing and helping to maintain information systems to support plan, strategy and policy development work.
  • To monitor, review and ensure a balanced and cost-effective discharge of the Service's functions by organising and continuously developing working practices.
  • Contribute to the delivery of the Council Plan.
  • Delivering and promoting excellent customer service, externally and internally.
  • Contribute to sustainable development in all duties undertaken.
  • Business continuity, emergency planning and risk management, ensuring health and safety and duty of care responsibilities are met.
  • Participation in the tactical / out of hours rota.
  • Commitment to managing people well and in line with the Council.s People Plan.
  • Completion of the relevant leadership development programme.

What you will need to succeed

  • A degree/diploma or equivalent experience in Town Planning. The resultant qualification must be RTPI recognized.
  • Further training in management, urban design, heritage, local planning or other skills allied to Development Management.
  • Experience of managing a Development Management Team within an urban authority.
  • Experience in the wider management of the planning function.
  • Demonstrable experience of dealing with large scale development proposals, appeals and enforcement.
  • Delivery of service excellence and quality outcomes.
  • Demonstrate experience of creating quality environments.
  • Significant experience of complex planning issues in a large urban area.

If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' or call us on 020 7096 2981 for further details.

This position closes in 10 days