Development Planning Manager

As the lead for Development Management, you will:

• Drive Sandwell's journey of continuous improvement, maintaining our outstanding performance levels
• Champion the digitisation of planning services, ensuring modern, efficient, customer-focused processes
• Lead the service through upcoming changes under the Planning and Infrastructure Act, supporting elected members and colleagues through transition.
• Oversee all planning casework, ensuring high standards of decision-making and service delivery
• Uphold and promote the Council's corporate values and behaviours across the team, This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of planning in Sandwell, working within a high-achieving, award-winning service that values innovation, collaboration, and excellence.
Please submit a CV and supporting statement to tammy_stokes@sandwell.gov.uk before the closing date. We reserve the right to close vacancies prior to their advertised date if we receive a large number of applications. Therefore, you are strongly advised to submit your CV as soon as possible. When submitting your CV and supporting statement, please refer to the supporting documents attached. If you are an internal candidate and currently at risk, please let the recruiting manager know. If you wish to apply as Care Leaver or a Disability Confident candidate, please make sure to state this when submitting your CV.

We are now seeking an experienced and forward-thinking leader and Town Planner to drive our Development Management Service. This is a pivotal leadership role, ideal for someone with a strong track record in planning, service improvement, and team development., We're looking for someone who brings:
• Extensive experience across planning and enforcement workstreams.
• Strong leadership skills, with the ability to inspire, guide, and develop a high-performing team.
• Exceptional communication abilities, essential for this public-facing, member-supporting role.
• A solid understanding of ICT and digital technologies, with a passion for modernising services.
• Confidence in navigating legislative change and shaping service responses, MRTPI or ARICS (Planning Division)
• Degree in Town and Country Planning
• Post graduate qualification recognised by the RTPI
  
  Sandwell Council is an award-winning local planning authority service (RTPI Awards 2025) - a reflection of our commitment to exceptional customer service, high-quality design, and sustainable, well-managed growth across the borough.