Head of Development Management and Strategic Planning South London £650 per day About the Role: A local authority is seeking an ambitious and experienced Head of Development Management and Planning to lead the strategic management of the Council's statutory planning function. This is a unique opportunity to drive high-quality development and shape the future of the borough, ensuring it remains sustainable, inclusive, and forward-thinking. Key Responsibilities: Provide strategic leadership in the development of planning policies, strategies, and masterplans to enable high-quality, low-carbon development. Oversee all statutory planning functions as the Chief Planning Officer, ensuring efficient management of planning applications from inception to completion. Support major regeneration and investment programmes, including town centre and housing estate regeneration, biodiversity enhancements, and the London Cancer Hub. Work closely with senior leadership, elected members, and the Planning Committee to provide impartial expert advice. Drive transformation within the service to modernise and align with financial and operational goals. Build strong partnerships with the GLA and South London boroughs to advocate for regional investment priorities in the London Plan. Ensure efficient management of resources, including a revenue budget of approximately £1.5M and a team of around 40 staff. Lead the development and implementation of key planning policies, ensuring compliance with local, regional, and national legislation. Maximise development-generated income streams, including s106 agreements, the Community Infrastructure Levy, carbon offset funds, and biodiversity net gains. Person Specification: Essential Qualifications & Experience: Educated to degree level or equivalent and holding Chartered Planner status. Substantial senior management experience in development management, strategic planning, or building control. Proven ability to provide strategic advice and briefings to senior leadership, elected members, and committees. Experience leading high-profile, customer-focused planning services and managing complex stakeholder relationships. Strong knowledge of relevant legislation and best practices in urban planning, development management, sustainability, transport planning, and urban design. Skills & Competencies: Ability to position planning as an enabler of high-quality, sustainable development. Proven leadership skills with the ability to develop and motivate a high-performing team. Strong relationship-building skills with government agencies, developers, local authorities, and community groups. Astute political awareness and experience in providing strategic advice to elected officials. Excellent communication skills, including report writing, negotiation, and public speaking. Strong problem-solving ability and a commitment to continuous service improvement. Why Join? Influence the future of a dynamic and growing borough. Lead on high-profile regeneration and planning initiatives. Work in a forward-thinking local authority committed to sustainability, innovation, and high-quality urban design.