Interim Development Management / Planning Enforcement

Interim Head of Development Management / Planning Enforcement (Local Authority – South East)

We're supporting a local authority in the South East to appoint an experienced interim to lead their Development Management and Planning Enforcement functions during a period of transition and service change.

This is a high-profile, operational leadership role, suited to someone who can bring stability, credibility and strong stakeholder management in a politically sensitive environment.

The role

You'll provide day-to-day leadership across Development Management and Planning Enforcement, ensuring operational continuity and confidence in the service. The post sits within a changing local government landscape and will involve leading through organisational and political change.

Contract details

Contract length: 6 months

Rate: Competitive hourly rate

IR35: Inside IR35

Working pattern: Hybrid – ideally 2 days onsite (some flexibility for an exceptional candidate)

Interviews: Interviews next week

Key focus areas include:

Leadership and oversight of Development Management (including major applications)
Oversight of Planning Enforcement
Maintaining service performance and team stability through a transition period
Handling complex, high-profile and politically sensitive cases
Supporting key meetings and attending planning committees as required

What we're looking for

This will suit someone who can step in immediately at senior level and lead from day one. The client is looking for proven local authority DM leadership (not someone stepping up for the first time).

Experience should include:

Senior Development Management leadership within a local authority (DM Manager / Head of DM level)
Managing major applications, regeneration schemes and complex caseloads
Confidence operating in member-led / politically sensitive environments
Strong track record leading teams through change and maintaining service continuity
Exposure to Green Belt schemes is highly desirable

Interested?

If you'd like to be considered, please share your availability for a short call to discuss the role in more detail. You can email me on