Head of Development Management

Job Description

The London Borough of Harrow is seeking an accomplished and strategic leader to take on the role of Head of Development Management, a senior position within the Housing and Regeneration Directorate. Reporting to the Chief Planning Officer, the postholder will lead the Development Management Service, overseeing statutory planning, enforcement, technical support and systems functions. This role is central to ensuring the delivery of a high-performing, customer-focused planning service that supports the Borough’s ambitions for sustainable growth, regeneration and high-quality development.

The successful candidate will provide strong operational and strategic leadership, driving service improvement, performance and innovation across all areas of development management. They will oversee complex and high-value planning applications, working collaboratively with Members, partners and key stakeholders to secure investment and deliver exemplary development outcomes. With responsibility for budgets, income generation and commercial opportunities, the role requires a leader who can balance financial stewardship with service excellence, ensuring resources are effectively aligned with corporate priorities.

As a key member of the senior leadership team, the Head of Development Management will foster a high-performing and inclusive culture, developing and motivating staff to achieve outstanding results. The postholder will contribute to wider Directorate and Council objectives, champion partnership working across the public and private sectors, and deputise for the Chief Planning Officer as required. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of Harrow, delivering meaningful outcomes for residents and communities while driving forward a modern, efficient and resilient planning service.

If the below looks like you, we are excited to hear from you.

• Strategic leader of Development Management services, driving high-quality planning, enforcement, and technical delivery across the borough.
• Proven ability to deliver statutory planning targets while improving appeal success rates and enforcement outcomes.
• Experienced in leading complex regeneration and major development schemes, securing investment and sustainable growth.
• Strong track record of service transformation, improving processes, systems, and operational performance.
• Skilled in budget management, income generation, and identifying commercial opportunities within planning services.
• Collaborative leader, building effective partnerships with Members, stakeholders, public/private sectors, and regional bodies.
• Expert in planning legislation, policy development, and governance, ensuring compliance and high professional standards.
• Committed to fostering high-performing, inclusive teams through coaching, development, and clear performance management.
• Influential communicator with strong negotiation skills, capable of managing complex stakeholder environments.
• Dedicated to delivering customer-focused, efficient services that align with corporate objectives and regeneration priorities

For more information, please refer to the Role Profile/Selection Criteria

About us

Harrow Council is the 12th largest London borough and one of the most culturally diverse local authorities in the UK, making it a great place to live, work and visit with a range of cultures, religions and opinions that come together to produce high achieving schools and a close and friendly community. Located 10 miles from the city centre and just 13 minutes to Euston from Harrow & Wealdstone station there are great transport links via the Metropolitan Line, Watford DC Line and national rail service. It is easily accessible to the M1, M25 and A406.

Other information

Support for candidates visit:Harrow.gov.uk Our behavioural indicators roles below G11 and above G11 Here at Harrow Council, the vision is one of 'Working together to make a difference for Harrow' Please click here to view Harrow Council's benefits

Important Note

To deliver our commitment to equality of opportunity in service provision, all staff are expected to promote equality in the workplace and in the services the Council delivers. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs at the London Borough of Harrow. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender, reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy, or maternity unless a Genuine Occupational Qualification applies. As such, we value diversity and welcome applications from all backgrounds. For further information, please read our equality statement.

As a disability-confident employer, we are committed to making our recruitment practices barrier-free and accessible to everyone. This includes reasonably adjusting the recruitment process for those with disabilities or long-term health conditions. For further information, please contact us at resourcing@harrow.gov.uk

London Borough of Harrow is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Harrow operates stringent, safer recruitment procedures.

Due to the high number of applications received for some posts, we may close vacancies before the stated closing date if sufficient applications are received. Therefore, please apply as soon as possible.

Harrow redeployees will be given priority consideration.

The personal information we have collected from you will be shared with Cifas who will use it to prevent fraud, other unlawful or dishonest conduct, malpractice, and other seriously improper conduct. If any of these are detected you could be refused certain services or employment. Your personal information will also be used to verify your identity. Further details of how your information will be used by us and Cifas, any your data protection rights, can be found by visiting www.cifas.org.uk/fpn