Head of Development Management - Strategic Projects and Major Applications

Job introduction

Job title: Head of Development Management - Strategic Projects and Major Planning Applications

A bit about us:

Liverpool is a city on the move, and we’re looking for a Head of Development Management to lead on Strategic Projects and Major Planning Applications who wants to be at the heart of it.

With major strategic projects on the horizon, Liverpool is preparing for one of the most exciting periods in its recent history. Our skyline is evolving, our communities are growing, and our Planning service plays a central role in shaping a safe, high‑quality built environment for a world‑class city.

As Head of Development Management (Strategic Projects and Major Applications) you will play a central role in delivering high‑quality developments across Liverpool. This is a role with real breadth, responsibility and influence.

The role:

• This key role will work across traditional boundaries within the planning profession and involve the areas of development management, planning policy design and implementation
• It will involve the co-ordination and management of strategic projects and major applications function across the Planning Teams. This includes driving the effective delivery of planning applications from submission through negotiation, determination and to implementation
• It will involve close working with other teams within the City Development directorate, such as Regeneration, and other council services in the delivery of projects considered to be of strategically important to the council. For example, these may relate to delivery/provision of council services, such as schools, development of council owned sites or projects that will provide significant benefit to residents, such as employment or housing
• You will be responsible for the Strategic Projects and major applications teams
• To take the lead in meeting strategic and key developers to ensure the best possible quality of development in the city and to meet the Council’s growth ambitions
• Provide advice and support to senior managers; such as the Corporate Director, service Director including deputising at key meetings
• To assess and give advice on enquiries which could lead to strategic and complex planning applications
• To work collaboratively with important council partners including the Combined Authority and Homes England along with other key stakeholders, to ensure that the council’s objectives are met together with the needs of partners and stakeholders. The format and shape of these relationships will evolve over time to embrace national change such as regional devolution and national priorities, such as the current focus on increasing new house numbers, as well as the council’s own agenda
• To take responsibility for Strategic Projects and Major applications 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 that Strategic Projects and Major applications make a positive contribution to the strategic Local Plan including the preparation of land use allocations and development management policies based on sound evidence

Our offer to you:

• At least 31 days holiday, plus bank holidays rising to 35 after 5 years’ service (pro rata if part time) - option to purchase further days
• Agile working (role dependent) - a “Flexibility First” approach to agile working, where flexibility is the norm rather than the exception
• Part of the Local Government Pension Scheme – option to join the AVC Scheme
• Progression - opportunities and training through a wide range of high quality learning
• Health and Wellbeing - offer including Employee Assistance Programme
• Cycle to Work and Travel Pass Schemes
• Drive Time – a salary sacrifice car lease scheme
• Family friendly policies with enhanced leave
• Discounted Gym Memberships
• Employee Volunteering Scheme
• Medicash

Next steps:
Closing date: Midnight on Saturday 28th November
Shortlisting date: Monday 30th November 2026
Interview date: Monday 7th December 2026
Interview type: Face to face competancy based questions with a presentation

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early. Once the role has closed, you will not be able to submit an application, and we are unable to reopen the vacancy for you to complete it. We strongly recommend submitting your application well in advance of the closing date to avoid disappointment.

If you would like any further information or an informal discussion, please contact andrea.dimba@liverpool.gov.uk

Watch our recruitment video and see what life is like working at Liverpool City Council.

Liverpool City Council is committed to fostering a workforce representative of the communities we serve. As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we believe in appointing candidates based on their skills, experience, qualifications, and abilities. To support this commitment, we guarantee an interview to candidates from under-represented groups who meet the minimum essential criteria for the role.

If you require any reasonable adjustments in line with the Equality Act 2010, such as an application form in a different format or additional time to complete your application, please contact us at recruitment@liverpool.gov.uk.

Although we advertise on Jobs Go Public, and other websites, your application process will be directed to our Tribepad system. Please note that all communication regarding your application for this post will be sent to the email address that you have registered on Tribepad, including your invite to interview if you are shortlisted. Please check your emails regularly, including Spam/Junk, after the closing dates for notifications. Please ensure you complete your full profile, work and education history in Tribepad.

Eligibility to work in the UK will be verified in the final stages of the selection process. All candidates must either already have a right to work in the UK before commencing employment or meet the Home Office criteria for Visa sponsorship. Candidates who require sponsorship should evaluate the Home Office eligibility criteria for a Skilled Worker visa before applying.

This is not legal advice, and we advise you to seek your own independent legal advice tailored to your own personal circumstances.