Team Leader - Development Management
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From April 2027, Guildford Borough Council and Waverley Borough Council will become part of the new West Surrey unitary council, following the government’s confirmed plans for local government reorganisation across Surrey. This change will see the current twelve councils replaced by two new authorities, East Surrey and West Surrey, with West Surrey taking responsibility for the areas currently served by Guildford, Waverley, Runnymede, Spelthorne, Surrey Heath and Woking.
As we move towards this transition, our focus remains firmly on delivering high‑quality, value‑for‑money services and staying true to our shared organisational values of Collaboration, Wellbeing, Trusted, Value for Money and Professionalism.
We recognise that any period of organisational change can bring questions, particularly regarding future structures and working arrangements. Throughout this process, we are committed to supporting our colleagues with transparency and care prioritising wellbeing, maintaining a trusted and open dialogue, and ensuring continued access to learning and professional development opportunities.
While the exact shape of the new West Surrey Council beyond 2027 is still being developed, joining us now means becoming part of an organisation where collaboration thrives and where your contribution will directly influence one of the most significant local government transformations in decades. You’ll gain valuable experience, play an active role in shaping the future of public services across West Surrey, and work within a team committed to professionalism and delivering outstanding outcomes for our communities.
Together, we will ensure a smooth transition and continue to deliver exceptional services for residents both now and into the future.
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Team Leader (Planning) – Development Management
Salary: £55,351 - £59,665
Location: The Burys, Godalming, Surrey GU7 1HR / Hybrid working
Hours: Full time, 37 hours per week
About the role
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our Planning service as a Team Leader (Development Management). You will play a key leadership role within one of our three Development Management teams, helping to deliver high‑quality, sustainable development across the borough.
Reporting to the Joint Executive Head of Planning Development, you will lead and manage a team of professional planning officers, ensuring the timely and effective determination of planning applications while maintaining excellent customer service standards.
This is a senior role requiring strong leadership, sound professional judgement and the ability to work confidently with elected members, developers, residents and a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
Key responsibilities
- Lead the operational management of a Development Management team (Major & Minor Applications, Applications & Enforcement, or Strategic Sites)
- Manage performance, workloads and professional development of officers within the team
- Determine planning applications under delegated powers and oversee sensitive and complex cases
- Take the lead on applications reported to Planning Committee, including presenting reports
- Build and maintain positive working relationships with councillors, developers, partners and communities
- Represent the Council at appeals, hearings and inquiries where required
- Contribute to service planning, improvement projects and wider strategic objectives
- Ensure performance targets, quality standards and customer service expectations are met
About you
You will be an experienced planning professional with a strong track record of leadership and decision‑making in a development management environment. You will bring excellent communication skills, political awareness and the ability to balance performance pressures with high‑quality outcomes.
Essential requirements include:
- Degree or equivalent qualification in a planning discipline
- Full Chartered Membership of the RTPI
- Significant senior‑level experience in development management
- Strong leadership, influencing and negotiation skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- A commitment to customer service, equality and continuous improvement
Why join us?
Waverley is an ambitious authority committed to professionalism, collaboration and wellbeing. We offer:
- Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
- A supportive and engaged leadership team
- Opportunities for professional development and CPD
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- A chance to make a real impact on the future of our communities
Please note:
No agencies or speculative CVs please. Direct applications only.
Salary range
- £55,351 - £59,665 per year