Development Manager

Back to search Development Manager

Closing Date: 08/11/2026

Category

Housing & Planning

Contract Type

Permanent

Salary

£48,738 - £53,051 per annum

Location

Riverbank House, Bideford

Role Summary & Benefits

Development Manager

£48,738 – £53,051 per annum (plus up to £8,000 relocation allowance) | Full Time | Permanent

We are seeking an experienced and motivated planning professional to lead our Development Management Team. This is a key leadership role within the Planning Service, responsible for ensuring the delivery of a high-quality, customer-focused development management function that facilitates sustainable growth and supports the Council’s strategic ambitions.

As Development Manager, you will lead and support a team of planning professionals, providing expert advice on all aspects of development management and ensuring the effective delivery of planning services across the district.

Working closely with the Head of Planning & Building Control, you will oversee planning application and enforcement work, manage team performance and resources, provide professional planning advice and ensure the service meets statutory requirements, corporate objectives and government performance targets. You will also contribute to service improvement, strategic planning and the delivery of sustainable development across Torridge.

You will be an experienced planning professional with substantial Development Management experience, strong leadership skills and a proven ability to manage complex planning matters and negotiations. Holding a Master’s degree in Town Planning or a related discipline, together with a commitment to Continuing Professional Development, you will possess extensive knowledge of planning legislation and policy, excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, and the ability to lead teams and drive service improvement. Chartered RTPI membership, or eligibility to become chartered is essential, with a management qualification and experience of delivering change would be advantageous.

For a confidential, informal discussion about how this role could be right for you, please call Helen Smith, Head of Planning and Building Control on [phone removed] or Sean Kearney, Director of Communities and Place on [phone removed].

To view a job description or to apply for this role, please visit our careers website https://careers.torridge.gov.uk

Closing Date: 08 November 2026

Interview Date: 24 November 2026

Back to search Apply Now