Business Support Supervisor (Development Management)

Business Support SupervisorDevelopment Management Salary: 41,761 - 45,133 Grade: H Department: Development Management Reporting to: Development Manager Working arrangement: Hybrid, with a minimum of two office days per weekShape a new team and support a vital Council service. Hart District Council is looking for a capable and people-focused Business Support Supervisor to lead the specialist administrative support provided to its Development Management service.Reporting directly to the Development Manager, you will supervise and manage the Planning Administration Team, bringing four Business Support Officers together under one clear and cohesive leadership structure. This is a varied position combining people management, workload coordination, specialist administration and customer service. You will help ensure the Development Management service runs smoothly, with accurate processes, responsive support and a consistently high standard of service for residents, colleagues and external partners.While previous experience within planning or Development Management would be highly advantageous, we are not looking for a planner. Hart is particularly interested in candidates who can demonstrate leadership experience, the ability to manage people and workloads, and the confidence to understand and oversee detailed administrative processes. About the role As Business Support Supervisor, you will provide oversight of the administrative functions supporting Development Management. You will allocate work across the team, provide day-to-day leadership and act as a key source of support for the Development Manager, case officers and Team Leaders. You will line-manage four Business Support Officers, conducting regular one-to-one meetings and half-yearly appraisals. You will also help the team establish a consistent and joined-up approach, ensuring responsibilities are clearly understood and work is effectively prioritised. The role will require you to develop a strong understanding of the processes that sit behind Development Management, including: Receiving and registering planning applications submitted through the Planning Portal and by postUploading information to the Council's document management systemUnderstanding planning application validation processes and requirementsLogging and recording consultee and third-party responsesSupporting public speaking arrangements for Development Management CommitteeLogging enforcement casesCoordinating documentation and arrangements relating to appealsRegistering, processing and determining tree-related applicationsSupporting the preparation and service of Tree Preservation OrdersSupporting the determination of planning applications under delegated powers and by CommitteeKey responsibilities In this role, you will: Provide oversight of the administrative functions required for the smooth running of the Development Management serviceManage and allocate work across the Business Support teamAct as personal and administrative support to the Development ManagerLine-manage four Business Support OfficersHold regular one-to-one meetings and half-yearly appraisalsEnsure appropriate administrative support is provided to case officers and Team LeadersAct as the first point of contact for complaints relating to the service provided by the Planning Administration TeamProduce financial and performance information and reports as requiredSupport the publication of documents and information on the Council's websiteHelp identify, develop and implement effective manual and information technology systems and proceduresProvide a high-quality service to residents, colleagues, managers and external partnersPresent the service in a proactive, positive and customer-focused wayThe HART values Hart District Council wants every customer to feel warm, welcome, wanted and cared for when interacting with the Council. All employees are expected to promote the HART values by: Being HelpfulBeing ApproachableBeing ResponsiveTaking ownership of challenges and problems to ensure they are dealt with appropriatelyPerson specification Education and qualifications Essential GCSEs - maths and EnglishDesirable Management qualificationExperience and knowledge Essential Experience of working in an admin roleExperience of leadership in some capacity along with managing people and workloadsDesirable Experience of working in the public sector and an understanding of Local GovernmentIn particular, experience of the administration of development management in Local GovernmentAn interest in planning and the environmentKnowledge of the planning system and related environmental issues.Experience of the Idox/UniformSkills and abilities Essential Evidence of leadership skillsEnthusiasm and desire to do a good jobComputer literate and proficient in Microsoft Office softwareAble to use complex computer systems with appropriate trainingCommitted to providing high-quality customer serviceAbility to understand, and adapt existing administrative procedures or to introduce new proceduresAbility to take ownership of tasks, challenges, and problems to achieve an appropriate outcomeDesirable Ability to pick up procedures quickly and understand/question how they fit into the processesAbility to see the bigger picture and how individual processes affect the outcomePersonal qualities Essential Ability to work as part of a team and/or alone and use own initiativeCommitment to personal developmentAbility to manage own timeCommitment to delivering the best possible services for residents, and internal and external customersAbility to act on own initiative without close supervision.Desirable Flexibility - to be able to see what needs to be done and get it done, being prepared to step in if necessaryAn interest in planning and environmental issues.Other working requirements Essential Willingness to work in the office on at least two days per week and have a suitable working environment at home if home working is intended.Desirable Access to and ability to drive a motor vehicle.Additional responsibilities The successful candidate will be expected to work in accordance with Hart District Council's policies, procedures, HART values and relevant legislation. This includes requirements relating to equal opportunities, conduct, data protection, safeguarding, health and safety and civil emergency responsibilities. The responsibilities listed are not exhaustive and may develop in response to service needs. Any changes will be discussed with the post-holder and will not significantly affect the nature, responsibility level or grade of the role. Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at (url removed)