Area Manager - Development Management

Area Manager – Development Management

The Salary for this role is Grade 8, £63,528 per annum (which includes a time limited recruitment allowance of £14,426 per annum). A permanent position, 37 hours a week.

Shape the future of Somerset

Join Somerset Council – one of the largest unitary authorities in the country – and work on some of the most varied and high‑profile planning projects in the UK. From major regeneration and nationally significant infrastructure to town centres, rural development and housing growth, you’ll help shape places that matter.

Following local government reorganisation, we’re a single, ambitious council serving nearly 600,000 residents. Our scale and stability offer excellent career development across Development Management, Enforcement, Planning Policy, and Minerals & Waste – including work linked to Hinkley Point C and the Somerset-wide Local Plan.

You’ll join a collaborative, forward‑thinking planning service with embedded flexibility, strong professional support and real opportunities to grow.

What we offer:

• High‑profile, complex and varied planning enforcement work
• Clear career development and progression
• Hybrid and flexible working
• Supportive management and a strong learning culture
• Generous leave, pension and wellbeing benefits

If you want planning work that genuinely shapes communities and places, Somerset has something for you.

Role Purpose

Lead and manage two Development Management area teams, ensuring high‑quality, timely and lawful planning decisions across Somerset. The role provides strategic leadership, supports Planning Committees and helps drive service improvement.

Key Responsibilities

· Lead two area planning teams and oversee complex planning applications.

· Act as lead officer at Area Planning Committees.

· Ensure performance targets, quality standards and income are achieved.

· Deputise for senior managers and advise Members on major cases.

· Manage, mentor and develop Principal and Senior Planning Officers.

What We’re Looking For – Essential Skills/Experience

Significant experience leading development management services, strong committee skills and the ability to manage performance, people and complex planning decisions.

Any Additional Information

• The Salary for this role is Grade 8, £63,528 per annum (which includes a time limited recruitment allowance of £14,426 per annum). A permanent position, 37 hours a week.
• This is a senior leadership role with significant responsibility, public visibility and influence across the Council and wider county, reporting to the Chief Planner.
• Flexible and Hybrid working (1-2 days per week in the Office).
• 30 day’s annual leave (additional to bank holidays).
• Extensive CPD and peer support.
• Opportunity to work on a wide range of interesting projects, offering unique opportunities to develop your experience and skills.
• Regretfully, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. We are only able to proceed with candidates who already have the right to work in the UK without the need for visa sponsorship. 

A supplement allowance of £14,426 per annum is linked to the Area Manager bringing the salary to £63,528 per annum. This allowance is subject to National Insurance, Tax and Pension deductions and will be paid in accordance with standard payroll procedures.

The allowance is time-limited and will expire on 28/02/2027. All supplement allowances are reviewed 18 months from the original approval date and may be adjusted or withdrawn based on organisational need, role changes, or market conditions.

Please note:

• If the role is re-evaluated or the salary changes as a result of the Pay and Grading Review, the allowance may be reduced or cease entirely.

If the salary changes due to the NJC Pay Award, the supplement allowance will be adjusted accordingly to maintain the intended pay differential.  

If you're driven to help shape vibrant, sustainable communities and want to leave a lasting legacy for Somerset, we'd welcome a conversation. For an informal chat about the role, you can contact Dawn Devries via email at dawn.devries@Somerset.gov.uk or Nikki Honan on Nikki.Honan@Somerset.gov.uk or 07483 664 207.

A full job description will be provided to shortlisted candidates or on request.