Group Manager - Planning & Development

South Holland; Spalding, Horncastle, Boston; On-site; GBP 50,000 - GBP 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional council in England is seeking a Group Manager – Planning and Development to oversee project delivery and manage complex planning applications. The role requires extensive knowledge of planning legislation and proven leadership experience. You will lead teams across three councils, promote sustainable growth, and ensure effective decision-making. This position offers a collaborative environment with access to strong development pathways and flexible working arrangements.

Benefits

Local Government Pension Scheme

Generous annual leave

Employee Assistance Programme

Flexible Working Policy

Career progression opportunities

Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of planning legislation and development management.
• Proven leadership experience in a senior planning role.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage Development Management functions across three councils.
• Oversee and ensure consistent decision-making on planning applications.
• Drive performance and inspire teams towards high-quality outcomes.

Skills

Knowledge of planning legislation

Leadership experience in planning

Communication skills

Negotiation skills

Job description

Are you an experienced planning professional with the leadership skills to drive high-quality decision-making across three Councils? We are seeking a Group Manager – Planning and Development to lead our Development Management functions and oversee the delivery of complex planning applications that support sustainable growth across our communities.

As part of the South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership (SELCP) – the largest of its kind in England – you will operate within a diverse and fast-paced area covering 49% of Lincolnshire’s geography and serving over 300,000 residents.

About Us

Boston Borough Council, East Lindsey District Council and South Holland District Council have formed the South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership. Since launching in October 2021, the Partnership has achieved significant improvements in service delivery and continues to expand opportunities for shared expertise and innovation.

With services increasingly aligning across the three Councils, colleagues benefit from the chance to shape new and evolving ways of working.

• Lead Development Management functions across three councils, influencing how places grow and change.
• Oversee major and complex planning applications, ensuring effective and consistent decision-making.
• Shape innovative approaches to design quality, biodiversity net gain, heritage protection, and sustainable development.
• Be part of an award‑winning Partnership recognised nationally for collaboration and innovation.
• Access strong staff development pathways, including leadership programmes and professional qualifications.
• Benefit from agile and flexible working arrangements within a supportive, collaborative environment.

As Group Manager – Planning and Development, you will:

• Provide operational and professional leadership for Development Management functions across 3 Council teams.
• Oversee the processing and determination of planning applications, ensuring high-quality outcomes and robust decision-making.
• Lead and inspire teams, driving performance, consistency, and customer-focused service delivery.
• Work closely with senior leaders, elected members, applicants, developers, and partner organisations.
• Manage budgets, contracts, and service improvements, ensuring compliance, efficiency, and value for money.
• Support growth priorities across the Partnership through excellent planning and development practices.

What We’re Looking For

• Extensive knowledge of planning legislation, development management processes, and decision-making requirements.
• Proven leadership experience within a senior planning or development role.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to travel across the Partnership area as part of your duties.

Benefits

• Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, enjoy peace of mind with generous employer contributions to a scheme designed to provide long-term financial security after your working life
• Generous annual leave scheme +option to buy more
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Employee Benefits Platform including retail, holiday, and leisure discounts
• Cycle to work scheme*
• Flu Jabs
• Free Eye Test voucher for regular screen users
• Salary sacrifice car scheme roles over 33k and if permanent*
• Flexible Working Policy
• Agile Working Policy*
• Excellent career progression and training opportunities
• Long Service Recognition*

How to Apply:

• Upload your CVunder “Please select one of the options below.”
• Complete the short mandatory fieldson the next page.
• Use‘Add Attachments’to upload your Supporting Statement and any other documents.
• Please ensure thatthe file name of your CV and supporting statement includes yourfull name.
• Ensureboth CV and Supporting Statementare uploadedbefore submittingyour application.
• If you have a long-term health condition or disability and would like your application to be considered in accordance with a Disability Confident Scheme, please email:[e-mail] , to inform the Penna team.

Please find the full job description for the role here

Please note this campaign may close early if an appropriate candidate is found.

The Council reserves the right to change the closing date, depending on application numbers. Interviews may be arranged virtually/ in person when suitable candidates apply which may be prior to the closing date.