Development Management Improvements Manager

£52,342 - £55,719

Closing date: 01/10/2021

Milton Keynes is a rapidly expanding, vibrant and dynamic place to live, work and play. How better to contribute to that continued success than through a unique and rewarding career with Milton Keynes Council. So if you're looking for an excellent benefits package and the chance to make a difference, make a move to Milton Keynes Council. With modern working practices where flexibility is commonplace and performance is measured on outcomes and results, alongside a generous holiday entitlement, you can experience a fulfilling job and great work-life balance.

Please note that this role is only open to applicants who have the right to work in the UK

As a very experienced practitioner, you will lead the programme of work designed to improve our Service for our customers, stakeholders and staff. Embracing the national agenda, you will be helping us to move to the next level in our digital transformation. This is a fixed term contract for 24 Months.

Key Duties

• Develop a culture of high performance and continuous improvement within a Development Management Team (including Development Management and Enforcement)
• To lead on the review and delivery of an Improvement Plan and associated improvement projects for the Development Management function
• To ensure robust processes are in place, and consistently applied, across all Development Management workstreams
• Support the team to provide clear, accurate and relevant technical advice to developers, customers, agents, councillors, stakeholders, other departments within the Council and the general public
• Mentor and develop staff with a focus on development proposals that will have a significant impact on the future growth and development of Milton Keynes
• Maintain and manage robust processes related to the induction, training and development of staff across the Development Management team
• To deputise for Senior Managers in the Service, as required, and operate with delegated authority to undertake key tasks, such as the signing off of planning applications

Experience, Qualifications and any Mandatory Requirements

• Education to Degree level or equivalent in planning or a related subject with a postgraduate (or equivalent) qualification in planning
• A detailed and extensive knowledge of town planning legislation (including enforcement)
• Chartered Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute

Skills Required

• Proven track record of delivering business improvement projects and lasting change
• Able to develop effective working relationships across a wide range of stakeholders, including reporting on the delivery of the Development Management Improvement Plan to Senior Managers and Councillors
• Ability to lead, motivate, support, manage performance and develop others within the Team, with significant experience of coaching and mentoring staff at all levels
• Ability to contribute to continuous improvement and respond positively to changes and support others in coping with change, demonstrating a flexible approach to pressure and problem solving

Departmental Benefits of this role

• Flexible working; most posts in the Service are classified as home-based and are supplied with IT equipment to enable fully remote working