Hays
Planning Team Manager

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Hays are currently working with a progressive local authority seeking an experienced Development Management Team Leader / Manager to join their Planning Service on an interim basis. This is an excellent opportunity for a senior planning professional with strong leadership experience to oversee a Development Management team whilst managing a portfolio of major and complex planning applications.
Your new role
As Development Management Team Leader / Manager, you will be responsible for leading and supporting a team of planning officers, ensuring the effective delivery of a high-quality development management service. You will play a key role in the determination of significant planning applications and act as a senior advisor on complex planning matters.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Managing, mentoring and supporting a team of Development Management officers.
- Leading on major, strategic and complex planning applications.
- Ensuring performance targets and statutory deadlines are achieved.
- Providing expert advice on planning legislation, policy and development management matters.
- Overseeing the preparation of officer reports and recommendations.
- Representing the service at Planning Committee and stakeholder meetings.
- Managing relationships with applicants, developers, elected members and external consultees.
- Supporting service improvement initiatives and contributing to the wider planning function.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
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Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
What you'll need to succeed
- Degree qualification in Town Planning or a related discipline.
- MRTPI membership desirable.
- Extensive Development Management experience within a local authority environment.
- Previous experience leading or managing planning teams.
- Proven track record of handling major and complex planning applications.
- Strong knowledge of planning legislation and development management processes.
- Excellent communication, leadership and stakeholder management skills.
- Experience presenting reports and recommendations at Planning Committee.


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What you'll get in return
- Competitive rate of £500 per day.
- Initial 6-month contract with a strong likelihood of extension.
- Flexible hybrid working arrangements.
- Opportunity to manage an experienced planning team and contribute to significant development projects.
- Collaborative and supportive working environment.
What you need to do now
Please send an up-to-date CV to Ben Styles in our Specialist Town Planning team.
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
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 hays.co.uk
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