*Internal Applicants Only*

Salary: £51,356 - £52,413 per annum

Hours: 37 hours per week (part-time hours may be considered)             

Location: Allerdale House, Workington

Contract: Permanent

About this opportunity

Cumberland Council is looking for an experienced and motivated Development Management Team Leader to help deliver a high‑quality planning service that supports regeneration, housing growth, environmental quality, and economic prosperity.

You’ll lead a team of planning officers, oversee complex and high‑profile planning cases, and provide expert professional advice to applicants, Members, partners, and stakeholders. You’ll ensure decisions are robust, timely, and aligned with policy, while driving service improvements and contributing to the delivery of the Cumberland Local Plan.

What you’ll do

• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing Development Management team
• Manage complex planning applications, appeals, and enforcement matters
• Represent the Council at planning committees, hearings, and inquiries
• Provide clear, consistent advice to customers, Members, and partners
• Support policy development, service improvements, and corporate priorities
• Ensure quality assurance, risk management, and effective budget oversight

About you

• Degree in planning or related discipline
• Chartered membership of RTPI or equivalent
• Strong leadership and staff management experience
• Extensive Development Management experience, including work with major developers
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and report-writing skills
• Confident representing the authority in formal or legal settings
• Effective budget and performance management capability

Contact

For more information about the role or to arrange an informal chat prior to your application, please contact Nick Hayhurst by email at Nick.Hayhurst@Cumberland.gov.uk

Guaranteed Interviews

We offer a guaranteed interview to the following applicants as long as your application can demonstrate you meet the essential criteria for the role.

• Those who consider themselves disabled as defined by the Equality Act 2010
• Those in care or who have left care and are aged 24 and under
• Those who identify as a member of the British Armed Forces community (service leavers, veterans, their partners or spouses, reservists, cadets).

If you meet one or more of the criteria above, and wish to be considered for this scheme, select 'yes' to the appropriate question during your application. Find out more.

Diversity, Inclusion & Adjustments

We’re dedicated to enhancing the diversity of our workforce and we encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds. That’s why we’re a proud Disability Confident Leader and also an Age Friendly Employer – to provide opportunities for everyone to thrive.

If you need any reasonable adjustments to participate in the recruitment process, please let either the hiring manager or our Resourcing Team know by emailing Resourcing@Cumberland.gov.uk. While adjustments aren’t always guaranteed, we’ll always listen and we’ll try our best to accommodate your needs.

Application and Interview information

Easily apply by submitting your CV and answering a few short questions.  You must include a cover letter explaining how you meet the requirements of the role. Please upload this along with your CV.

Closing date: Sunday 19^th April 2026

Interview date: Thursday 23^rd April 2026

Please read the supporting information:

• Post Specification