Deputy Team Leader Planning Applications (Planning Applications)

Location: Romford, United Kingdom (Hybrid); the role includes site visits, Planning Committee attendance, and occasional evening meetings. A valid driving licence and suitable transport arrangements are required.

Salary: £54,267–£58,461 per year (Grade 9)

Company

hirify.global delivers local government services and supports regeneration, sustainable growth, and development across the borough.

What you will do

• Support the management and operational delivery of the Planning Applications Team and deputise for the Team Leader.
• Manage and determine complex and strategically important planning applications.
• Supervise, mentor, and support planning officers to develop a high-performing team.
• Prepare and present reports on major and controversial applications to Planning Committee.
• Provide pre-application advice, negotiate planning obligations, and represent Council decisions at appeal.
• Contribute to service planning, performance management, stakeholder engagement, and continuous improvement.

Requirements

• Fully RTPI-accredited degree with at least four years of relevant post-qualification experience, or another degree with at least five years of relevant post-qualification planning experience.
• Eligibility to become a Chartered Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute.
• Significant experience with complex planning applications and development management.
• Experience supervising, mentoring, or managing staff in a planning environment.
• Strong knowledge of planning legislation, planning policy, and local government processes.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, report-writing, and decision-making skills in politically sensitive environments.

Culture & Benefits

• Hybrid and flexible working where service requirements permit.
• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Generous annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Training and development opportunities, including support for Continuing Professional Development.
• Employee wellbeing and assistance programmes, staff discounts, and an employee benefits scheme.
• Inclusive and collaborative working environment with opportunities for career progression.

Hiring process

• Submit a supporting statement of no more than two A4 pages explaining how the criteria are met.
• Recruitment is anonymised; uploaded documents should not contain personal information.
• Interview date to be confirmed.