Deputy Team Leader Strategic Applications (Urban Planning)

Location: Romford, United Kingdom (Hybrid); attendance at evening Planning Committee and stakeholder meetings, plus site visits across the borough, is required. A valid driving licence and suitable transport arrangements are required for business needs.

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

Company

hirify.global is a local government organisation delivering planning, regeneration, growth, and public services across the borough.

What you will do

• Manage and determine complex and strategic planning applications.
• Support the day-to-day leadership and operational management of the Strategic Applications Team, deputising for the Team Leader when required.
• Supervise and mentor planning officers, supporting their development and performance.
• Prepare and present reports on major and contentious applications to Planning Committee.
• Provide pre-application advice, negotiate planning obligations, and represent the Council at planning appeals.
• Build relationships with councillors, developers, consultants, government agencies, and local communities while contributing to service improvement and innovation.

Requirements

• Degree in Planning or a related discipline.
• Fully RTPI-accredited degree with at least four years of relevant post-qualification experience, or an alternative degree with at least five years of relevant post-qualification experience.
• Eligibility for Chartered Membership of the RTPI.
• Strong knowledge of planning legislation, policy, and development management practice.
• Experience handling major development proposals and regeneration projects, including supervising or mentoring staff in a planning or urban design environment.
• Excellent report writing, presentation, negotiation, decision-making, and prioritisation skills.

Culture & Benefits

• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements where service requirements allow.
• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Generous annual leave entitlement plus bank holidays.
• Professional development, CPD support, and career development opportunities.
• Employee wellbeing support, assistance programmes, staff discounts, and benefits.
• Supportive and collaborative working environment.

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 contain no personal information.
• Applications close on 20 September 2026, subject to possible early closure. Interview date to be confirmed.