Location
Romford, London Borough of Havering

Hours
Full Time - Hours to be confirmed, including attendance at evening meetings and site visits as required

Salary
Grade 9 - £54,267 to £58,461 per annum

About the Role
Are you an experienced planning professional ready to take the next step into leadership? The London Borough of Havering is seeking a Deputy Team Leader - Strategic Applications to support the Strategic Applications Team Leader in managing a busy and high-performing Development Management team. This role involves overseeing a varied portfolio of complex and strategic planning applications, providing expert planning advice, deputising for the Team Leader, and contributing to the operational and strategic direction of the service.

You will play a key role in delivering growth, regeneration, and placemaking across the borough by ensuring high-quality planning decisions that support sustainable development in line with the Havering Local Plan.

Key responsibilities include managing and determining complex planning applications, supervising and mentoring planning officers, preparing and presenting reports to Planning Committee, providing pre-application advice, negotiating planning obligations, representing the Council at planning appeals, and building strong relationships with stakeholders. You will also contribute to service improvement, performance management, and innovation within the Development Management service.

This is an exciting opportunity to influence major developments, lead a talented team, and make a lasting impact on the future of one of London's fastest-growing boroughs.

Experience
- Handling complex and strategic planning applications
- Working in a fast-paced planning environment
- Supervising or mentoring staff within planning or urban design
- Dealing with major development proposals and regeneration projects

About You
- Accomplished planning professional with strong knowledge of planning legislation, policy, and development management practice
- Excellent report writing, presentation, and negotiation skills
- Ability to manage competing priorities and make sound decisions in complex and politically sensitive situations
- Commitment to excellent customer service and inclusive working practices

Qualifications
- A degree in Planning or a related discipline
- A fully RTPI-accredited degree with at least four years' relevant post-qualification experience, or an alternative degree with at least five years' relevant post-qualification experience
- Eligibility for Chartered Membership of the RTPI
- Valid driving licence and access to suitable transport for business needs