Deputy Team Leader - Strategic Applications

Salary - Grade 9- from £54,267 - £58,461pa

Help Shape the Future of One of London's Fastest-Growing Boroughs

Are you an experienced planning professional ready to take the next step into leadership? Do you have the expertise to manage complex development proposals while supporting and developing a high-performing team?

The London Borough of Havering is seeking a Deputy Team Leader - Strategic Applications to play a pivotal role in delivering growth, regeneration and placemaking across the borough. This is an exciting opportunity to work on major and strategic developments, influence the future of Havering, and help lead a talented planning team.

About the Role

As Deputy Team Leader, you will support the Strategic Applications Team Leader in managing a busy and high-performing Development Management team. You will oversee a varied portfolio of strategic planning applications, provide expert planning advice, deputise for the Team Leader and contribute to the operational and strategic direction of the service.

You will play a key role in ensuring that the Council delivers high-quality planning decisions that support sustainable growth and regeneration in line with the Havering Local Plan.

What You'll Be Doing

Managing and determining complex and strategic planning applications.
Supporting the leadership and day-to-day management of the Strategic Applications Team.
Deputising for the Team Leader when required.
Supervising and mentoring planning officers, supporting their development and performance.
Preparing and presenting reports on major and contentious applications to Planning Committee.
Providing high-quality pre-application advice and negotiating planning obligations.
Representing and defending the Council's position at planning appeals.
Building strong relationships with councillors, developers, consultants, government agencies and local communities.
Contributing to service improvement, performance management and innovation across the Development Management service.
Helping to ensure planning decisions are robust, defensible and aligned with corporate objectives.

About You

You will be an accomplished planning professional with experience of handling complex planning applications and working within a fast-paced environment.

You will have:

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.
Strong knowledge of planning legislation, policy and development management practice.
Experience of dealing with major development proposals and regeneration projects.
Experience supervising or mentoring staff within a planning or urban design environment.
Excellent report writing, presentation and negotiation skills.
The ability to manage competing priorities and make sound decisions in complex and politically sensitive situations.
A commitment to excellent customer service and inclusive working practices.

What We Offer

At Havering, we invest in our people and provide an environment where you can thrive professionally and personally.

We offer:

Competitive Grade 9 salary.
Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), one of the UK's most valuable public sector pension schemes.
Generous annual leave entitlement plus bank holidays.
Flexible and hybrid working arrangements where service requirements allow.
Ongoing professional development and support for Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
Opportunities to work on major strategic developments and regeneration projects.
Employee wellbeing support and assistance programmes.
Staff discounts and employee benefits scheme.
A supportive and collaborative working environment.
Career development opportunities within a high-performing planning service.

Why Havering?

Havering is undergoing an exciting period of transformation, with significant investment, regeneration and growth planned across the borough. This role offers the opportunity to influence major developments, lead talented professionals and make a lasting impact on the places and communities we serve.

Additional Information

The role requires attendance at evening meetings, including Planning Committees and stakeholder events, together with site visits across the borough. Applicants should hold a valid driving licence and have access to suitable transport arrangements for business needs.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

The London Borough of Havering is committed to building a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can succeed.

Join us and help deliver the growth, regeneration and placemaking that will shape Havering's future.

For an informal discussion about the post, please contact neil.goate@havering.gov.uk

The closing date for the receipt of applications is 20/09/2026, however interest in this job may be high and we therefore reserve the right to close the vacancy early.

You will be notified if your application has been successful. Interview date to be confirmed.

Please view Job Profile here

Additional Information

We want everyone to choose Havering. When you apply for a job with us, your application is considered on its merits regardless of your age, disability, ethnicity, faith, gender identity or sexual orientation. Our residents and service users come from all walks of life, and so do our employees. Find out what it means to Choose Havering.

The London Borough of Havering has important responsibilities for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. If you are appointed to a job that involves working with these groups, you may be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

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