Southend on Sea City Council is a Unitary local authority, providing vital services to meet the needs of the local community. We employ around 1,800 staff who are working alongside our partners and local communities to deliver the city vision and make lives better for the people of Southend.
Working for Southend on Sea City Council offers a challenging and rewarding career in local government within a collaborative and innovative environment, with the benefit of flexible working practices to support a positive work life balance. As an upper tier Unitary Authority we are responsible for all local government functions and are progressing the Spatial Development Strategy for Greater Essex in partnership with Essex County Council and Thurrock Council. The Council has an ambitious regeneration agenda and is a location of choice with developers, attracted by the City’s excellent connectivity and built and natural environment. Our economy is diverse with a strong entrepreneurial ethos, blending tourism, creative industries and advanced manufacturing and the Planning service plays a proactive role helping to deliver economic growth, regeneration and new homes.
Southend‑on‑Sea City Council is an ambitious unitary authority shaping a growing coastal city. We are seeking an experienced and forward‑thinking Service Manager to lead our Development Management and Planning Enforcement service at a pivotal time of change, growth and transformation.
As Service Manager, you will provide strong operational and professional leadership to the Council’s Development Management and Planning Enforcement functions, ensuring high‑quality, timely and legally robust planning decisions. You will oversee planning applications, enforcement activity and appeals, including decision‑making under delegated powers and presenting clear recommendations to Planning Committee. This role offers a rare opportunity to help shape the future of planning services during a period of local government reorganisation. You will play a key role in working towards the alignment and integration of planning services across three authorities, helping to develop consistent approaches and systems, a shared culture and a strong, unified service that supports growth, regeneration and high‑quality place‑making across the wider area.
You will lead pre‑application advice, complex enforcement cases, planning appeals and court proceedings, working closely with councillors, developers, statutory bodies and local communities. You will also manage budgets, commission specialist consultants, secure Section 106 and Community Infrastructure Levy contributions, develop and inspire professional teams, and deputise for the Director of Planning when required.
This is a highly influential leadership role with real scope to drive positive change and leave a lasting legacy.
To be successful in this role, you will bring significant senior‑level experience in development management and planning enforcement, with a strong understanding of planning legislation, policy, appeals and committee processes. You will be an experienced leader with the credibility to operate confidently in a political environment, manage complex stakeholder relationships and guide teams through change. Strong communication skills, sound judgement, experience of budget management and a collaborative, solutions‑focused approach are essential.
A full and clean driving license, access to own car would be ideal as you need to be able to travel efficiently across the borough and wider Essex as required.
To be considered for this role, you must be degree‑qualified and eligible for full membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) or equivalent.
When joining the council, you can enjoy a range of benefits including: 25 days annual leave, flexible working and excellent training and development opportunities. They are committed to ensuring that you are supported in this varied and challenging role with the appropriate level of training. A full list of benefits provided by Southend Council can be viewed on the "Why Work For Us?" tab.
If you are interested in this role, please click 'apply online' to make your application. Applications must be made with a supporting statement (not more than 4000 characters) setting out how you meet the criteria in the person specification.
Please note: Applications for this vacancy may close prior to the date advertised above so you are advised to apply as soon as you are able to.
Advert closing date: Thursday 28th May 2026.
Interview: Week commencing 15th June
If you would like a copy the Job Description, please click here
The Council is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications, regardless of race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, age or religion or belief.
We are a mid-sized unitary authority in South East Essex with around 1,800 FTE roles, serving a population of 182,500 residents.
We were very proud to be awarded LGC Council of the Year 2012 and have received a number of other awards including Stonewall Top 100 Employer, RoSPA level 5 and Silver IiP.
We exist to create 'a better Southend': our aims are for our city to be 'Safe', 'Clean', 'Healthy', 'Prosperous' and led by an 'Excellent' organisation.
We are very proud of the differences we make and would welcome you considering joining one of our nationally recognised, award winning teams of talented and hard working individuals.
