Development Management & Planning Enforcement Programme Director

At Enfield Council, we’re driving forward an ambitious growth and regeneration agenda to create thriving, inclusive communities across our borough. We’re now seeking an exceptional leader to join us as Development Management & Planning Enforcement Programme Director, a pivotal role at the heart of our mission to deliver high-quality, sustainable placemaking and outstanding public service.

About the Role
As our lead professional for Development Management and Planning Enforcement, you’ll provide strategic and operational leadership for two key statutory functions that shape Enfield’s built environment.
You’ll oversee the assessment of over 4,000 planning applications and 1,000 enforcement cases each year, ensuring decisions and actions are timely, robust, and aligned with our vision for sustainable growth and regeneration.
Working closely with elected Members, developers, the GLA and local communities, you’ll drive service excellence, foster collaboration, and ensure Enfield continues to deliver outstanding planning outcomes across a diverse and dynamic borough.
Key Responsibilities

- Lead the strategic and operational delivery of Development Management and Planning Enforcement services.
- Act as the Council’s principal adviser on planning matters, influencing senior stakeholders and external partners.
- Ensure high-quality, timely and transparent decision-making that supports regeneration and sustainable growth.
- Manage multi-million-pound service budgets, ensuring efficient use of resources and robust governance.
- Drive continuous improvement through digital innovation, service redesign, and customer-centric practices.
- Cultivate and empower high-performing teams, promoting a culture of accountability, inclusion, and excellence.
- Support and advise the Planning Committee and lead on Member development and engagement.

About You
You’ll be a visionary and credible planning leader, with a proven track record of success in managing complex Development Management and Enforcement services.
You’ll combine deep technical knowledge of planning legislation with strong political awareness, exceptional communication skills, and an ability to inspire teams and partners alike.
We’re looking for someone who can:

- Provide confident, strategic leadership in a fast-paced, high-profile environment.
- Build trust and influence across political, professional, and community boundaries.
- Champion innovation, continuous improvement, and customer-focused delivery.
- Lead by example in living Enfield’s values — Be Bold, Make a Difference, Show You Care.

Essential Requirements

- Degree in Planning, Urban Design, Architecture, Geography, or related field.
- Chartered Membership (or eligibility) of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI).
- Significant leadership experience in Development Management and Planning Enforcement.
- Proven ability to manage complex budgets, teams, and stakeholder relationships.

A relevant postgraduate management qualification (e.g. MBA, MSc, or Diploma in Management) is desirable.
Contact Details -
If you would like to know more about the role, please contact Karen Page on 02081323039 for an informal discussion.
If you have any difficulties accessing this information, please contact Andy Kingsbury, Senior Recruitment Advisor on 0208 078 5976 or andy.kingsbury@enfield.gov.uk
We do not see your name or title when shortlisting your application. This is one of many initiatives to build a more talented and diverse workforce. However, if you put your name on your CV or Statement it will be visible to us. For this reason, we ask that you do not include your name on these documents. Please note it is your responses to the Essential/Desirable criteria, as detailed in the Job Description and Person Specification which is available on the job advert, that will determine if you are shortlisted for an interview, therefore we encourage you to always address the essential and desirable criteria in your application/CV.
We are passionate about our people and how we deliver services to our community in Enfield. That’s why we encourage a culture that puts our customers at the heart of everything we do - by empowering our people to work together to find solutions, be open, honest and respectful, take responsibility and listen and learn. If you value these behaviours too, we’d love to hear from you - and of course we are always happy to talk flexible working, click here to find out more.
Why it's great to work for Enfield Council:

- An excellent pension through the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
- Up to 32 days annual leave depending on grade and length of service. You will also get eight public holidays per year and an extra day off at Christmas.
- A blend of remote and office based working for most roles.
- Interest free season ticket loan repayable over three or ten months.
- Career development and learning experiences from a range of training courses and learning methods.
- Employee Assistance Programme to provide advice and counselling services. This is a free and confidential service available to staff and members of their family.
- Health and leisure discounts and tax-free bikes for work.
- 1 month's paid sabbatical for registered Social Workers working in Children's Social Care.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications have been received. Therefore, we advise that you complete fully and submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
If you have previously applied for this role within the past 6 months, unfortunately, a second application will not be considered.