Service Manager Development Management

Overview

INFRASTRUCTURE AND ORGANISATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Service Manager Development Management
35 hours per week, Monday to Friday
£60,883 - £66,321 / £33.36 - £36.34 per hour (including Distant Islands Allowance)
Orkney Islands Council is looking for an experienced planning service manager to lead our development management team.

Our team carries a diverse and complex caseload with around 500-600 applications a year encompassing major and national developments, listed buildings, harbour works licence applications and householder applications as well as the Corporate Gazetteer. In early 2026 we are currently handling a national development and 16 EIA applications; and looking ahead to processing the Council's Capital Programme works, the Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site Development Programme, a new and ambitious Council and RSL House build programme and major aquaculture and wind energy developments.

In short, Orkney is no back-water authority; and this is a professionally diverse, challenging and rewarding planning management position with the added advantage of being able to live, work and contribute to one of Scotland's most beautiful, welcoming and active communities.

A key part of this role will be to drive the implementation of the Development Management elements of the Council's National Planning Improvement Framework Plan which includes a range of performance and digital improvement opportunities as well as engaging with the Council's planning committee processes and supporting the team in the day-to-day operational responsibilities of a highly productive development management office.

You will also lead the development management team contributions to the Local Development Plan and other policy review processes, to sit on the Planning and Regulatory Services Management team and to contribute to the Council's engagement with national bodies including Heads of Planning Scotland.

Excellent communication, customer engagement and facilitation skills, together with a sound, professional knowledge of planning, listed buildings, EIA etc legislation will be principal requirements in addition to significant relevant people management experience and a proven ability to communicate effectively with councillors, customers and communities more generally.

This is an exciting and challenging opportunity to make a real difference to communities across Orkney and represents a chance to grow your career and experience life within one of the most geographically and professionally diverse local authority planning briefs in Scotland.

• The minimum knowledge required for this role can be evidenced by holding a qualification at SCQF 8/9 i.e. SVQ4, HND, General Degree, Higher Apprenticeship, Technical Apprenticeship, or having a minimum of 5 years previous relevant planning practice experience.
• In addition, it is essential that the post-holder has Chartered Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (or transferable equivalent).
• You should be able to travel efficiently and effectively between work locations within Orkney to meet the operational requirements of the Service.
• This post is subject to Level 1 Disclosure Scotland clearance.

Work pattern: 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Status:
Permanent.

Closing Date: 23:59 on Sunday 15 March 2026. Please note that interview and relocation expenses will be paid for this post, in accordance with Council policy.

Contact:
For an informal discussion about this role please contact Gavin Barr, Head of Planning and Regulatory Services on [contact details not provided].