Salary: £41,761 - £45,133
Grade: H
Department: Development Management
Reporting to: Development Manager
Working arrangement: Hybrid, with a minimum of two office days per weekShape a new team and support a vital Council service.
Hart District Council is looking for a capable and people-focused Business Support Supervisor to lead the specialist administrative support provided to its Development Management service.Reporting directly to the Development Manager, you will supervise and manage the Planning Administration Team, bringing four Business Support Officers together under one clear and cohesive leadership structure.
This is a varied position combining people management, workload coordination, specialist administration and customer service. You will help ensure the Development Management service runs smoothly, with accurate processes, responsive support and a consistently high standard of service for residents, colleagues and external partners.While previous experience within planning or Development Management would be highly advantageous, we are not looking for a planner. Hart is particularly interested in candidates who can demonstrate leadership experience, the ability to manage people and workloads, and the confidence to understand and oversee detailed administrative processes.
About the role
As Business Support Supervisor, you will provide oversight of the administrative functions supporting Development Management. You will allocate work across the team, provide day-to-day leadership and act as a key source of support for the Development Manager, case officers and Team Leaders.
You will line-manage four Business Support Officers, conducting regular one-to-one meetings and half-yearly appraisals. You will also help the team establish a consistent and joined-up approach, ensuring responsibilities are clearly understood and work is effectively prioritised.
The role will require you to develop a strong understanding of the processes that sit behind Development Management, including:
Receiving and registering planning applications submitted through the Planning Portal and by post
Uploading information to the Council's document management system
Understanding planning application validation processes and requirements
Logging and recording consultee and third-party responses
Supporting public speaking arrangements for Development Management Committee
Logging enforcement cases
Coordinating documentation and arrangements relating to appeals
Registering, processing and determining tree-related applications
Supporting the preparation and service of Tree Preservation Orders
Supporting the determination of planning applications under delegated powers and by CommitteeKey responsibilities
In this role, you will:
Provide oversight of the administrative functions required for the smooth running of the Development Management service
Manage and allocate work across the Business Support team
Act as personal and administrative support to the Development Manager
Line-manage four Business Support Officers
Hold regular one-to-one meetings and half-yearly appraisals
Ensure appropriate administrative support is provided to case officers and Team Leaders
Act as the first point of contact for complaints relating to the service provided by the Planning Administration Team
Produce financial and performance information and reports as required
Support the publication of documents and information on the Council's website
Help identify, develop and implement effective manual and information technology systems and procedures
Provide a high-quality service to residents, colleagues, managers and external partners
Present the service in a proactive, positive and customer-focused wayThe HART values
Hart District Council wants every customer to feel warm, welcome, wanted and cared for when interacting with the Council.
All employees are expected to promote the HART values by:
Being Helpful
Being Approachable
Being Responsive
Taking ownership of challenges and problems to ensure they are dealt with appropriatelyPerson specification
Education and qualifications
Essential
GCSEs - maths and EnglishDesirable
Management qualificationExperience and knowledge
Essential
Experience of working in an admin role
Experience of leadership in some capacity along with managing people and workloadsDesirable
Experience of working in the public sector and an understanding of Local Government
In particular, experience of the administration of development management in Local Government
An interest in planning and the environment
Knowledge of the planning system and related environmental issues.
Experience of the Idox/UniformSkills and abilities
Essential
Evidence of leadership skills
Enthusiasm and desire to do a good job
Computer literate and proficient in Microsoft Office software
Able to use complex computer systems with appropriate training
Committed to providing high-quality customer service
Ability to understand, and adapt existing administrative procedures or to introduce new procedures
Ability to take ownership of tasks, challenges, and problems to achieve an appropriate outcomeDesirable
Ability to pick up procedures quickly and understand/question how they fit into the processes
Ability to see the bigger picture and how individual processes affect the outcomePersonal qualities
Essential
Ability to work as part of a team and/or alone and use own initiative
Commitment to personal development
Ability to manage own time
Commitment to delivering the best possible services for residents, and internal and external customers
Ability to act on own initiative without close supervision.Desirable
Flexibility - to be able to see what needs to be done and get it done, being prepared to step in if necessary
An interest in planning and environmental issues.Other working requirements
Essential
Willingness to work in the office on at least two days per week and have a suitable working environment at home if home working is intended.Desirable
Access to and ability to drive a motor vehicle.Additional responsibilities
The successful candidate will be expected to work in accordance with Hart District Council's policies, procedures, HART values and relevant legislation. This includes requirements relating to equal opportunities, conduct, data protection, safeguarding, health and safety and civil emergency responsibilities.
The responsibilities listed are not exhaustive and may develop in response to service needs. Any changes will be discussed with the post-holder and will not significantly affect the nature, responsibility level or grade of the role.
Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at (url removed)
Salary description
£41761.00 - £45133.00 per year