Delivery and Enforcement Assistant Manager

About Us

North Somerset Council is committed to providing high-quality services to our community. We are committed to creating a fair, green, and more inclusive environment for all our residents. Join us and contribute to making a positive impact on our community.

The Role

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Assistant Manager to join our Delivery and Enforcement team.

We are a well-staffed and high performing team that are responsible for investigating, monitoring and where appropriate taking action against alleged breaches of planning control. The team is also responsible for resolving post decision delivery issues, assessing and making recommendations on retrospective planning applications and lawful development certificates, site inspections, negotiations and ensuring its decisions are defended at appeal.

In this role, you will assist the Delivery and Enforcement Service Manager in the efficient management of the team, including deputising in their absence. This post involves direct supervisory responsibility to be determined by the Service Manager.

North Somerset is a constrained area in planning terms with Green Belt, Mendip Hills National Landscape, extensive areas vulnerable to flooding and other sensitive environments. Yet there are substantial development pressures. Our challenges are wide ranging and as a result there will be plenty of opportunity to work on a variety of issues and schemes.

Key Responsibilities:

• To manage the handling of enforcement investigations and planning applications.
• To investigate and process enforcement investigations and associated planning applications and proposals, carrying out site inspections, negotiations and preparation of reports as required.
• To lead the Councils response on high profile / strategic enforcement related matters.
• To ensure the Council’s decisions are defended at planning appeals.
• To supervise, coach and develop staff to enable them to meet agreed learning and development objectives.
• To deputise for the Delivery and Enforcement Service Manager

Due to the geographical spread of sites and their often remote locationsa valid driving licence and own transport is an essential condition for this role.

Work Style

At North Somerset Council, we offer a hybrid working environment based on four distinct work styles. Depending on the role and personal circumstances, you will fall into one of these categories. However, please note that during the induction period, it may be necessary to spend more time in the office to support your learning and development. We are flexible and open to discussions about your preferred working style, and if you wish to be in the office more frequently, this can be negotiated.

While this position is based in the Town Hall, Weston-super-Mare, we operate a hybrid working environment. Most of the team predominantly work from home. However, we attend the office as a team occasionally.

About You

We are looking for an individual who is passionate about planning and planning enforcement and who possesses the following skills and experience:

Essential Criteria:

• Degree in Town and Country Planning or equivalent qualification or significant relevant
• Substantial experience of complex enforcement and planning issues.
• Supporting others in their contribution to service objectives and achievements.
• Comprehensive knowledge of legislation, policy, planning law and procedures.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and to meet deadlines and targets.
• Ability to prepare & present information/evidence clearly and confidently both in writing and verbally.
• Ability to work effectively in situations of stress and conflict.
• Ability to resolve conflicts, both externally and internally.

Desirable Criteria:

• Experience of dealing with complex projects, public inquiries and hearings.
• Management or supervisory experience.

What We Offer

At North Somerset Council, we value our employees and provide a supportive and inclusive work environment. We offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits
• Flexible working arrangements
• Local Government Pension
• Opportunities for professional development
• Inclusive Staff groups including Carers, Disabled, LGBTQ+, REACH (Race, Ethnicity, and Cultural Heritage), and Young Staff Forums
• Opportunity to purchase up to an additional 10 days annual leave each year
• Dedicated in house Wellbeing Team
• Salary sacrifice Cycle to Work and Electric Vehicle schemes

Further details of our excellent rewards package can be found in our Benefits booklet.

How to Apply

If you share our vision and valuesand are ready to make an impact to North Somerset, please select the apply online button below. If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, please submit your application by 11.59pm on the application closing date. When completing our online application form, please detail how you meet the essential criteria for the role.

Contact Information

For further information about the role, please contact Chris Nolan, Delivery and Enforcement Service Manager at [email removed]

Important Information

As a Disability Confident Leader, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job role.

Anticipated interview Date: Thursday 24 September 2026.

Please note: We are currently only able to accept applications from candidates who have full permission to work in the UK and are unable to provide Sponsorship for this role.

Equal Opportunities

At North Somerset Council we want all our employees to feel valued and appreciated. We aim to ensure equality of opportunity and prevent discrimination irrespective of your sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or belief, race, age, disability, including neurodiversity, if you are married or in a civil partnership or are pregnant or currently on maternity leave. We strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

We reserve the right to close this advertisement early or extend the closing date depending on the number of applications received.