Job Opportunity: Director of Development Management at the City of Cape Town

The City of Cape Town is seeking a visionary and strategic leader to head its Development Management Department within the Spatial Planning and Environment Directorate.

Job Title: Director – Development Management
Location: Various
Closing Date: 18 June 2026
Contract: Not specified
Salary: R2 122 751 – R2 722 681 per annum (TCOE)
Reference: SPE 47/26
Directorate: Spatial Planning and Environment

This executive-level role offers the opportunity to lead integrated planning, land-use management, and building development management functions that shape the future growth and development of one of Africa’s leading cities.

The successful candidate will drive innovation, operational excellence, and stakeholder collaboration while enabling sustainable economic growth and delivering world-class services to residents.

Key Responsibilities

Provide strategic leadership and business planning towards developing and achieving performance and service delivery goals, including planning and development of current and future interventions.
Oversee and manage the operational functions of the Development Management department at regional and district levels, ensuring a consistent, integrated approach across the city.

Implement development policies and processes that integrate planning functions, land-use management, building development management, legislation, and enforcement.
Ensure statutory compliance within national, provincial, and local legislative and policy frameworks.
Manage the citywide processing system for development applications efficiently.

Oversee resource and performance management of the department.
Facilitate stakeholder relations, engaging key stakeholders to promote collaboration.
Lead innovation, continuous improvement, and optimization initiatives within the department.

Requirements

A relevant three-year tertiary qualification in Town Planning.
At least eight (8) years’ appropriate experience, including two (2) years in a supervisory senior role.
Registration as a Professional Planner with SACPLAN.

Working knowledge of planning and local government legislation, land-use schemes, MSA, NEMA Regulations, and related policies.
Proficiency in MS Office and SAP.
A valid driver’s license.

How to Apply

By submitting an application to the City of Cape Town, applicants consent to the use of their personal information for recruitment and related processes.

Applicants may be required to undergo criminal, security, personal verification, and lifestyle audits during recruitment and employment.

External Candidates:

Apply online via City of Cape Town Careers Portal

Internal Staff:

Apply via SAP Portal. Apply here: Application Link

Certified copies of qualifications must be available upon request. If no notification of appointment is received within three months of the closing date, applicants should consider their applications unsuccessful.

Note: Certified copies of qualifications must be available on request.