Job Description
Interim Head of Service - Planning & Development
Halton Borough Council£300 per day | 6-Month Initial Contract | Hybrid Working (2 Days per Week On Site)
Halton Borough Council is seeking an experienced and strategic Interim Head of Service - Planning & Development to lead a broad portfolio of high-profile planning, development and regulatory services during a key period of delivery and transformation.
This is an excellent opportunity for a senior local government professional with extensive leadership experience across planning and development functions to make a significant impact within a progressive local authority.
The Role
Reporting to the Operational Director, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across the Council's:
* Development Management and Enforcement
* Building Control
* Contaminated Land
* Local Plan
* Transport Strategy Teams
You will ensure services meet all statutory obligations, operational requirements, agreed performance targets and budgetary expectations, while driving forward service improvement and policy development.
Key Responsibilities
* Develop and deliver agreed programmes of activity across the service areas in consultation with the Operational Director.
* Oversee implementation of strategic, policy and operational priorities, reporting to senior management, elected members and partnership bodies.
* Represent the Council as the Local Planning Authority in negotiations with developers, external meetings, public inquiries, court proceedings and Ombudsman investigations.
* Lead on the development and delivery of evidence-based planning and transport policies and strategies.
* Maintain and progress the Local Development Scheme and relevant transport planning strategies in line with Council, Combined Authority and Northern Powerhouse priorities.
* Build effective relationships with national, regional and European bodies to influence future planning policy and legislation.
* Oversee key external service contracts, including:
o Merseyside Environmental Advisory Service
o Cheshire West and Chester Heritage and Conservation Advice
o Building Control collaboration with Knowsley Borough Council
* Provide leadership and direction to all staff within the Division, ensuring effective application of HR policies and maintaining professional competency standards.
* Take responsibility for financial monitoring, budget management and reporting across the Division.
* Support organisational change and continuous service improvement initiatives.
About You
To be considered for this opportunity, you will demonstrate:
* Degree-level education or equivalent professional qualification/experience in Planning or a related discipline such as Building Control, Environmental Planning or Transport Planning.
* Significant management experience within a local authority or similarly complex organisation.
* Extensive experience within one or more relevant service areas.
* Strong experience working with elected members and senior stakeholders.
* Proven ability to lead operational service delivery and manage organisational change.
* Experience of staff leadership, supervision and performance management.
* Sound financial and budget monitoring experience.
* Strong understanding of performance monitoring frameworks and service improvement.
A relevant management qualification would be advantageous.
Connect2Haltonis a trading style of Halton & Kent Commercial Services LLP- A joint venture between Halton Borough Council & Commercial Services Kent Ltd. Connect2Halton is an equal opportunities Employment Agency & Business. It positively encourages applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates.