Planning and Place Service Director

Position: Planning and Place Service Director
Reports to: Chief Executive
Salary: Competitive
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: 37

Job Purpose:

The Planning and Place Service Director will provide strategic leadership and direction for the Council's Town Planning, Economic Development, Housing Needs and Community Development functions. This pivotal role involves working closely with the Chief Executive and the senior leadership team to ensure the services within the remit of the post act together to ensure the Council’s goals and objectives are met, fostering sustainable growth, inward investment, enhancing community wellbeing, and improving the quality of life for all residents.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Leadership:
• Lead and develop strategies for Development Management, Planning Policy, Economic Development, Housing and Community Development that align with the Council’s overall vision and objectives.
• Collaborate with the Chief Executive and other Directors to ensure cohesive and integrated service delivery across the Council.

• Identify opportunities for cost savings and income generation, making recommendations to the Chief Executive for future investment and service improvement.

1. Planning and Development:
• Oversee the formulation and implementation of planning policies, ensuring they meet the needs of the community and comply with statutory requirements.
• Drive forward innovative and sustainable development projects that enhance the built environment and support local economic growth.
• Ensure the Planning service is robust and provides the public with confidence in the Council’s decision making and its enforcement of planning control.
• Negotiate Section 106 agreements and, if introduced, Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) payments to ensure the wider community is benefiting from developments within the Borough.
• Ensure planning application outcomes are delivered on time and in line with Council targets.
2. Economic Development:
• Champion economic initiatives that stimulate local business growth, attract inward investment, and create employment opportunities.
• Foster strong relationships with key stakeholders, including businesses, developers, and regional agencies, to drive economic prosperity within the Council’s area.
3. Housing:
• Lead on the strategic management of the Council’s housing and homelessness duties.
• Oversee the delivery of new affordable housing for eligible residents either directly thorough the Council or in partnership with other Registered Providers, including ensuring appropriate arrangements are made through Section 106 Planning Obligations.
• Proactively develop strategies to prevent homelessness whilst reducing the amount of time local families spend in temporary accommodation.
4. Community Development:
• Develop and implement strategies to enhance community engagement, resilience, and social inclusion.
• Work closely with community groups, voluntary organisations, and other stakeholders to build strong, vibrant communities.
• Ensure effective liaison with health service providers to seek delivery of the best possible outcomes for Broxbourne residents.
5. Budget and Resource Management:
• Take responsibility for the effective management of budgets and resources across the Town Planning, Economic Development, Housing, and Community Development functions.
• Ensure that all services are delivered efficiently and provide value for money.
• Ensure that s106 /CIL funding is used effectively.
6. Policy and Compliance:
• Ensure all activities within the Planning and Place Directorate comply with relevant legislation, regulations, and Council policies.
• Lead on the development of policies and procedures that support the delivery of high-quality services and continuous improvement.
7. People Management:
• Provide leadership and management to the teams within the Planning and Place Directorate, fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and collaboration.
• Promote staff development and continuous learning within the Directorate, ensuring that the workforce is skilled, motivated, and aligned with the Council’s strategic goals.
8. Partnership Working:
• Establish and maintain strong partnerships with external agencies, government bodies, and other local authorities to promote and advance the Council’s interests.
• Represent the Council at local, regional, and national forums, advocating for the needs and priorities of the Council’s area.

Person Specification:

Essential:

• Extensive experience in a senior leadership role within a local authority or similar public sector organisation.
• Proven track record of strategic management in Town Planning, Economic Development, Housing, or Community Development.
• Strong understanding of local government functions, policies, and procedures, particularly in relation to the areas of responsibility.
• Excellent communication and highly charismatic, with the ability to engage effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Strong financial acumen, with experience in managing large budgets and resources.
• Ability to lead, inspire, and motivate teams to deliver high-quality services and achieve strategic objectives.

Desirable:

• Experience in managing social housing portfolios or delivering large-scale development projects.

• A strong network of contacts within the local government and public sector community
• A degree in Town Planning or a related discipline.
• Chartered membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) would be advantageous

 

Key Competencies:

• Strategic Thinking and Vision
• Leadership and People Management
• Communication and Influence
• Financial and Resource Management
• Partnership Working and Collaboration
• Innovation and Change Management

 

We have adopted the core values of Teamwork, Innovation, Effectiveness and Respect (TIER). The values and their underlying behaviours, demonstrate our commitment to providing excellent customer care, working in a joined up way, showing respect at all times and looking at innovation and forward thinking solutions. We pride ourselves on recruiting, developing and retaining talent who share this commitment.

 

We are committed to safer recruitment, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

 

The Council’s benefits package includes generous leave entitlement, a full training and development programme, membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme and free membership to the Council’s local leisure centres, which includes free access to gyms, swimming pools, fitness classes, racket sport sessions, a health suite and a range of generous discounts across other leisure and culture services.

 

Broxbourne Council is an Equal Opportunities employer.

Previous applicants may not be considered.

 

Details and application forms for all job vacancies are listed on the Council’s website.

 

Application forms must be submitted online by 20 December 2024. 

 

 

Borough Offices, Bishops’ College, Churchgate, Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, EN8 9XQ.

Telephone: 01992 785509, Email: personnel@broxbourne.gov.uk

Website: www.broxbourne.gov.uk