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.

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.

• 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:
  • Merseyside Environmental Advisory Service
  • Cheshire West and Chester Heritage and Conservation Advice
  • 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.

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.

Connect2Halton is 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.