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 TeamsYou 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:

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.

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.

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