Executive Director, Place and Customer

Executive Director, Place and Customer
Permanent, Full Time
Deliver for our communities.
Essex is on the government’s Priority Programme for Local Government Reform, one of the most ambitious and complex reform programmes in the UK. At the heart of this radical transformation is a bold vision: to reshape local government and public service delivery across Greater Essex including the creation of a Mayoral Combined Authority. This is a rare opportunity for Essex County Council (ECC) and our partners to co-create a new model of local government. One that is rooted in neighbourhood, integrates key services, offers greater choice to communities, and is built on collaboration with partners including Health, Police, and Fire services.
Within this context of transformation, Essex County Council is seeking a visionary, delivery-focused, and resilient leader to take on a senior role at the heart of our organisational strategy. With an ambitious agenda on highways, environment, waste, customer and sustainable growth, Essex will need world-class infrastructure that meets the needs of our communities and supports a greener future.
Reporting to the Chief Executive and working closely with other Executive Directors, together, you will act as an effective communicator and strong team player to formulate corporate policy objectives and ensure the effective corporate management of ECC.
This highly visible and demanding position will be central to our ambitious agenda for climate action and sustainable growth, ensuring world-class transport and waste infrastructure that meets community needs. Climate Action Strategy – driving forward our commitment to sustainability and net zero.
Waste Services – overseeing our in-house operations and shaping future infrastructure.
Highways & Transportation – managing significant supplier contracts and ensuring world-class transport solutions.
Your leadership will influence how Essex develops sustainable transport and waste infrastructure to meet the needs of our communities now and in the future.
As Executive Director, you will need to bring a strong commercial focus to the diverse range of functions within the scope of the role, with a solid background of operational experience. Lead delivery strategy for all services in the portfolio, setting clear performance targets aligned to organisational priorities and informed by local, national, and global insight.
Represent Essex nationally, building strong networks and partnerships to influence policy and secure progress on infrastructure and environment.
Champion customer services, ensuring alignment with council priorities and promoting digital innovation, commercial approaches, and service redesign.
Foster collaboration and innovation, recognising Essex’s socio-economic diversity and strengthening community partnerships.
Lead Climate Action, including behaviour change, modal shift, and waste system transformation to eliminate landfill and maximise commercial opportunities.
Work across the organisation, collaborating with other Executive Directors on major projects and cross-cutting issues with strategic impact.
Highways and transportation, waste management, climate, energy, flooding, environment, and customer.
Exceptional communication skills with ability to develop networks and partnerships which create inspiring action that benefits the residents, communities, and businesses of Essex, influencing both strategically and corporately in a complex organisation with senior stakeholders and partners, across government and nationally.
Evidence of leading and inspiring teams, setting high standards and expectations in terms of performance and delivery
Strong programme management and commercial experience from delivering projects at scale, working with supply chains and partners, with evidence of a clear understanding of the financial responsibilities associated with major programmes.
A deep commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusive leadership.
As one of the largest and most dynamic UK local authorities, Essex offers a stimulating public service environment. Covering over 1,420 square miles and serving 1.8 million residents, we’re committed to transformational change and delivering better quality at lower cost. With flexible working options and a focus on innovation, whether you are looking to develop your career or contribute to the local community, Essex is the ideal place for you.
In February 2025, Greater Essex was accepted onto the Government’s devolution priority programme, which will see local authorities in Essex work towards establishing a Mayoral Combined County Authority by May 2026. You can read more about devolution and local government reorganisation (LGR)) on our careers site
We are a Disability Confident Employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. Once you’ve secured your role within Essex County Council you will receive many great employee benefits, in addition to your salary, this role offers a number of benefits including Local Government Pension Scheme, Private Medical Insurance and 31 days annual leave.
Your commitment to these standards helps us maintain a positive and respectful workplace for everyone.
Stakeholder Meetings: Week commencing 5th January 2025
Fireside Chats with Chief Executive: 7th January 2025, 8th January 2025
Technical Interviews: 16th January 2026, 19th January 2026
Final Interviews: 20th January 2026
Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. Once you’ve secured your role within Essex County Council you will receive many great employee benefits, including support for unpaid carers and flexible working arrangements to accommodate their needs.
Your commitment to these standards helps us maintain a positive and respectful workplace for everyone.
As part of employment with Essex County Council (ECC) should your role require a DBS check you will be required to register with the DBS update service. The DBS update service ensures all registered DBS certificates are kept up to date and allows authorised parties to view the status of your certificate. For further information on the DBS update service please go to Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.
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