Assistant Director

Job DescriptionAssistant Director - Planning and ImplementationMaldon District CouncilTemporaryFull Time800.00 per day (umbrella)Location:MaldonClosing Date: Friday 26th September 2025Maldon District Council are currently looking for new leadership talent to join them for this rare opportunity of the post ofAssistant Director: Planning and Implementation.Maldon Council are facing some exciting changes in the near future and they are keen to appoint an individual with a breadth of public sector experience that enables them to take responsibility for managing the local planning authority and building control body with its great team of 38 professionals. This strategic leadership role is an integral part of the senior leadership team has Chief Planning Officer responsibility and constitutional delegated authority for all the following functions delivered by two operational Heads of Service:Development Management Enforcement & Building Control Planning Policy & Local Development Plan National Strategic Infrastructure projects (NSIPS) Land ChargesThe role also has corporate responsibilities for budget management risk management Member liaison service planning performance management and reporting.This role is being recruited on an initial three-month agency basis with a view to being extended. With a start date in mid to late October 2025 candidates must be available on short notice and be willing to work in Maldon Essex for approximately 2 days per week for meetings and attending committees.Maldon District is an area which boasts an enviable quality of life with its historic settlements coastal setting and stunning countryside yet within easy reach of London and the East of England. Its Local Plan approved in 2017 runs until 2029 and plans for growth through two Garden Suburbs in Maldon & Heybridge that are presently at different stages of construction and Strategic Allocations in Burnham on Crouch and larger villages. The Garden Suburbs bring new schools open space shopping and employment opportunities too. The District has over 1000 Listed Buildings 15 Conservation Areas 1 Registered Park & Garden and 1 Registered Battlefield. The rich coastal community is also home to vast areas of protected habitats including Ramsar Special Areas of Conservation Special Protected Areas and National Nature Reserves. This setting makes for a challenging yet rewarding planning responsibility.The Council promotes a professional work environment with a focus on self-development innovation and collaborative working.About this roleTo provide strategic leadership and managing a team of multi-skilled staff who are responsible for the development of council strategy and policy delivery including Planning Policy Enforcement Conservation and Heritage Building Control Development Management and Technical SupportTo own develop and oversee the councils policies in key areas solve problems and delivers an efficient customer-focused service with high standards of professionalismTo be a trusted point of contact for engagement with Members to ensure sound relationships and prompt responses to issues and queries raisedTo ensure effective cross Council working to enable strategic achievement and enabling collaboration innovation and engagement and delivery of Council prioritiesBe a role model for the service demonstrating authenticity integrity resilience and compassion and focussing on communication personal development and wellbeingKey AccountabilitiesResponsible for the Local Planning Authority Building Control Body and Land Charges functions to meet the councils needs ensuring compliance with statutory regulations legislation professional codes of practice and adherence to Council policyPrepare and present reports to council committee meetings or other internal or external meetings ensuring compliance transparency and scrutinyEnsuring management of complex and contentious cases by staff with relevant expertiseBe the most senior point of contact for the resolution of complex or contentious applications appeals complaints and inspectionsResponsible for the management and implementation of projects interventions and initiatives and delivery of corporate objectives and business plansResponsible for the review and implementation of business process changes that drive further efficiencies and cost savingsDelivering customer focussed high profile and responsive operations and services ensuring that enquiries complaints and cases are managed and completed at the appropriate levelWhat you need to succeedA degree in Town Planning or a related fieldExtensive experience gained at a similar level in a Local Authority settingMembership of Royal Town Planning InstituteDemonstrable experience of working at a strategic levelPrevious experience of managing a large teamIf this interests you we look forward to receiving your application.We are an inclusive employer and are committed to equality of opportunity.For more information or to receive a full copy of the full role profile please Required Experience:Director Key Skills Bidding,Customer Service,B2C,Account Management,Bus Driving,Fire And Safety Engineering Employment Type : Full-Time Experience: years Vacancy: 1