Assistant Director – Planning and Implementation – Local Authority (Essex)
Contract: Temporary, Full Time (Initial 3-month contract, with scope to extend)
Rate: £800.00 per day (umbrella)
Location: Essex-based authority | Hybrid – approx. 2 days per week in-office
An ambitious and strategically important Essex-based Local Authority is looking to appoint an experienced and forward-thinking Assistant Director – Planning and Implementation on an interim basis. This is a rare opportunity to lead a broad portfolio of services as part of the senior leadership team, during a pivotal time for the authority's growth and development strategy.
Offering £800 per day, this high-level role will see you assume Chief Planning Officer responsibilities and oversee key services including Development Management, Planning Policy, Building Control, Enforcement, Land Charges, and NSIPs (Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects).
The Role
As Assistant Director, you will lead and manage a team of approximately 38 staff across two operational service areas. You’ll work closely with elected Members, Heads of Service, and partners to drive forward the council’s growth ambitions, balancing the demands of housing delivery, heritage conservation, and nationally significant environmental protections.
The district is mid-way through a Local Plan period (adopted 2017, running to 2029), with key growth areas already under construction including major Garden Suburbs and strategic village allocations. The local context offers a rich planning environment: from protected habitats and heritage assets to complex infrastructure and regeneration priorities.
Key Responsibilities:
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Strategic oversight of the Local Planning Authority, Building Control Body, Land Charges, and related functions
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Lead on planning policy delivery, development management, enforcement, and conservation
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Act as the most senior escalation point for complex or contentious applications, appeals, complaints, and enforcement matters
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Drive project delivery across strategic planning, service improvement and process efficiency initiatives
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Support and advise Members, acting as a trusted link between officers and the political leadership
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Promote collaborative working across departments and partner agencies to achieve corporate objectives
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Manage budgets, risks, performance, and reporting across the Planning & Implementation function
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Present reports and policy updates at committees, inspections, and other formal meetings
About You
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A degree in Town Planning or a related field
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Extensive experience operating at a senior/Assistant Director level within a local authority
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Chartered Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI)
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Proven track record in strategic planning delivery, major project leadership, and team management
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Experience managing high-profile planning applications, appeals, and policy frameworks
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Strong political awareness and a confident communicator at all levels
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Inspirational leadership style with a focus on service quality, innovation, and collaboration
Why Apply?
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£800.00 per day (umbrella)
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Initial 3-month contract with strong potential for extension
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Hybrid working – approx. 2 days per week in-office
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Senior leadership role with strategic influence across planning, growth, and place-shaping
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Join an organisation with strong ambitions and a nationally important planning landscape
Interested?
To apply or find out more, please contact Billy at Park Avenue Recruitment on 07763 200416 or email [email protected].
Please note: Not all roles are advertised. I’m working with multiple Local Authorities across Essex and the wider region, recruiting for interim and strategic leadership roles across Planning, Growth, Policy, and Place functions. If this opportunity isn't quite right, I’d be happy to discuss other senior options that align with your experience.
