Director of Planning and Economy

The Opportunity

Director of Planning and Economy

Salary: £104,464 (plus generous pension and benefits)

Closing date: Monday 14th July 23.55

Southend-on-Sea is one of the UK’s newest cities and a place of ambition, growth, and opportunity. We are seeking a dynamic and visionary Director of Planning and Economy to lead a high-performing service at a pivotal time in our city’s development.

You will oversee a stable, permanent team of 48 FTEs, including four experienced direct reports. This is a collaborative and forward-thinking group, committed to excellence and to developing the next generation of planning and economic development professionals.

Our Economic Development team is well regarded, and our Development Management Services are among the best performing nationally. We are proud of the standards we uphold. With the Local Plan in its final Regulation 18 consultation stage, your leadership will be instrumental in shaping the city’s future.

This is a fascinating time to join Southend-on-Sea City Council. As a key player in the changes Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) will bring, we are looking for someone who can lead with confidence, inspire innovation, and help us seize the opportunities ahead.

If you’re ready to make a lasting impact on a city with energy and vision, we’d love to hear from you.

For further information, please contact Simon Winspear at our recruitment partners Hays Executive on 07525 466 357 or simon.winspear@hays.com

RECRUITMENT TIMETABLE

Please note these dates may be subject to change.

Southend-on-Sea City Council is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion in employment, and we welcome applications from all members of the community.

How to Apply

We want to make the process of applying as straightforward as possible. To this end, we ask that your application consists of the following:

• A covering letter, no more than two pages in length, which addresses and provides evidence against the criteria, set out in the Person Specification. The covering letter provides you with the opportunity to explain your motivation for applying, as well as highlighting how your experience and achievements fit with the requirements of the role. As such, it is an important part of the application process.
• A copy of your most recent and up to date curriculum vitae.
• Please also provide details on two employer referees, which should include your current or most recent employer. Please note that references will not be taken without your permission.

Once you have completed your application, please click on the relevant Apply link to upload your Curriculum Vitae and Covering Letter.

All applications will be acknowledged.

OUR COMMITMENT TO INCLUSION

Southend-on-Sea City Council is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion in employment and we welcome applications from all members of the community. We would particularly like to encourage applications from female leaders and individuals from a multi-ethnic background, who are currently under-represented at a senior level within our organisation. At Southend, we strive to create a workplace that reflects our City, where everyone is valued and empowered to be themselves.

Key Document