Jobs

Southend-on-Sea is one of the UK’s newest cities, and this is a fascinating time to join us as we shape our future. We are seeking an exceptional leader to take on the role of Director of Planning and Economy – a pivotal position at the heart of our city’s growth, regeneration, and strategic development.

As part of a well-established Departmental Management Team, you will lead a high-performing service of 48 permanent staff, with four experienced direct reports. This is a cohesive and collaborative team, proud of its culture of excellence and committed to nurturing the next generation of planning and economic development professionals. There are no agency staff – just a dedicated, stable workforce delivering real impact and passionate about supporting the development of our workforce.

Our Development Management team is recognised as one of the highest performing in the country, and we are proud of the standards we uphold. We are also at a critical stage in our Local Plan journey, currently embarking on the final consultation phase for Regulation 18. Your leadership will be instrumental in taking us through to adoption and beyond. Building strong and purposeful relationships across the city, with councilors, stakeholders and staff will be key and it’s important you can balance the strategic elements of the service with the ability to support the team with more operational matters as needed, particularly as we coach and develop our staff to be the leaders of the future.

Our business support services are well regarded and forward-looking, engaging positively with business across Southend and the wider region. It’s no accident that our economic development function and planning team sit together under this role so we can build a positive future for the city.  

This is a rare opportunity to join a forward-thinking council at a time of significant change. As a key player in the evolving landscape of Local Government Reorganisation, Southend-on-Sea City Council is poised to influence and adapt to the opportunities ahead. Your strategic insight and ability to drive innovation and build relationships will be vital in ensuring we remain at the forefront of planning and economic development.

If you are ready to make a lasting difference in a city with ambition, energy, and a clear vision for the future, we would 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 or visit our microsite Southend On Sea | Welcome | Hays UK

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 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.

To apply with the link below:

https://www.applybe.com/haysapply/search/welcome/-all/1/6618421/director%20of%20planning%20and%20economy.html?FeedID=941#Apply