Head of Service - Planning & Development

Summary: The Interim Head of Service - Planning & Development at Halton Borough Council is a strategic leadership role responsible for overseeing a range of planning, development, and regulatory services during a transformative period. The position requires extensive experience in local government and aims to ensure compliance with statutory obligations while driving service improvement. The role involves collaboration with various stakeholders and managing external service contracts. This is a significant opportunity for a senior professional to impact a progressive local authority.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and deliver agreed programmes of activity across the service areas in consultation with the Operational Director.
• Oversee implementation of strategic, policy and operational priorities, reporting to senior management, elected members and partnership bodies.
• Represent the Council as the Local Planning Authority in negotiations with developers, external meetings, public inquiries, court proceedings and Ombudsman investigations.
• Lead on the development and delivery of evidence-based planning and transport policies and strategies.
• Maintain and progress the Local Development Scheme and relevant transport planning strategies in line with Council, Combined Authority and Northern Powerhouse priorities.
• Build effective relationships with national, regional and European bodies to influence future planning policy and legislation.
• Oversee key external service contracts, including: Merseyside Environmental Advisory Service, Cheshire West and Chester Heritage and Conservation Advice, Building Control collaboration with Knowsley Borough Council.
• Provide leadership and direction to all staff within the Division, ensuring effective application of HR policies and maintaining professional competency standards.
• Take responsibility for financial monitoring, budget management and reporting across the Division.
• Support organisational change and continuous service improvement initiatives.

Key Skills:

• Degree-level education or equivalent professional qualification/experience in Planning or a related discipline such as Building Control, Environmental Planning or Transport Planning.
• Significant management experience within a local authority or similarly complex organisation.
• Extensive experience within one or more relevant service areas.
• Strong experience working with elected members and senior stakeholders.
• Proven ability to lead operational service delivery and manage organisational change.
• Experience of staff leadership, supervision and performance management.
• Sound financial and budget monitoring experience.
• Strong understanding of performance monitoring frameworks and service improvement.
• A relevant management qualification would be advantageous.

Salary (Rate): £300/day

City: Widnes

Country: United Kingdom

Working Arrangements: hybrid

IR35 Status: outside IR35

Seniority Level: Senior

Industry: Other