Interim Director of Built Environment

Temporary Staffing Recruitment OSDC Interim Director of Built Environment – Grade 15 (£128,314 per annum) Initial 3-month fixed term contract (37 hours a week) | Location: Central London (hybrid – 2/3 days per week in the office) Immediate availability is essential. Expected interview dates w/c 23rd February, with start date soon after. Interested candidates should share a CV and brief personal statement (max one side A4) to [email protected]

Transforming Oxford Street is one of the UKs most exciting regeneration programmes. Oxford Street is not just a shopping street. In 2022 it contributed an estimated twenty-five billion pounds to London’s economy. That is nearly five per cent of the city’s total GVA and around one per cent of the United Kingdom’s entire economic output. The Oxford Street Development Corporation (OSDC) has been established to lead the long-term regeneration and transformation of Oxford Street and its surrounding area to deliver a truly world-class public realm. OSDC covers one of the most iconic and complex regeneration areas in the UK, with Oxford Street at the heart of London’s global retail, cultural and economic identity.

Role

We are looking for an experienced leader in regeneration and economic development to join the new Oxford Street Development Corporation leadership team in our initial and exciting set up phase. Specifically, this role will:

• I. Lead and support the progression, design and initial delivery stages of a world-class public realm across the OSDC area, supporting the Mayor’s vision for Oxford Street as a global retail, hospitality and visitor destination and aligned with OSDC’s overall strategy.
• II. Lead and support the establishment of a first-class planning service, supporting and enabling economic growth and high-quality development across the OSDC area, helping position Oxford Street as a world leading destination and providing stewardship of its heritage and built environment.
• III. Establish and lead high-performing development, operational and planning teams, and provide strong, inclusive and visible leadership as a member of the Development Corporation’s senior leadership team.
• IV. Scope and develop our destination and economic growth ambitions, bringing a strong economic lens to Local Plan development and Planning Delivery.
• V. Build and maintain effective networks in all relevant areas – influencing, advocating and collaborating with key partners and stakeholders to drive the corporation’s mission and projects to successful outcomes.
• VI. Operate as part of a small and flexible leadership team whilst the organisation develops, as such bringing a broad range of leadership skills and experiences that will allow this post-holder to take on additional scopes of work as required.
• VII. Work with the CEO and Interim Deputy CEO to map out the growth of the Built Environment Directorate and the wider organization, including hiring talented individuals, consultants or commissioning other resources as required.

Skills And Experience Required

• I. A proven track record of executive leadership in regeneration involving the creation of new public spaces, working collaboratively across the public and private sectors.
• II. An understanding of planning policy and practice, and experience running or working with public sector planning functions.
• III. Thought leadership and expertise with a strong grasp of best practice and emerging trends in place-making and place management, and the ability to develop inventive solutions to complex problems.
• IV. Organisational and team leadership skills, with experience of building inclusive, high-performing teams and leading through change.
• V. A flexible and ambitious approach, with a broad range of leadership experiences to meet the needs of a new and rapidly forming organisation.