Assistant Director - Planning and Implementation

Assistant Director - Planning and Implementation

Maldon District Council

Temporary, Full Time

£800.00 per day (umbrella)

Location: Maldon

Closing Date: Friday 26th September 2025

Maldon District Council are currently looking for new leadership talent to join them for this rare opportunity of the post of Assistant Director: Planning and Implementation.

Maldon Council are facing some exciting changes in the near future and they are keen to appoint an individual with a breadth of public sector experience that enables them to take responsibility for managing the local planning authority and building control body with its great team of 38 professionals. This strategic leadership role is an integral part of the senior leadership team, has Chief Planning Officer responsibility and constitutional delegated authority for all the following functions delivered by two operational Heads of Service:

Development Management • Enforcement & Building Control • Planning Policy & Local Development Plan • National Strategic Infrastructure projects (NSIPS) • Land Charges

The role also has corporate responsibilities for budget management, risk management, Member liaison, service planning, performance management and reporting.

This role is being recruited on an initial three-month agency basis with a view to being extended. With a start date in mid to late October 2025, candidates must be available on short notice and be willing to work in Maldon, Essex for approximately 2 days per week for meetings and attending committees.

Maldon District is an area which boasts an enviable quality of life, with its historic settlements, coastal setting and stunning countryside, yet within easy reach of London and the East of England. Its Local Plan, approved in 2017 runs until 2029 and plans for growth through two Garden Suburbs in Maldon & Heybridge that are presently at different stages of construction and Strategic Allocations in Burnham on Crouch and larger villages. The Garden Suburbs bring new schools, open space, shopping and employment opportunities too. The District has over 1,000 Listed Buildings, 15 Conservation Areas, 1 Registered Park & Garden and 1 Registered Battlefield. The rich coastal community is also home to vast areas of protected habitats including Ramsar, Special Areas of Conservation, Special Protected Areas and National Nature Reserves. This setting makes for a challenging, yet rewarding planning responsibility.

The Council promotes a professional work environment with a focus on self-development, innovation, and collaborative working.

About this role

• To provide strategic leadership and managing a team of multi-skilled staff who are responsible for the development of council strategy and policy delivery, including Planning Policy, Enforcement, Conservation and Heritage, Building Control, Development Management and Technical Support
• To own, develop and oversee the council’s policies in key areas, solve problems and delivers an efficient customer-focused service with high standards of professionalism
• To be a trusted point of contact for engagement with Members to ensure sound relationships and prompt responses to issues and queries raised
• To ensure effective cross Council working to enable strategic achievement and enabling collaboration, innovation and engagement and delivery of Council priorities
• Be a role model for the service, demonstrating authenticity, integrity, resilience and compassion and focussing on communication, personal development and wellbeing

Key Accountabilities

• Responsible for the Local Planning Authority, Building Control Body and Land Charges functions to meet the council’s needs ensuring compliance with statutory regulations, legislation, professional codes of practice and adherence to Council policy
• Prepare and present reports to council committee meetings or other internal or external meetings ensuring compliance, transparency, and scrutiny
• Ensuring management of complex and contentious cases by staff with relevant expertise
• Be the most senior point of contact for the resolution of complex or contentious applications, appeals, complaints and inspections
• Responsible for the management and implementation of projects, interventions and initiatives and delivery of corporate objectives and business plans
• Responsible for the review and implementation of business process changes that drive further efficiencies and cost savings
• Delivering customer focussed, high profile and responsive operations and services, ensuring that enquiries, complaints and cases are managed and completed at the appropriate level

What you need to succeed

• A degree in Town Planning or a related field 
• Extensive experience gained at a similar level in a Local Authority setting
• Membership of Royal Town Planning Institute 
• Demonstrable experience of working at a strategic level
• Previous experience of managing a large team

If this interests you, we look forward to receiving your application.

We are an inclusive employer and are committed to equality of opportunity.

For more information or to receive a full copy of the full role profile, please email louise.butler@essex.gov.uk