About the Role:

The London Borough of Bexley is seeking an experienced, flexible and adaptable leader to join as the Deputy Director of Housing and Strategic Planning. Reporting to the Director of Place, this pivotal, high-profile role will lead a diverse range of services that manage and respond to current challenges, as well as drive the future shape and growth of the borough. The current postholder has delivered a number of significant service turnarounds and transformations, providing an excellent foundation for the successful candidate to come in and take it to the next level.

Key Responsibilities of the Role:

• Housing - leadership of the Council’s operational and strategic housing functions, working with internal partners and external stakeholders to prevent and reduce homelessness and ensure the borough has the right housing offer now and in the future.
• Strategic planning and growth - driving the Council’s regeneration and growth activity, inward investment and ensuring the Council’s Local Plan remains fit for purpose in the medium to long-term.
• Regulatory services and development management – responsibility for the Council’s operational activity across Environmental Health, Trading Standards, Planning, Licensing and Public Protection
• Economic development and skills – ensuring the Council’s economic development work has the maximum impact, through employment programmes, town centre activity, business improvement districts and sub-regional regeneration bodies.

About You:

You will have substantial experience in leading and developing services related to regeneration, economic development, strategic planning or housing and development. You will be flexible and adaptable, and able to quickly get to grips with a diverse set of high-profile challenges. You will have a track record of achieving measurable results in complex or political environments, alongside great analytical skills and the ability to manage significant budgets. Your leadership style will inspire and motivate teams, and you will be adept at engaging with internal stakeholders and external partner organisations.

Why Bexley?

Bexley is uniquely placed – close to the centre of London, but a stone’s throw from rural Kent. It has one of the longest stretches of the Thames in the capital and over a hundred parks and green spaces. Bexley has played a leading part in making the case for future investment in the Thames Gateway region and continues to play a key role in the Thames Estuary Growth Board and other sub-regional initiatives. We want the right candidate to join us to help us drive forward the future growth and development of the borough with good jobs, excellent housing and a strong sense of community.

The London Borough of Bexley is committed to delivering excellent services to residents of the borough. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of housing and strategic planning in Bexley, working with a dedicated team and a wide range of partners.

Benefits:

• Flexible working arrangements including hybrid working, helping colleagues achieve a better work-life balance
• Our employees have access to mental health and physical wellbeing support through our Employee Assistance Programme and discounted leisure offers
• Enjoy 33 days of annual leave plus bank holidays, with an additional day's leave at Christmas. There is also the option to purchase extra annual leave.
• Excellent pension scheme, charitable giving options, and various financial wellbeing initiatives, including lease car scheme and relocation benefits (subject to approval)
• A new Leadership Academy is due to be launched in January 2025, which will provide access to internal coaching and mentoring schemes, secondment opportunities and self-led learning. The Academy will not only provide you with the opportunity to develop your own skills but also provide you with the opportunity to develop the leadership skills for your staff.

The Council welcomes applications from all sections of the community and are committed to promoting equality of opportunity. If you are a strategic thinker with a passion for public service and a track record of delivering results, we would love to hear from you.

For an informal conversation about the role, please contact:

Bonnie Amos English

bonnie.amos-english@berwickpartners.co.uk

+44 121 389 3655

Closing date: 9am on Monday 20th January