Director of Environment & Planning

Preston, Lancashire, United Kingdom  

We’re looking for a visionary leader who can guide the Environment and Planning function towards achieving exceptional results whilst working collaboratively with senior leadership colleagues both within the organisation and across local government, partners and stakeholders.

The Director of Environment and Planning is a critical role at Lancashire County Council, designed to develop and implement effective strategies, gaining investment and, through effective partnership working, ensure delivery across the county and wider sub-region.

The position reports to the Executive Director of Growth, Environment, Transport and Health and is a member of the Directorate Leadership Team. The position holds responsibility for key service areas including, Strategic Planning & Transport and Levelling up Fund, Waste, Climate and Environment, as well as the need to work closely with senior leadership colleagues on significant major development programmes and key strategies. 

The position will also hold responsibility for two council owned companies: the Environment Fund and Lancashire Renewables. Additionally, this position will lead on the future workstream programs for planned devolution and Combined County Authority, particularly transport. Given these responsibilities, the successful applicant will require significant multi-agency partnership and collaborative working experience. 

Why join us

Benefits: We're passionate about supporting you to create the work life balance you'll love so there's some great flexible working options with up to 32 days annual leave plus bank holidays, 2 additional days at Christmas and then an additional 20 days that can be purchased too. We have an excellent relocation scheme with over £11,000 available to support your move, plus a generous local authority pension with shared contribution AVC's. We've also recently introduced an enviable benefits package which has discounts across a range of goods, services, shopping and entertainment - with salary sacrifice schemes for cycles, white goods, electronics and now cars.

Development: We are dedicated to fostering your ongoing personal/professional growth, and as part of this commitment we provide opportunities for professional coaching, mentorship, and leadership development programs. We encourage collaboration across functions, offering avenues to broaden perspectives, embrace new challenges, and drive innovation. You'll also have access to reflection opportunities and receive guidance, challenge, and support from your line manager whilst we provide internal and external networking opportunities to facilitate connections with peers and industry leaders, empowering you to reach your full potential.

Inclusivity: We are committed to creating and sustaining a diverse and inclusive working environment for all of our team. Our aim is to ensure that everyone is equally valued and respected, and that our organisation is representative of all members of society, working in an environment where individual differences are celebrated. We would therefore especially welcome applications from those from a diverse background who would enhance our service by joining us and we have some great support groups/forums available for anyone to join.

Please ensure you have uploaded and attached your supporting statement to evidence how you meet the criteria for the role. The panel may be unable to shortlist you for interview without this evidence.

You will be required to provide a car for use in connection with the duties of this post and must be insured for business use. However, we may consider you if you cannot drive because of a disability. 

In return Lancashire County Council offers a range of benefits, which can be found on LCC Vacancies website.

We reserve the right to close down a vacancy early, before the closing date, if we receive sufficient applications.