At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead development services, including Planning and Building Control, to shape community growth.
- Company: Stratford on Avon and Warwick District Councils, committed to innovative community development.
- Benefits: Opportunity to make a lasting impact and work on significant projects.
- Other info: Exciting challenges with opportunities for professional growth in urban and rural settings.
- Why this job: Be part of a transformative journey towards a single South Warwickshire Council by 2024.
- Qualifications: Experience in development services and strong stakeholder relationship skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Thank you for your interest in this important role at Stratford on Avon District Council. This is a critical position as part of the new Senior Management Team across Stratford on Avon District Council and Warwick District Council. This role covers the areas of Planning, Planning Enforcement, Building Control and Land Charges along with the necessary admin functions. We need the right person to help shape these services to ensure that they are ready for the challenges that the new Council will face. It is expected that the successful candidate would ensure delivery of high quality, effective and creative services across these areas.
About the role: This is an exciting opportunity to help us shape our future. Both Stratford and Warwick District Councils are undergoing significant organisational change and are committed to working together to create a single statutory South Warwickshire Council by 2024. We have an exciting opportunity for a Head of Development to join our senior management team, which will play a key role in supporting the delivery of this transition.
As the Head of Development you will be responsible for a large service, which includes Development Control, Land Charges, Building Control and Planning Enforcement and all of the administration associated with these functions. You will be joining us in a strong position, where both of our Councils have their core strategies, and have a 5 year housing supply plan in place. We have seen a vast amount of growth across the two areas with opportunity to grow even further.
Warwick District Council’s local plan committed to delivering 19000 new homes by 2031, which would mean approximately a 30% increase in the number of households, and the same for Stratford too, which means there is plenty of significant developments on offer and for you to get stuck into. We have also begun our emerging joint plan, which promises to be a challenging and very exciting role with some great opportunities in terms of scales of development. We already have some significant developments underway, which you will help see through, including Long Marston Garden Village, a proposal for 4000 new homes as well as the battery Gigafactory.
This is a fantastic opportunity for someone to gain further experience of working across both urban and rural landscapes. We know we have challenges around performance and this is an area we know we need to improve. We need someone who can build positive authentic relationships with key stakeholders and identify opportunities for collaboration which will deliver real benefits.
If you are excited by the opportunity to make a genuine, long lasting impact for the communities we serve, then we want to hear from you.
Head of Development - Stratford on Avon District Council and Warwick District Council employer: Diversifying Group
Stratford on Avon District Council and Warwick District Council offer a dynamic and supportive work environment, where you can play a pivotal role in shaping the future of local communities. With a commitment to professional development and collaboration, employees are encouraged to grow their skills while contributing to significant projects like the Long Marston Garden Village and the battery Gigafactory. Join us in a forward-thinking culture that values innovation and community impact, making it an excellent place for meaningful employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Development - Stratford on Avon District Council and Warwick District Council
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees of Stratford on Avon and Warwick District Councils on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching recent developments in both councils. Show us that you’re not just interested in the role, but also in how you can contribute to the exciting changes happening in the area.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the challenges mentioned in the job description. We want to hear how you can help shape the future of these services.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Development - Stratford on Avon District Council and Warwick District Council
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the specific requirements of the Head of Development role. We want to see how you can contribute to shaping our services and tackling the challenges ahead.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As this is a senior management position, it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership abilities. Share examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past, especially in planning or development contexts. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and drive change!
Be Authentic:We value genuine connections, so don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your application. Share your passion for community development and how you envision making a positive impact in Stratford and Warwick. Authenticity goes a long way!
Apply Through Our Website:To ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, make sure to apply directly through our website. This helps us keep everything organised and makes it easier for us to review your application thoroughly. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Diversifying Group
✨Know Your Councils Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the Stratford on Avon and Warwick District Councils' strategies and local plans. Understanding their current projects, like the Long Marston Garden Village and the battery Gigafactory, will show your genuine interest and help you discuss how you can contribute to these initiatives.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Development, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership capabilities. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led teams or projects, particularly in planning or development. Highlight how you built relationships with stakeholders and improved performance in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Change Management Questions
Given the significant organisational changes happening, be ready to discuss your experience with change management. Think about times when you've navigated transitions smoothly and how you can apply those lessons to help shape the new South Warwickshire Council.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions prepared. Inquire about the challenges the councils face in delivering high-quality services or how they envision collaboration between departments. This shows your proactive approach and genuine interest in the role.
