At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate in environmental health and licensing to ensure community safety.
- Company: Harlow District Council, committed to public health and community wellbeing.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, professional development support, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team dedicated to innovation and excellence.
- Why this job: Shape services in a transforming borough and make a real impact on community health.
- Qualifications: Experience in environmental health and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 78718 - 78718 £ per year.
Harlow District Council is seeking an experienced, dynamic, and forward-thinking Head of Environmental Health and Licensing to lead our high-performing regulatory services. This is a pivotal leadership position responsible for safeguarding public health, ensuring safe and vibrant communities, and supporting local businesses through a fair and modern regulatory approach. You will lead multidisciplinary teams covering environmental health, food safety, housing standards, disabled facilities grants, environmental protection, health & safety, and licensing. This is an opportunity to shape the strategic direction of these services as Harlow continues its exciting growth and regeneration journey.
What You’ll Do
- Provide strategic leadership across Environmental Health and Licensing, ensuring compliance with statutory duties and delivery of excellent public services.
- Lead, motivate, and develop professional teams to achieve high performance and continuous improvement.
- Oversee delivery of key services including food hygiene, private sector housing enforcement, health & safety, noise and nuisance, pollution control, and all licensing functions.
- Work collaboratively with local partners, public health bodies, businesses, and other stakeholders to promote community wellbeing and economic growth.
- Drive innovation, service transformation, and digital improvement to enhance efficiency and customer experience.
- Act as the Council’s principal adviser on environmental health and licensing matters, providing expert guidance to senior leaders and elected members.
- Manage budgets, resources, and regulatory programmes to ensure effective and value-for-money service delivery.
About You
We’re looking for a strategic leader with a strong professional background and a commitment to improving public health and community safety. You will have:
- Significant experience in environmental health with particular expertise in Private Sector Housing and/or licensing within a local authority or similar regulatory environment.
- Proven leadership and people management skills with the ability to inspire teams and deliver measurable results.
- Excellent understanding of regulatory frameworks, including relevant environmental health, housing, and licensing legislation.
- Strong communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement abilities.
- A proactive, solution-focused approach with the confidence to influence at all levels.
- Chartered status or eligibility for Chartered status with the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) is desirable.
Why Harlow Council?
This is a rare opportunity to help shape services in a borough undergoing major transformation. At Harlow Council, you’ll join a collaborative leadership environment committed to innovation, empowerment, and delivering the best outcomes for residents. We offer:
- Competitive salary and generous local government pension scheme.
- Flexible and hybrid working options.
- Support for professional development.
- A culture that values ideas, improvement, and excellence.
For an informal discussion about this role, please contact Sasha Taylor, Director Public Protection, on 01279 446047. Harlow Council is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. We offer flexibility with purpose through our Dynamic Working approach. While office-based work is the norm, most full-time employees attend the workplace at least three days per week (pro rata) (four days per week from September 2026). We also support a range of flexible arrangements to help balance work and personal life and provide health and wellbeing initiatives and an employee assistance programme. As a Disability Confident Employer, we guarantee an interview to disabled candidates who meet the Essential Criteria on the Employee Profile.
Head of Environmental Health & Licencing – Harlow District Council in Essex employer: Essex County Counci
Essex County Council is an exceptional employer for Adults Social Workers, offering a community-focused work environment in the diverse areas of Colchester and Tendring. With a commitment to employee wellbeing, ongoing professional development, and flexible working options, we empower our staff to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a supportive culture that values collaboration and innovation. Join us to be part of a passionate team dedicated to helping individuals achieve independence and live fulfilling lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Environmental Health & Licencing – Harlow District Council in Essex
✨Get Involved with Local Environmental Groups
Connect with local environmental groups and organisations that focus on sustainability and engineering. These communities often have job boards, networking events, and volunteer opportunities that can lead to part-time positions like the one we want to land together at Essex County Counci.
✨Showcase Your Passion Through Projects
Working on environmental projects, whether it’s personal or for a community initiative, can showcase your skills and passion. Consider creating a digital portfolio or blog that highlights your contributions and learnings in environmental engineering tech; it’s a great way to stand out when applying for that part-time role!
✨Visit University Career Fairs
If you’re still studying, make the most of career fairs at your university. Many firms, including Essex County Counci, actively scout for part-time interns there. It’s a golden opportunity to meet recruiters face-to-face and show them why you’re the right fit for their team right off the bat!
✨Leverage Online Platforms
Join online platforms that cater to environmental engineering jobs, like specialised job boards or forums. These channels help you not only find part-time gigs but also interact with professionals in the field. Plus, you can share your own insights and get noticed—just remember to direct them to your application on our website!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Environmental Health & Licencing – Harlow District Council in Essex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Technical Skills:In the environmental engineering tech field, it’s super important to showcase your technical abilities. Make sure to include specific skills related to software and technologies relevant to this sector, like CAD programs or environmental modelling tools. This is especially key for a part-time role like Head of Environmental Health & Licencing – Harlow District Council at Essex County Counci, where practical skills can really set you apart!
Show Off Relevant Projects:Think about any hands-on projects or research you’ve done that showcase your problem-solving abilities in environmental engineering. Whether it’s a university project or a side gig, including a brief overview of these in your CV can grab attention. A part-time role means they might need you to hit the ground running, so demonstrating experience is a must.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for environmental issues and how they align with the mission of Essex County Counci. Be sure to express your desire to contribute part-time, highlighting your motivation and willingness to learn. Let’s face it, a genuine enthusiasm for the field can go a long way in making you stand out!
Include Your Availability:When applying for a part-time role, it’s super helpful to mention your availability directly in your application. Whether you're going for specific days or flexible hours, being clear upfront saves time for both you and Essex County Counci. It shows you're organised and ready to fit into their schedule effortlessly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Essex County Counci
✨Brush Up on Technical Know-How
Since you're diving into the world of environmental engineering tech, make sure you're comfortable discussing relevant software and tools, like AutoCAD or GIS. They might throw in some technical questions or case studies during the interview to gauge your knowledge, so it’s a great idea to familiarise yourself with these before your chat with Essex County Counci.
✨Show Your Passion for Sustainability
Part-time roles often get a lot of applicants, so make your passion for environmental issues stand out. Share any personal projects or volunteer work focused on sustainable practices, as it shows your dedication to the field and aligns with the values at Essex County Counci.
✨Flexibility is Key
Part-time roles can require a bit of juggling between studying and work. Be ready to talk about how you plan to balance your schedule if you get the job with Essex County Counci. Highlight your time management skills and steps you take to ensure you meet deadlines in both work and study.
✨Portfolio Perks
If you have any projects or portfolio work, be sure to bring it along! Even if your experience is limited, showcasing coursework related to environmental engineering tech or internships can really give you an edge. It’s a practical way to demonstrate your skills and creativity, so lean on that visual evidence during the interview.
