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- Tasks: Lead strategic development for Greater Essex, shaping policies and frameworks for local governance.
- Company: Greater Essex Combined County Authority, driving transformative change in local governance.
- Benefits: Competitive pay up to £1,000 per day, impactful work, and a chance to shape the future.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community by influencing key regional policies and partnerships.
- Qualifications: Experience in senior strategy or policy roles, with strong public policy knowledge.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on innovation and community empowerment.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Temporary, Full Time (Maximum 12 Months)
Up to £1,000 per day (Inside IR35)
Location: Countywide
Overview
Greater Essex is entering a transformative period through devolution, aimed at simplifying governance, improving service delivery, and empowering communities. Under the proposed changes, powers and funding will be transferred from central government to a new Mayoral Combined County Authority, enabling more local control over key areas such as transport, housing, and economic development.
This role will play a critical part in ensuring the new Greater Essex Combined County Authority, one of the largest County Combined Authorities, is set up effectively, with the robust governance, strategies, policies and frameworks required to meet statutory and legal obligations. They will establish strong foundations that enable the organisation to accelerate its strategic priorities at pace. To achieve this, postholders will need to build effective relationships and networks across central and local government, partners, businesses and residents, and bring the business, commercial and political acumen needed to translate strategy into meaningful action.
Purpose of the Role
- Develop Greater Essex County Combined Authority's strategic frameworks aligned with devolution and mayoral priorities.
- Provide expert financial and commercial advice to the Interim Chief Executive, senior leader and the Mayor once appointed.
- Lead regional policy agenda across transport, housing, skills, growth, climate, and public safety.
- Shape long-term strategic direction and ensure evidence-based decision-making.
- Strengthen partnerships with government, local authorities, and regional organisations.
- Build partnerships and raise the profile of Greater Essex at a regional and national level, working across the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors to drive inward investment, secure funding from government, and ensure value for money in all financial commitments.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership
- Develop strategic, governance, and assurance frameworks.
- Shape Greater Essex County Combined Authority's policy agenda and identify future opportunities.
- Lead evidence-based policy and strategic planning.
- Represent Greater Essex County Combined Authority regionally and nationally.
- Influence government policy and secure support for the region.
- Ensure strategic coherence across portfolios.
- Oversee strategic communications and public affairs.
- Support organisational design, digital transformation, and sustainability.
- Lead a multi-disciplinary strategy and policy team.
- Develop capability, promote Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, and strengthen culture.
Qualifications and Experience
- Senior strategy/policy leadership experience in complex systems.
- Strong knowledge of public policy, devolution, and Combined Authorities.
- Excellent strategic planning and analytical capability.
- Able to negotiate, influence, and build consensus regionally and nationally.
- Strong partnership and stakeholder management skills.
- Proven leadership of strategy or policy functions.
*Please note: All role dimensions (budget, line reports, etc) will be established and subject to change during the set-up stage of the interim Combined County Authority.
This role is being recruited on behalf of Southend-on-Sea City Council, Thurrock Council and Essex County Council. This appointment is being managed by Essex Shared Services. Should you have any enquiries or would like to request a confidential discussion please contact Samantha Myddelton on (samantha.myddelton@essex.gov.uk 0333 013 0098) or Sadie Orwell (sadie.orwell@essex.gov.uk 0333 032 2356).
If you have an accessibility need, disability, or condition that means you might require changes to the application or recruitment process, please get in touch with Essex Shared Services at essexsharedservices@essex.gov.uk.
As part of the application process, you will be required to submit a CV and supporting statement. Click 'APPLY' to begin your application.
Closing date for applications: 7 December 2025 at 23:59pm.
Seniority Level: Director
Employment Type: Full‐time
Job Function: Government Administration
Strategic Development Director - Greater Essex Combined County Authority in Basildon employer: Essex County Council
Contact Detail:
Essex County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Development Director - Greater Essex Combined County Authority in Basildon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can’t.
✨Tip Number 2
Be ready to showcase your expertise! When you land that interview, come prepared with examples of how you've tackled similar challenges in the past. Show them you’ve got the strategic chops to lead and influence effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Research is key! Know the ins and outs of the Greater Essex Combined County Authority and its strategic priorities. This will not only impress your interviewers but also help you tailor your responses to align with their goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who want to make a difference in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Development Director - Greater Essex Combined County Authority in Basildon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Strategic Development Director role. Highlight your experience in strategic leadership, governance frameworks, and public policy. We want to see how your background aligns with the transformative goals of Greater Essex!
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Use it to explain how your skills and experiences make you the perfect fit for this role. Be specific about your achievements in building partnerships and influencing policy – we love a good success story!
Showcase Your Strategic Thinking: In both your CV and supporting statement, demonstrate your strategic planning and analytical capabilities. We’re looking for someone who can shape long-term directions and make evidence-based decisions, so don’t hold back on sharing relevant examples!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about what we do at StudySmarter and how you can contribute!
How to prepare for a job interview at Essex County Council
✨Know Your Strategic Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the strategic frameworks and governance structures relevant to the Greater Essex Combined Authority. Brush up on devolution policies and how they impact local governance, as this will show your understanding of the role's context.
✨Build Your Network
Since relationship-building is key for this position, think about who you might connect with during the interview. Be ready to discuss how you’ve successfully built partnerships in the past and how you plan to strengthen ties with local authorities and stakeholders.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading strategy or policy functions. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to clearly articulate how you've influenced decision-making and driven strategic initiatives in complex environments.
✨Be Ready for Evidence-Based Discussions
Expect questions around evidence-based decision-making. Have a few examples ready where you used data to shape policy or strategy. This will demonstrate your analytical capability and your commitment to making informed decisions.
