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- Tasks: Lead strategic development and drive innovation across multiple agencies.
- Company: Greater Essex Combined County Authority, a key player in regional governance.
- Benefits: Competitive pay up to £650 per day or £75,050 to £88,295 per annum.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with opportunities for impactful work and professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape policies that make a real difference for residents and businesses.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in public sector and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 75050 - 88295 £ per year.
Fixed Term, Full Time (Maximum 12 months)
Temporary or FTC/Secondment (Salary within advert)
Location: Countywide
Closing Date: 14th December 2025
Salary information: Temporary up to £650 per day (umbrella, Inside IR35) or FTC/Secondment from £75,050 to £88,295 per annum
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:
- Lead strategy development for the assigned portfolio.
- Drive innovation, collaboration and delivery across multiple agencies.
- Build strong foundations and workstreams enabling GECCA to operate effectively.
- Shape and implement policy that delivers tangible outcomes for residents and businesses.
- 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:
- Provide strategic leadership, setting vision and direction.
- Secure funding and investment.
- Build strong partnerships across the system.
- Lead long-term planning and integration of major initiatives.
- Contribute to GECCA's organisational development.
- Deep professional expertise relevant to assigned portfolio.
- Proven leadership in complex public sector environments.
- Strong political awareness and communication skills.
- Ability to manage programmes, budgets and stakeholders effectively.
*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: 14th December 2025 at 23:59pm.
Seniority level: Mid‐Senior level
Employment type: Temporary
Job function: General Business
Industries: Government Administration
Interim Strategic Development Lead, Generalist – Greater Essex Combined County Authority in Colchester employer: Essex County Council
Contact Detail:
Essex County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Strategic Development Lead, Generalist – Greater Essex Combined County Authority in Colchester
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and start networking! Attend local events, join relevant online groups, and connect with people in the industry. Building relationships can open doors that you didn’t even know existed.
✨Show Up Prepared
When you land an interview, do your homework! Know the ins and outs of the Greater Essex Combined County Authority and be ready to discuss how your skills align with their strategic goals. Confidence is key!
✨Follow Up
After your interview, don’t just sit back and wait. Send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It shows you’re keen and keeps you on their radar!
✨Apply Through Our Website
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We think you need these skills to ace Interim Strategic Development Lead, Generalist – Greater Essex Combined County Authority in Colchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Interim Strategic Development Lead. Highlight your experience in strategic leadership and partnership building, as these are key for this position.
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Use it to explain how your skills and experiences align with the job description. Be specific about how you can drive innovation and collaboration across multiple agencies.
Showcase Your Political Awareness: Given the nature of this role, it's crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the political landscape. Share examples of how you've navigated complex public sector environments in the past.
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 this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Essex County Council
✨Know Your Strategic Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the key strategies and policies relevant to the Greater Essex Combined County Authority. Understand their vision and how your role as an Interim Strategic Development Lead can help shape that. Being able to discuss specific examples of strategic leadership will show you’re the right fit.
✨Build Your Network
Since this role involves building partnerships across various sectors, think about who you might connect with in the interview. Prepare to discuss how you’ve successfully built relationships in the past and how you plan to do so in this role. It’s all about showing you can navigate complex networks!
✨Showcase Your Political Acumen
This position requires strong political awareness, so be ready to talk about your experience in public sector environments. Think of examples where you’ve had to manage stakeholders or navigate political landscapes. This will demonstrate your ability to operate effectively within the governance structures.
✨Prepare for Funding Discussions
Since securing funding is a key responsibility, come prepared with insights on how you would approach this. Discuss any previous experiences where you’ve successfully secured funding or investment, and be ready to share your ideas on how to ensure value for money in financial commitments.