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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 daily rate, opportunity to influence regional policy, and work with diverse stakeholders.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team during a pivotal transformation period for Greater Essex.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on local communities and shape the future of Greater Essex.
- Qualifications: Experience in senior strategy or policy roles, strong public policy knowledge, and leadership skills.
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 Skills
- 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.
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 Colchester 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 Colchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on social media, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that you didn’t even know existed.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or during interviews, make sure to highlight your experience in strategic planning and governance. Use real examples to demonstrate how you've influenced policy and driven change in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out to organisations you admire and express your interest in working with them. Sometimes, creating your own opportunity is the best way to land that dream role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you prepare for interviews and ace those tough questions. Plus, applying directly through us gives you a better shot at standing out from the crowd. Don’t miss out!
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Development Director - 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 Strategic Development Director. Highlight your experience in strategic leadership, public policy, and partnership management. We want to see how your skills align with the needs of Greater Essex!
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Use it to explain how your background and expertise make you the perfect fit for this transformative role. Be specific about your achievements and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Strategic Thinking: In both your CV and supporting statement, demonstrate your strategic thinking capabilities. Discuss how you've shaped policies or frameworks in previous roles and how you can apply that experience to the Greater Essex Combined Authority.
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. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Essex County Council
✨Know Your Strategic Frameworks
Make sure you’re well-versed in the strategic frameworks relevant to the Greater Essex Combined Authority. Brush up on devolution policies and how they impact local governance. This will show that you understand the landscape and can hit the ground running.
✨Build Relationships Before the Interview
Networking is key for this role. Try to connect with current or former employees of the councils involved, or even stakeholders in the region. Having insights from these conversations can give you a unique perspective to discuss during your interview.
✨Prepare Evidence-Based Examples
Be ready to share specific examples of how you've led strategic initiatives in complex systems. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, focusing on outcomes that align with the responsibilities of the role.
✨Showcase Your Partnership Skills
This role requires strong partnership management skills. Prepare to discuss how you've successfully built and maintained relationships across different sectors. Highlight any experience you have in influencing policy or securing funding, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.