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- Tasks: Lead transformative projects in climate action, transport, and customer services for Essex.
- Company: Essex County Council, driving local government reform and community-focused initiatives.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, impactful role, and the chance to shape a sustainable future.
- Why this job: Be a visionary leader influencing positive change in your community and environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in strategic leadership, operational management, and diverse team collaboration.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team committed to equality, diversity, and high-impact change.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 ÂŁ per year.
Shape the Future of Essex. Drive climate action. Deliver for our communities.
Essex is on the government’s Priority Programme for Local Government Reform, one of the most ambitious and complex reform programmes in the UK. At the heart of this radical transformation is a bold vision: to reshape local government and public service delivery across Greater Essex, including the creation of a Mayoral Combined Authority. By 2028 there will be the reorganisation of the current two-tier system of fifteen Councils into fewer new unitary councils.
This is a rare opportunity for Essex County Council and our partners to co-create a new model of local government, rooted in neighbourhoods, integrating key services, offering greater choice to communities, and built on collaboration with partners including Health, Police, and Fire services.
Within this context of transformation, Essex County Council is seeking a visionary, delivery-focused, and resilient leader to take on a senior role at the heart of our organisational strategy. With an ambitious agenda on highways, environment, waste, customer and sustainable growth, Essex will need world-class infrastructure that meets the needs of our communities and supports a greener future.
The Role
Reporting to the Chief Executive and working closely with other Executive Directors, you will act as an effective communicator and strong team player to formulate corporate policy objectives and ensure the effective corporate management of ECC. This highly visible and demanding position will be central to our ambitious agenda for climate action and sustainable growth, ensuring world-class transport and waste infrastructure that meets community needs.
You will lead a diverse portfolio of services, including:
- Highways & Transportation – managing significant supplier contracts and ensuring world-class transport solutions.
- Climate Action Strategy – driving forward our commitment to sustainability and net zero.
- Waste Services – overseeing our in-house operations and shaping future infrastructure.
- Customer Services – delivering universal and regulated services that put residents first.
Your leadership will influence how Essex develops sustainable transport and waste infrastructure to meet the needs of our communities now and in the future.
As Executive Director, you will need to bring a strong commercial focus to the diverse range of functions within the scope of the role, with a solid background of operational experience. This role demands imagination, delivery focus, and the ability to navigate political complexity while inspiring others to visualise and build a better future.
What We’re Looking For
We’re looking for a strategic, imaginative, and politically astute leader who thrives in complexity and knows how to shape positive culture, high‑performing teams, and outstanding results. You’ll bring experience in at least two key areas—such as highways and transportation, waste management, climate, energy, flooding, environment, or customer services—alongside a proven ability to lead diverse teams and deliver strategic objectives in fast‑moving environments.
You’ll be an exceptional communicator, able to build influential networks and partnerships that inspire action and deliver meaningful benefits for residents, communities, and businesses across Essex. Comfortable navigating a complex organisation, you will operate confidently with senior stakeholders, partners across government, and national bodies.
You will have demonstrable experience developing and delivering functional strategy across a wide range of services, integrating change, and assessing the impact of external factors. You’ll be able to set ambitious performance standards, lead and motivate teams, and bring strong programme management and commercial expertise gained from delivering large‑scale projects with multiple partners and supply chains.
A deep commitment to equality, diversity and inclusive leadership is essential, as is the ability to shape and deliver organisation‑wide strategy and high‑impact change initiatives while balancing competing priorities at pace.
For a confidential discussion about your suitability, or for more information, please contact our retained partners at Frazer Thouard (frazer.thouard@gatenbysanderson.com) and Duncan Collins (duncan.collins@gatenbysanderson.com).
Closing date: 22 February 2026
To apply please click the Apply Now link below.
Executive Director of Place and Customer in Essex employer: Essex County Council
Contact Detail:
Essex County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Director of Place and Customer in Essex
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join local councils or community groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. The more connections we make, the better our chances of landing that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your insights on climate action, sustainable growth, or customer services. We want to demonstrate that we’re not just another candidate; we’re the visionary leader they need.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching Essex County Council’s current projects and challenges. We should be ready to discuss how our experience aligns with their goals, especially around highways, waste management, and community services. Knowledge is power!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed. Plus, it shows we’re genuinely interested in being part of the transformation at Essex County Council. Let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Director of Place and Customer in Essex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Stuff: Before you start writing, make sure you really understand the role and what Essex County Council is all about. Dive into the job description and think about how your experience aligns with their needs. This will help you tailor your application and show us you're the right fit!
Be Authentic: When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your passion for climate action and community service. Use examples from your past experiences that highlight your leadership skills and strategic thinking.
Keep It Clear and Concise: We know you have a lot to say, but try to keep your application focused and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. This will make it easier for us to see your key achievements and how they relate to the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team and shaping the future of Essex together.
How to prepare for a job interview at Essex County Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the key areas mentioned in the job description, like climate action and customer services. Brush up on recent developments in local government reform and how they impact Essex. This will show that you’re not just interested in the role but also genuinely engaged with the challenges and opportunities facing the council.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership approach and how it aligns with the vision of reshaping local government. Think of examples where you've successfully led diverse teams or managed complex projects. Highlight your ability to inspire others and navigate political complexities, as this is crucial for the Executive Director role.
✨Build Connections
Demonstrate your networking skills by mentioning any relevant partnerships you've built in previous roles. Talk about how you’ve collaborated with various stakeholders, including health and police services, to achieve common goals. This will illustrate your ability to foster relationships that benefit the community.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific challenges related to transport, waste management, or climate strategy. Prepare some thoughtful responses that reflect your strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities. Use real-life examples to back up your answers and show how you can deliver results under pressure.
