Corporate Director, Growth and Environment in London

Lambeth is a borough with social justice at its heart. As one of London's most diverse, welcoming and inclusive communities, we are committed to harnessing the power of our people and partnerships to tackle inequality and ensure that everybody thrives. We are honest about the journey we are on. Radical change and reform is needed, both locally and nationally, and we are clear-eyed about the financial context facing local government. Our 2030 aspirations and Corporate Delivery Plan signal a significant shift in how we work: shared ownership of priorities, a stronger grip on delivery, and communities genuinely empowered to shape the services they receive.

To achieve that ambition, we need outstanding leaders. This is one of the most substantial and varied Corporate Director roles in London local government, and we are looking for someone exceptional to fill it.

The Role

As Corporate Director for Growth and Environment you will have strategic leadership responsibility across a genuinely broad portfolio, including:

• Regeneration and economic growth, driving place-based investment and socio-economic outcomes across the borough
• Environment, Planning and Enforcement, including planning policy, development management and building control
• Highways, transportation and household waste services
• Resident Services and the borough's culture offer, encompassing libraries, leisure, major events and tourism

You will lead a directorate of significant scale and complexity, with direct reports including Directors of Highways, Environment and FM; Climate Change, Planning and Transport; Regeneration; and Resident Services. As a member of Lambeth's Corporate Management Board you will share collective accountability with the Chief Executive for delivering the Borough Plan. You will set strategic direction, manage substantial budgets, and work across organisational boundaries to translate ambition into measurable outcomes for residents.

Key Accountabilities

• Provide strategic leadership across the directorate, creating clarity of purpose and inspiring high performance at every level
• Lead the development and delivery of the council's Regeneration and Growth strategies, enhancing socio-economic and environmental outcomes across Lambeth
• Ensure planning functions underpin key regeneration and infrastructure delivery objectives
• Champion equity and justice in service design, delivery and community engagement
• Build and sustain effective relationships with elected members, partners, sub-regional bodies and central government
• Hold forensic oversight of directorate budgets, ensuring value for money and sound financial management
• Maximise the identification and accessing of external resources to deliver growth, stronger partnerships and an excellent environment for residents
• Contribute to corporate strategy, risk management and business continuity planning as a member of the Corporate Management Board

About You

You will bring significant senior leadership experience from a large and complex public sector organisation, ideally in an urban context. You will have a credible track record across several of the following areas:

• Knowledge and expertise: A clear understanding of the strategic landscape for economy, regeneration and growth, nationally and in London. An appreciation of Lambeth's role as both an individual borough and a member of sub-regional and pan-London partnerships. Sound knowledge of environment, planning and enforcement services.
• Leadership and people: A proven ability to lead and develop high performing professional teams, driving meaningful change while supporting and empowering colleagues at every level.
• Partnership and influence: Strong partnership skills demonstrated across a range of stakeholders: elected members, residents, professionals, neighbouring boroughs, sub-regional and regional bodies, and central government.
• Strategic and financial management: Substantial experience of strategic development and economic growth disciplines, robust budget management, and strategic contract management with effective value for money oversight.
• Political acumen: Sound political awareness and a demonstrated ability to work constructively with elected members to deliver strategic priorities.

A relevant professional qualification is desirable, though equivalent experience will be considered. Please note that this is a politically restricted post under the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.

Working at Lambeth

Lambeth is a borough of genuine contrasts and extraordinary potential. From Brixton to Waterloo, Clapham to Stockwell, ours is a place of energy, diversity and ambition. Our values of equity, ambition, kindness and accountability are not aspirational slogans; they are the foundation of everything we do. We offer a competitive salary and benefits package commensurate with a Corporate Director role, including a local government pension scheme, flexible working arrangements, and a genuine commitment to your professional development.

How to Apply

This appointment is being managed by our executive search partners. For a confidential conversation about the role, or to understand more about Lambeth's ambitions and culture, please make contact with Ben Parsonage at ben.parsonage@gatenbysanderson.com or Duncan Collins at duncan.collins@gatenbysanderson.com at Gatenby Sanderson.