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- Tasks: Lead and innovate services to boost the local economy and promote sustainable development.
- Company: Join Midlothian Council, a forward-thinking local authority focused on community growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team with a commitment to staff development and collaboration.
- Why this job: Shape strategies that make a real difference in your community and drive positive change.
- Qualifications: Extensive leadership experience in transformation and citizen-centred services required.
The predicted salary is between 129606 - 129606 £ per year.
This role is responsible for supporting the Executive Director of Place by leading, developing, and managing Place services, with a focus on delivering innovative strategies that grow the local economy and promote inclusive, sustainable development. It involves driving organisational and cultural change, improving service performance, and ensuring effective collaboration across the Council, partners, and external stakeholders.
As a member of the Corporate Management Team, Chief Officer Place focuses on shaping strategy, policies, and procedures to position Midlothian Council as a leading modern local authority. It involves fostering staff development through clear progression pathways and a positive, collaborative culture that encourages new ideas ensuring that services are of the highest quality and meet Elected Member and public aspirations, whilst achieving Best Value and making the best use of resources.
The position also includes overseeing budgets, governance, risk, and compliance, as well as developing policies, service plans, and delivery models that meet community needs. Place Services encompasses:
- Protective Services (Business Regulation, Public Health and Environmental Protection and Health, Safety and Resilience)
- Placemaking (Planning, Sustainable Growth & Investment and Building Standards)
- Neighbourhood Services (Land, Fleet, Roads and Waste)
- Building Maintenance
- Housing
Candidates must have substantial experience in leading transformation initiatives and delivering citizen-centred services, as well as operating effectively at a strategic level within a large complex organisation. The position requires extensive management experience, including service improvement, strategic planning, partnership working, project and budget management, and staff leadership, alongside a strong understanding of regulatory frameworks.
To Apply: Midlothian Council has partnered with Aspen to lead the recruitment of the Chief Officer Place. All information for the post, including how to apply, is accessible through the microsite: Midlothian Council - Aspen People.
Closing Date: Friday 8th May 2026
Assessment Centre will be held on Monday 1st June 2026
Panel Interview will be Wednesday 10th June 2026
Requirements: Compliance with the mandatory Cabinet Office PSN (Public Sector Network) Code of Connection requires the Council to meet a baseline personal security standard. This requires completion of a disclosure check for all employees who can access official information. The fee for this PSN Disclosure check will be met by you.
Please note that Disclosure Scotland has changed the way certificates are issued. You will be notified by email from Disclosure Scotland that your certificate is available to view. Once you have viewed your certificate you will be allowed to share this with your employer and it is only available for 14 days from the first day you have viewed the certificate. If you do not grant access to Midlothian Council to view before access is removed, a further application will need to be generated, and this will incur an additional cost.
Additional Information: If you have difficulty applying for this post or accessing attached documents, or if you have a disability and reasonable adjustment is required, please email recruitment@midlothian.gov.uk to discuss with a member of the Recruitment Team stating the post reference number.
Midlothian Council is currently undergoing a period of transformation, changing and improving the way it delivers services in Midlothian. As a consequence, there are a number of existing employees for whom we are committed to seeking suitable alternative employment within the Council in accordance with our legal obligations. Candidates are advised that, for some vacancies, internal candidates in this situation will be interviewed before the wider selection pool and a slightly longer delay may be experienced before application outcomes can be advised to you.
Thank you for your patience in this matter. If you are a trainee of a Midlothian Council Training Programme, have a disability or you are a care experienced young person who has previously been a looked after child, you are eligible for a guaranteed interview if you meet the essential criteria for the post.
Chief Officer - Place - MID07443 in Dalkeith employer: Midlothian Council
Contact Detail:
Midlothian Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Officer - Place - MID07443 in Dalkeith
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend local events, and engage with professionals on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with your own. We want you to walk into that interview room feeling confident and ready to showcase how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and get comfortable with the format. We can’t stress enough how important it is to articulate your experience and vision clearly during the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in leaving a positive impression. We believe that showing appreciation for the opportunity can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Officer - Place - MID07443 in Dalkeith
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Chief Officer - Place. We want to see how you can drive innovative strategies and support the local economy, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant skills!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: This role is all about leading transformation initiatives and managing services effectively. Use your application to demonstrate your extensive management experience and how you've successfully led teams in the past. We love a good success story!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is key! Make sure your points are easy to understand and get straight to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our dedicated microsite! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right place. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and the application process there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Midlothian Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you thoroughly understand the role of Chief Officer - Place and the key responsibilities that come with it. Familiarise yourself with Midlothian Council's current strategies, challenges, and successes in delivering citizen-centred services. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led transformation initiatives or improved service performance. Be ready to discuss how you fostered a positive culture and collaboration among teams, as this is crucial for the role. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Engage with the Panel
During the interview, make sure to engage with the panel by asking insightful questions about their vision for the future of Place services. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the organisation aligns with your values and leadership style.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities. Think about potential challenges the council might face and how you would approach them. Prepare to discuss your understanding of regulatory frameworks and how they impact service delivery.