At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the operational management of the Council's Environment & Place Service and drive service improvement.
- Company: Join a progressive council dedicated to creating high-quality places in North Northamptonshire.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, pension scheme, and flexible working arrangements.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team with opportunities for professional growth and a commitment to inclusivity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on environmental services and community well-being while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in relevant field or equivalent experience; expertise in flood and water management is essential.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 € per year.
We are seeking an experienced and strategic leader to take responsibility for the operational management of the Council's Environment & Place Service, including specialist functions such as the Local Lead Flood Authority (Flood & Water), ecology, and tree advice services. Working closely with the Head of Policy & Placemaking, you will play a key role in shaping and delivering plans, strategies and projects that transform and strengthen services delivered by the Environment & Place team. You will also ensure the team supports the processing of applications through the provision of expert environmental advice. Through strong partnership working across the Council and with external stakeholders, you will ensure the delivery of a high performing, cost effective, and resilient service that meets local needs and helps create high quality places across North Northamptonshire. You should be proficient in particular on matters of Flood & Water (LLFA). You will also oversee the support given in providing expert environmental advice in determining applications.
The purpose of the role is to provide strategic and operational leadership for the Council's Environment & Place Service, ensuring statutory duties are met and high quality, efficient services are delivered. The role supports the transformation and continuous improvement of Environment & Place functions, provides professional expertise and advice, and works collaboratively across the Council and with partners to deliver sustainable, high quality places across North Northamptonshire.
Duties will include:
- Leading the operational delivery of the Council's Environment & Place Services, ensuring compliance, performance, and value for money.
- Providing leadership across specialist functions including flood and water management (LLFA), ecology, and tree advice services.
- Managing and developing teams, driving service improvement, and delivering transformation and digital change.
- Supporting the Head of Policy & Placemaking, including deputising as required, to deliver strategic plans and high quality place based outcomes.
- Providing expert professional advice and representing the Council at committees, Public Inquiries/Examinations, and external forums.
For this role you will require:
- A degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant subject (civil engineering, environment, or science-based subject) or equivalent years' work experience to allow access to membership of a recognised professional organisation.
- Membership of the professional organisation in which they are trained, or demonstration of eligibility for full membership.
- Extensive knowledge of the environmental specialism in which they are trained i.e. the Local Lead Flood Authority (Flood & Water).
- Knowledge of the English planning system, including legislation, the National Planning Policy Framework and best practice advice.
- Experience of working at a senior level for a Local Planning Authority.
- Demonstration of a track record of projects in an environmental specialism; or supporting and overseeing the work of others to deliver on a range of planning proposals.
- Knowledge and understanding of key operational issues affecting environmental specialisms both nationally and locally.
- Able to travel independently to multiple sites across the Council's administrative area to undertake site visits, or further away to attend meetings and events on behalf of the Council.
- Ability to demonstrate awareness/ understanding of equal opportunities and other behaviour, physical, social and welfare needs.
Our Values and Behaviours:
- Customer-focused
- Respectful
- Efficient
- Supportive
- Trustworthy
We are proud to be a recognised Disability Confident Employer and are committed to providing an inclusive recruitment process and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. Our Employment and Disability Service provides bespoke support to individuals facing barriers to employment, helping them work towards their goals to start, stay and succeed in employment.
The council obtained the Gold status award for the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS).
Lead Officer - Environment and Place employer: North Northamptonshire Council
As a Lead Officer in the Environment & Place Service at North Northamptonshire Council, you will thrive in a vibrant and supportive work environment that prioritises employee development and well-being. With generous leave entitlements, flexible working arrangements, and a commitment to inclusivity, this role offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on local communities while advancing your career in a large unitary council dedicated to sustainability and high-quality service delivery.
Contact Detail:
North Northamptonshire Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Officer - Environment and Place
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend local events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the Council's Environment & Place Service. Understand their current projects and challenges, so you can showcase how your skills can help them achieve their goals. Tailor your responses to highlight your relevant experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to build your confidence. Focus on articulating your thoughts clearly and demonstrating your passion for environmental management and community service.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team and contributing to the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Officer - Environment and Place
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the specific requirements of the Lead Officer role. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to the Environment & Place Service.
Showcase Your Expertise:Don’t hold back on showcasing your knowledge, especially in areas like Flood & Water management. We’re looking for someone who can provide expert advice, so make sure to include relevant examples from your past work.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to explain your achievements and how they relate to the role. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at North Northamptonshire Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of flood and water management, ecology, and tree advice services. Familiarise yourself with the Local Lead Flood Authority (LLFA) regulations and how they apply to the role. This will show that you're not just interested in the position but also have a solid understanding of the key responsibilities.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. Think about times when you drove service improvement or managed change effectively. Be ready to discuss your approach to developing teams and ensuring high performance, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Research the Council's strategic plans and how the Environment & Place Service fits into them. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to delivering sustainable, high-quality places across North Northamptonshire. This shows that you’re aligned with their goals and ready to make an impact.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you would work collaboratively with both internal teams and external partners. Prepare to discuss your experience in building relationships and how you would ensure effective communication across various stakeholders. This is key to delivering a high-performing service.
