Head of Service - Planning and Building Control

Sandwell Council’s Place Division is seeking an experienced Head of Service – Planning and Building Control to join its team on a full time, permanent basis from its Oldbury office.

The role: We are looking for an accomplished and strategic planning leader to take accountability for the delivery of Development Planning, Building Consultancy, and Land Charges services, ensuring full compliance with national legislation and performance standards. Acting as the Council’s Chief Planning Officer, you will provide expert advice, lead the planning committee process, and ensure robust, legally compliant decision-making. You will drive the development of a strong, up-to-date planning policy framework, including the Local Plan, while ensuring major applications are delivered efficiently to national targets. Playing a key role in the Council’s regeneration ambitions, you will enable growth through effective planning decisions, strong cross-directorate collaboration, and a focus on placemaking. This role carries responsibility for planning enforcement, Section 106 agreements, and Community Infrastructure Levy, ensuring compliance, financial oversight, and minimising legal risk. You will represent the Council at inquiries and hearings, lead high-profile negotiations, and maintain strong partnerships with regional and national bodies. You will also oversee high-quality service delivery through continuous improvement, provide leadership on safety at sports grounds, and deputise at senior forums when required. This is a pivotal leadership role for a forward-thinking professional who can balance strategic vision, operational excellence, and strong governance to shape sustainable growth and development.

Attributes that you would bring to the role:

• Extensive management experience to include; people management, budget management, performance management and best value.
• Experience in effectively managing change.
• Understanding of local government decision making and governance and experience of working with elected members.
• Current Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute.
• Substantial and recent experience of working at a senior level in a town planning field in a local or regional or national government environment.
• Some relevant experience in managing and implementing local authority development management practices and/or recent and relevant experience in managing and implementing local authority planning policy practices or building control services.
• Experience in producing and presenting complex planning/regeneration reports both verbally and written.
• In-depth knowledge of UK planning legislation, policy, and procedures.
• Strong understanding of the NPPF and associated planning guidance.
• Understanding of heritage conservation, urban design principles, and biodiversity/net gain requirements.
• Familiarity with Local Land Charges legislation and processes.
• Knowledge of enforcement legislation and procedures.
• Awareness of climate change mitigation/adaptation and sustainable development principles within planning.

Why Sandwell Council? At Sandwell Council, our work has a real impact. We are proud to be a values‑led organisation that supports its employees with excellent benefits, a competitive remuneration package, and a strong focus on development. By joining us, you’ll play a key role in delivering services that make a real and lasting difference to thousands of people across the borough.

To be considered, please submit a CV and supporting statement to Imran_butt@sandwell.gov.uk.

We place equality, diversity and inclusion at the core of who we are and how we lead, where every voice matters. At Sandwell, we recognise and value the richness that comes from diverse lived experiences, perspectives, backgrounds and identities. This diversity makes us a stronger and more effective council. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to building a workplace where everyone feels they belong, are treated fairly, and have the opportunity to thrive.

Creating an environment where colleagues feel respected, supported and able to contribute fully is central to our culture and the way we work. We are committed to ensuring that all applicants and employees have equitable access to opportunities. Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the recruitment process and within the workplace so that everyone has the support they need to perform at their best and succeed in their role.

If you wish to apply as Care Leaver, Armed Forces Veteran or a Disability Confident candidate, please make sure to state this when submitting your CV. If you have a disability and require assistance in submitting your CV, would like to request reasonable adjustments to assist you in this process please contact Imran_butt@sandwell.gov.uk.