Job Description
Bath & North East Somerset Council is seeking an exceptional Executive Director of Sustainable Communities a visionary, strategic and forward‑thinking leader who will shape, modernise and champion the services that underpin a thriving, sustainable and prosperous district.
This is a unique opportunity to join the Council’s Strategic Leadership Team and hold decisive influence over some of our most complex and high‑profile portfolios: place‑shaping, transport, climate and ecological response, housing delivery, planning, culture, heritage, corporate estate and frontline operational services. With a workforce of around 1,330 staff (1,091 FTE) and a net revenue budget of £32m, alongside stewardship of a capital programme of around £600m, this role demands strategic courage, innovation and deep commitment to improving outcomes for our residents, communities and businesses.
About the Role
As Executive Director of Sustainable Communities, you will:
- Provide visible, inspiring and values‑driven leadership across all Sustainable Communities services — from long‑term strategy to day‑to‑day operational delivery.
- Shape and deliver the Council’s ambitions for a greener, healthier, more resilient and economically vibrant area.
- Lead key strategic agendas including the Local Plan, climate and ecological emergency response, economic development, regeneration, transport strategy, housing delivery, planning and culture.
- Ensure high‑quality, inclusive and cost‑effective services that meet statutory obligations and deliver real value for money.
- Drive major transformation programmes across planning, transport, waste, highways, culture, estate strategy and capital delivery.
- Provide senior leadership to a large and diverse workforce, fostering innovation, collaboration and accountability.
- Oversee the delivery of all major capital and regeneration projects, ensuring robust governance, benefits realisation and alignment with Council priorities.
- Build powerful relationships locally, regionally and nationally with WECA, the LEP, Aequus, business, community partners, parish councils and emergency services.
- Act as a senior system leader for issues shaping the future of place: climate resilience, economic growth, housing need, cultural vitality and infrastructure planning.
About You
You will be a confident, influential and forward‑thinking senior leader with:
- Significant senior leadership experience across diverse place‑based services such as planning, transport, economic development, housing, environment, culture or large operational services.
- A strong track record of leading complex directorates and achieving transformation, service improvement and value for money.
- Deep understanding of the national policy landscape, statutory frameworks and emerging trends relating to place, sustainability, climate, growth and local government.
- Proven experience overseeing major capital programmes, infrastructure delivery or regeneration schemes.
- Exceptional partnership skills — able to influence, negotiate and build trust across a wide range of system partners.
- Strategic foresight, able to anticipate future challenges and shape innovative responses.
- Authentic, compassionate and emotionally intelligent leadership, able to motivate teams and lead through complexity and change.
Why Join Us?
This is a significant and high‑profile leadership role in a council committed to modern, effective and resident‑focused services. You will have the freedom and support to:
- Shape long‑term strategy that will define the district for future generations.
- Lead major transformation and climate‑focused change.
- Deliver impactful regeneration, economic development and infrastructure investment.
- Influence the wider system and secure opportunities for our communities.
- Play a pivotal role in building a sustainable, prosperous and inclusive Bath & North East Somerset.
If you are energised by public value, passionate about place, and ready to take on a role with meaningful strategic influence, we would love to hear from you.
For more information visit:
https://jobsandcareers.bathnes.gov.uk/two-executive-directors-bnes-council
For a confidential conversation, please contact:
- Liam Young - liam.young@tile-hill.co.uk / 07760 695867
- Clare Connor - clare.connor@tile-hill.co.uk / 0161 408 0703.
Closing Date for Applications: Midnight on Sunday 12th April