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Director of Planning, Economy and Public Protection
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Head of Complex Planning & Regulatory Services
Job Specification
- Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent
- Salary: £96,900 - £112,827 per year
- Location: Reading
- Closing Date: 27 July 2026
About Reading Borough Council and the Town Centre Vision
Reading is one of the UK’s fastest-growing and most dynamic urban economies. Our ambition is to shape a better-connected, more inclusive, greener, and more confident town centre at the heart of the Thames Valley—balancing planning and economic growth with public protection and community well-being.
Major projects like Minster Quarter and Broad Street Mall are already transforming the area, but we need a forward-thinking leader to steer the next phase of regeneration while fostering business confidence, culture, and safe, sustainable communities.
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced place leader to provide strategic oversight and cross-functional leadership across:
- Planning Policy
- Development Management and Building Control
- Public Protection and Regulatory Services
- Growth, Regeneration and Economic Development
You will:
- Lead major projects and investment programmes, ensuring pace, efficiency, and commercial confidence in complex delivery.
- Influence across the full portfolio, recognising the interdependencies between planning, regulation, and economic growth.
- Engage with developers, businesses, partners, and elected members—both at council board level and externally.
- Drive commercial acumen to support sustainable business development, social value, and economic growth.
- Deliver ambitious regeneration, from new homes and public spaces to cultural development.
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This is a key role for someone with a proven track record in urban place services, multi-disciplinary leadership, and performance-driven project delivery.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Delivery
- Provide strategic direction for all regulatory, planning, and regeneration activities, aligning them with the Council’s corporate priorities and Reading’s growth ambitions.
- Lead cross-departmental collaboration to optimise delivery of capital infrastructure, housing, and commercial projects.
- Ensure efficient regulatory processes that balance flexibility, speed, and quality while resisting development land use.
Project & Programme Oversight
- Own and expedite high-impact projects, including town centre revitalisation, address identified gaps, and build on Square One’s achieved momentum.
- Guarantee cost-efficiency and timely completion for large-scale developments while maintaining social and environmental responsibility.
Partnership & Influence
- Represent the Council with developers, businesses, public bodies, and stakeholders, advocating a no-nonsense, decisive approach.
- Work closely with elected members and network boards to shape planning policy, enforcement actions, and decision-making.
Performance & Growth
- Develop a scrutiny-led culture, focusing on residential development, net zero ambitions, and long-term sustainability strategies.
- Strengthen regulatory and enforcement processes, ensuring compliance and proportionate action.
- Promote inclusive economic growth, supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) while ensuring developer contributions benefit the town centre’s regeneration.
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Culture & Collaboration
- Lead a professional, results-driven team while fostering a collaborative, performance-driven culture.
- Proactively address challenges in expenditure management, ensuring practical scenario modelling and sound financial governance.
- Champion learning and innovation, positioning Reading as a smart and forward-thinking authority.
What We Offer
- Joining an organisation with a clear vision, strong leadership, and a genuinely collaborative culture.
- A pivotal role with impactful change to transform the town centre.
- Cutting-edge challenges designed for someone with progressive, decisive, and results-oriented leadership.
Location & How to Apply
Base Salary Range: £96,900 - £112,827 (including locational allowance + £5,750 review bonus).
Further details and application: reabcli.webitrent.com
Questions or confidential discussion? Contact: Steve Guest (Solace in Business) - 020 7976 3311
"Read inspiring stories about this exciting change from local leaders at team-reading.co.uk.
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