Dacorum Borough Council
Interim Assistant Director Place, Communities and Enterprise
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Job Description
INTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLY
Fixed Term Secondment to 31st March 2028 or implementation of LGR
Ref: AD207
We are looking for an Interim Assistant Director - Place Communities and Enterprise to lead the service through a significant work programme while shaping Dacorum’s move towards a new Unitary Authority as part of the Corporate Leadership Team.
You will need to demonstrate proven professional expertise and capabilities but also offer the wider strategic perspective and leadership skills to shape a progressive, collaborative and effective organisational culture.
Our work has started with a comprehensive programme to deliver a step-change in the quantum and quality of new development in Hemel Hempstead. We have exciting and challenging plans for major new sustainable and green growth through the Hemel Garden Communities programme and transformative regeneration plans for Hemel Town Centre and our major business park at Maylands, home to HertsIQ, Hertfordshire’s Enterprise Zone.
We launched our Hemel Place Story in 2022, led by our multi-partner Hemel Place Board and showcased in our new website www.thinkhemel.com. Delivery is already supported by the Hemel Town Centre Vision, approved by Cabinet in July 2023, and work is nearing completion on the wider Hemel Place Strategy and Action Plan.
Reporting to the Strategic Director – Place and Communities, you will play a key role in leading our exciting agenda to transform and develop our places and communities within Dacorum. As well as overseeing the work of the team, your key areas of direct responsibility will include:
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- Project Executive for the Hemel Health Campus project
- Managing the Hemel Place Programme, and working with our communities to develop new strategies to transform our towns and neighbourhoods
- Leading our economic growth, economic development and inward investment programmes, including implementing our Dacorum Inward Investment Strategy
- Provide the Strategic Director – Place and Communities with assurances around the deliverability and viability of key regeneration and transformative projects
- Ensure delivery of the Hemel Town Centre Masterplan
- Providing the Strategic Director – Place and Communities with assurances around the deliverability and viability of key regeneration and transformative projects
- Delivering and developing our partnerships with business and community organisations, and co-ordinating action between our vibrant and enthusiastic voluntary and community sector
- Delivery of Members aspirations for Arts and Culture across the borough
- Project Executive for the Leisure investment programme
The deadline for applications will be midnight on the closing date shown in the advert details and interviews will be held on 29th July 2026.
Visit www.dacorum.gov.uk/home/recruitment to find out more and apply via our Latest Vacancies or contact Diane Southam, Strategic Director - Place and Communities on 01442 228440 for a confidential discussion.
Applicants must have a driving licence that is valid in the UK.
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A Basic, Standard or Enhanced check will be undertaken with the Disclosure and Barring Service to ensure that the successful candidate has no relevant convictions.
Information for applicants on Local Government Reorganisation.
The Council is going through a major change as part of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) and devolution. This means that the district and borough councils in Hertfordshire will be replaced by a smaller number of new unitary councils.
The aim is to make local government simpler and more efficient, improve services for residents, and bring decision-making closer to the communities we serve.
What This Means For You
If you join Dacorum Borough Council between now and 31 March 2028, you will move to a new organisation on 1 April 2028. Your role will transfer to the new authority, but the way you work and who you report to may change.
While this may be different from what you are used to, it is also a rare and exciting opportunity to join Dacorum at a time of real change.
You will have the chance to help shape the future of local services and be part of building something new.
The new unitary councils will create opportunities for innovation, growth, and better public services. They will offer a more joined-up and forward-looking working environment for employees.
We are committed to supporting our staff and continuing to deliver high-quality services for residents throughout this change. Together, we are building a better future.
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