There is a real buzz about our corner of London.

As the Mayor of London’s first London Borough of Culture, our distinctive culture-led approach to economic growth and regeneration is driving one of the fastest growing local economies in London. We are intensely ambitious for Waltham Forest, investing in the Borough’s future, and creating a legacy that will benefit our residents for years to come.

We aim to be bold in harnessing the power of our unique strengths and assets – our communities, our people, our staff and our heritage.  Our new Economic Growth and Housing Delivery Directorate is at the heart of delivering the Council’s ambitions for economic and housing growth, both directly and indirectly, through our plans, services and, most importantly, our focus on delivery.  

As Head of Place and Design you will champion our place-shaping objectives, leading our spatial policy and planning, infrastructure planning and design and conservation teams.

About Waltham Forest

Just 20 minutes from the City of London and the West End and with over 500 acres of blue and green space, including Europe’s largest urban wetland at Walthamstow Wetlands and Epping Forest, “London’s Great Forest”, we are well placed to deliver our ambitions for new neighbourhoods. 

We are creating a senior delivery team to support Stewart Murray, our Strategic Director of Economic Growth and Housing Delivery, in leading and accelerating the work of the new Directorate.

Our Economic Growth and Housing Delivery Directorate is responsible for most of the Council’s £550million Capital Programme that will deliver new school places, new homes and affordable housing, community and cultural venues, transport infrastructure, economic growth and regeneration, and new neighbourhoods including a new community as part of the transformation of our iconic Town Hall Campus.  Our draft Local Plan Review articulates the aspiration to deliver 10,000 new jobs and 18,000 new homes over the next 10 years with 50 per cent affordable housing that prioritises local residents. Our teams will be responsible for making this happen. 

Shortlisted for MJ’s Council of the Year 2019, our values demonstrate our approach as a Council; be radical, make and create, and act with fellowship. You will embody these behaviours, have a compelling track record of success and the proven ability to work collaboratively to deliver our ambitious growth plans and transformational projects.

About the Role

You will lead, develop and manage the Council’s place shaping function (including urban design, conservation and tree preservation) providing creative and inspirational guidance and ensure a spatial planning policy framework that reflects statutory requirements, national and regional planning policy and delivers the Council’s priorities for sustainable and inclusive growth.

You will maximise the effectiveness of planning, infrastructure, conservation and design policies to support the delivery of the Borough’s growth ambitions whilst promoting a high quality environment.   This includes responsibility for developing the Borough’s Local Plan.

You will be responsible for developing and delivering highly effective, customer-focused services that are innovative, responsive and pragmatic in a changing environment.

About You

You will bring significant experience and knowledge of urban design, planning policy and conservation.  You will bring a creative and pragmatic approach to secure high-quality place making and enable the delivery of the Council’s economic and housing growth ambitions through effective policies, plans and services.  You will be able to demonstrate how you have led teams to deliver nigh quality urban design and great outcomes for residents, communities and places. 

You will be eligible for membership of RIBA or RTPI or an equivalent professional body.

If you are commercially minded, with a focus on delivery and driving a financial and social return on investment, we want you to join us.

How to Apply

Please submit a current CV along with a supporting statement that addresses the Role Profile and demonstrates how you meet its requirements.  Please also provide details of two referees including name, position, organisation, email and telephone number, one of whom should be your current or most recent employer.  If you do not wish us to approach your referees without your permission please state so clearly.

To discuss this role please contact Penny Sharp (07816 144725)

Closing Date: 12 noon, Monday 10 June 2019

Final Interviews: Thursday 20June, Friday 21June (Provisional)