Head of Communities and Climate Change

High Peak Borough Council and Staffordshire Moorlands District Council; Leek; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

High Peak Borough Council and Staffordshire Moorlands District Council seek an ambitious leader to head the Alliance’s Communities, Culture & Climate Change. You will guide climate change, biodiversity, community wellbeing, safety, safeguarding, and arts and heritage, while driving collaboration and transformation across services.

You will work with elected members and partners to deliver strategies, interface with decision-makers, and support the Alliance Management Team in achieving customer

Qualifications

• Ambitious and strategic leader
• Experience leading Communities, Culture or Climate Change functions (or equivalent)
• Ability to drive innovation, collaboration and transformation
• Experience working with elected members and partners

Responsibilities

• Collaborate in the development and implementation of corporate policies as part of the Alliance Management Team (AMT).
• Champion safeguarding, transformation, and emergency planning governance groups.
• Develop and deliver strategies for Communities, Culture and Climate Change service functions.
• Support interface with elected members and the Councils’ decision-making processes.
• Manage budgets, drive cost savings and foster a performance-driven culture.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Change management

Collaboration across services

Job description

High Peak Borough Council and Staffordshire Moorlands District Council have a successful history of partnership working spanning more than 18 years. As local government continues to evolve, we are committed to delivering excellent services and creating positive outcomes for our communities.

We're looking for an ambitious and strategic leader to join our Alliance Management Team as Head of Communities & Climate Change. You'll lead key services including climate change, biodiversity, community wellbeing, community safety, safeguarding, the voluntary sector, and arts, culture and heritage.

Working with elected members, partners and stakeholders, you'll drive innovation, collaboration and transformation, helping create resilient, sustainable communities for the future.

Join us at this pivotal time and help shape the future of our communities and services.

JOB PURPOSE

Ensure the effective provision of Communities, Culture & Climate Change services on behalf of the Strategic Alliance Councils.

Manage, develop and deliver strategies and operations for all Communities, Culture and Climate Change service functions.

Support the interface with elected members and the Councils’ decision-making processes.

Member of the Alliance Management Team (AMT) and support the achievement the aims and objectives of Councils.

Work with the Alliance Leadership Team (ALT) to achieve the general aims of the Strategic Alliance to:

• Increase the levels of customer satisfaction through the improvement of services.
• Produce realistic cash savings in order to deliver improved service and limit council tax increases.
• Strengthen and share skills, expertise and learning, in order to deliver better services.
• Preserve and enhance the special and distinctive characteristics within each local authority area.
• Increase our influence locally, regionally, and nationally in order to secure a “better deal” for all our communities.

JOB DUTIES – CORPORATE

Collaborate in the development and implementation of corporate policies and procedures as a member of the Alliance Management Team (AMT). Member (and champion) of the following corporate assurance groups:

• Safeguarding Board
• Transformation Board
• Emergency Planning Compliance Group

Responsible for the operational management, co-ordinating and managing people to ensure effective service delivery.

Manage operational budgets and deliver agreed cost savings, targets and efficiencies. Encourage and demonstrate innovative thinking and challenges to the status quo, ensuring a flexible approach is taken to the development of existing and new services.

Develop a performance management culture to drive the continuous improvement to deliver high performing services.

For an informal discussion, please contact Anna Eastgate, Executive Director (Community Services), [e-mail]

Closing Date: Midday, Wednesday, 21st October 2026.

Assessment Centre: w/c/ 2nd November 2026.

Technical Interviews: w/c/ 9th November 2026

Final Interviews: Friday, 20th November 2026