Head of Planning and Building Control

Walsall Council; Walsall; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Walsall Council is seeking an visionary leader to take the helm of its Planning Service. As Head of Planning you will drive regeneration, oversee the Local Plan and major infrastructure schemes, and lead performance improvements across planning, building control and environmental protection.

You will shape place-making, coordinate with partners and manage a transformational programme funded by public and private investment, delivering sustainable growth for the borough.

Qualifications

• Strong track record of service improvement and transformation.
• Experience of expanding a council's discretionary service offer.
• Ability to drive high performance within planning-related teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning through a period of significant transformation.
• Provide visible and influential leadership to the Planning Service.
• Support sustainable growth and quality design across the borough.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Stakeholder engagement

Change management

Job description

We are pleased to be advertising this exciting role at an exceptional time to be joining Walsall's planning service. The Local Plan is set to go out to Regulation 19 in the autumn with a view to submission in December 2026, we have a number of very significant large-scale infrastructure and housing schemes going through the application process, we have a significant 4-year investment in planning enforcement, we are growing the Building Control Team and in Environmental Protection we making significant changes around air quality measures. There is an emphasis on redeveloping derelict sites within the Borough, and all of this is within the evolving policy context of the West Midlands Combined Authority and the emerging SDS.

The role is intrinsically linked to regeneration and culture programmes and this rare opportunity to lead planning through a time of significant transformation is one that would suit someone looking to develop their career further. Walsall is delivering an ambitious programme of regeneration, supported by substantial public and private investment, with major opportunities across town centre renewal, housing growth, employment development, transport connectivity and place-making. From the regeneration of Walsall Town Centre and the delivery of new residential communities, to the growth opportunities presented by the Walsall Growth Zone and emerging strategic transport infrastructure, planning is at the forefront of shaping the borough's future.

The service has an improvement agenda which is being led by team members. Building on the PAS review in 2025 which has seen many of the recommendations implemented, the Performance Taskforce is looking to make incremental improvements to deliver an excellent service and to deliver the best outcomes for our communities. We would welcome applications from people with a strong track record of service improvement and transformation together creative ideas on how to drive higher performance within the teams. In addition, we are looking to continue the commercialisation of relevant parts of the service and would be keen to hear from people who have experience of expanding a council's discretionary service offer for example by increasing the use of Planning Performance Agreements and growing the market share of the Building Control Team.

As Head of Planning, you will provide visible and influential leadership, ensuring the planning service supports sustainable growth, accelerates investment, safeguards quality and design, and contributes directly to the delivery of the We Are Walsall 2040 vision.

This post is covered by the Government's Code of Practice on the English Language Fluency Duty for public sector workers. The post holder will be required to communicate verbally with customers and provide advice and/or information in accurate spoken English.

At Walsall Council, we appreciate that AI can be a useful tool for ideas or guidance. However, we encourage you to make sure your application reflects your own voice and experiences. Over-reliance on AI can make responses feel less personal, and we really want to understand what makes you unique. Your experiences, skills, and perspective are what set you apart, so please ensure your application as a whole - particularly your 'Supporting Information' - reflects your own voice.