Service Director for Planning and Building Control

Contract: Fixed-term 18 months (with potential to extend)
Hours: 37 hours per week 
Salary: £72,000 per annum
Closing Date: 1st March 2026

We have an excellent opportunity within the Senior Management Team at Fylde Council for an experienced planning leader to guide the services through Local Government Reorganisation. We need an experienced strategic, solution-focused leader who can ensure service excellence, maintain stability, and support a smooth transition for our teams and communities as we prepare to be part of a new unitary authority.

This is a unique chance to make a lasting impact during a defined timeframe. If you have a proven track record of leading through change, delivering positive outcomes by supporting and motivating others, and thrive on the variety of challenges that come with organisational transformation, this could be the perfect role for you.

Job Description
The Service Director for Planning and Building Control teams are responsible for:
•    Development Management
•    Planning Enforcement
•    Local Plan Monitoring
•    Section 106 Monitoring
•    Street Naming and Numbering
•    Development Monitoring
•    Planning Policy and Development Plans
•    Planning Policy
•    Heritage and Conservation
•    Tree and Woodland Protection
•    Building Control and Enforcement
•    Dangerous Structures
•    Demolitions

The successful applicant
We are looking for a leader who:
•    Leads, manages, and motivates people to perform to the best of their ability
•    Can achieve strategic and corporate goals while ensuring service continuity through transition
•    Manages complex situations which require high level knowledge and skill across a range of disciplines
•    Has proven ability to overcome barriers to change and improvement
•    Can support staff through organisational transformation while maintaining service excellence
•    Has experience leading services through periods of significant change and uncertainty

What we have to offer 
•    Working for a forward-thinking dynamic council 
•    A strategic leadership role with real impact during a transformational period 
•    Generous annual leave 
•    Excellent work-life balance with flexible working arrangements 
•    Healthy workplace initiatives including discounted gym membership 
•    A desirable and high-quality work environment in the picturesque Fylde coast

Politically Restricted Post: This role is politically restricted under the Local Government and Housing Act 1989, limiting political activity for the post-holder.

The postholder will not be eligible for transfer to a new unitary.

Application Deadline
Applications must be submitted by Sunday 1 March 2026 at 11:59pm

How to apply 

Please submit your CV to corporate@fylde.gov.uk as part of your application.

Interview Dates
Shortlisting will take place after the closing date, and successful candidates will be contacted via email. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to submit further details via our inhouse portal and will be invited to interview.

For a conversation about the role and the cultural fit please contact allan.oldfield@fylde.gov.uk

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to view the Job Description.

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