Do you enjoy being part of a high performing  service, working in a supportive environment where your talents are recognised, nurtured and developed?

Want to work in stunning location in the heart of the Derbyshire and make a real, positive difference to people’s live?

Derbyshire County Council is driving forward an ambitious economic growth programme supported by first class statutory services. Creating a stronger, more sustainable economy with vibrant communities and places where people and businesses can prosper is a key priority in our Council Plan.

Quality of place and space is everything in this beautiful county and we are looking for a highly-motivated, talented individual to lead our range of regulatory services which sit at the heart of our place-making agenda. Responsible for Planning (local plans and DM), Highways (development control), land searches and trading standards,  your values-based leadership style will be  key in driving the service through a period of transformation.

As part of the Place Department’s leadership family, you will help shape and deliver our strategic ambitions, support place-shaping strategies and be the key driver of high quality, place making services. You will be instrumental to our continued journey as a modern, efficient local authority and will be an ambassador for everything that is great about this beautiful county of Derbyshire.

About the Role

As the Assistant Director Regulatory Services you will:

• Provide leadership and management to Planning, Highways (development control) and Trading Standards services, ensuring all statutory, regulation and compliance requirements are met and that place outcomes are achieved
• Be responsible for delivering a connected but distinct range of services that impact the quality of place and of people’s lives
• Work with developers, local businesses, local authorities and Government agencies to achieve the Council’s regeneration ambitions
• Operate as a key member of the Economy and Regeneration Service Management Team, driving delivery, transformation, performance improvement and best value, including supporting the Council’s journey towards local government reorganisation

Who we are looking for:

• An experienced and credible leader with acute management skills
• A strategic thinker who can translate policy into deliverable action
• An ability to influence and collaborate with a range of external agencies to secure the best outcomes for local residents and businesses
• Expert knowledge of at least one of the service areas
• An evidenced track record of delivering high performing services, managing change and achieving results
• Strong financial acumen and experience of managing complex budgets, including external grants
• Political acumen and experience of working effectively with elected members

This opportunity would particularly suit:

• Individuals looking to gain or strengthen their experience at assistant director level
• Broaden and deepen their management and leadership skills
• Support the organisation through a period of transition

Apply now by submitting your CV and a supporting statement or if you would like to find out more and have an informal chat about this opportunity please contact Joe Batty - Director or Economy & Regeneration at [email protected] 

We really look forward to hearing from you!

Closing Date: Sunday 7th June 2026

Provisional Interview Dates: Monday 22nd/ Friday 26th June 2026

This post is designated in accordance with the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 as a Politically Restricted Post. The successful candidate will therefore be disqualified from: (a) Becoming or remaining a Member of a local authority (excluding town or parish councils); or (b) Standing as a candidate for election as a Member of the House of Commons or the European Parliament (c) Acting as an election agent (d) Acting as an official of a political party, (e) Canvassing on behalf of a political party or individual (f) Publishing material or addressing the public in support of a political party.

Apply now and take the first step towards a fulfilling career with us! By joining Derbyshire County Council you will have access to a range of amazing rewards and employee benefits, including our generous annual leave scheme, excellent local government pension and fantastic employee discounts. To discover more detail about the rewards and benefits available to you, click here

PLACE1

This role currently offers hybrid working options which will be to subject service needs, there'll be an opportunity to discuss working arrangements for this position at interview.

Important: Derbyshire County Council holds a sponsorship licence, but this role does not offer visa sponsorship. Please apply only if you already have the right to work in the UK without sponsorship, as applications that do not meet this requirement will be rejected.

We welcome applications from individuals who share our values — being Collaborative, Innovative, Empowered and Accountable. These values describe who we are and what we stand for as a council. They help shape our culture, encourage consistent behaviour and guide how we work together to make a positive difference for both our employees and the residents we serve.

Applications for this role must include a CV and a supporting statement, it’s easier than ever to apply! Just click on "Apply for this job”, register and upload your CV and supporting statement.