Executive Director of Sustainable Communities

Bath & North East Somerset Council is seeking an exceptional Executive Director of Sustainable Communities a visionary, strategic and forward‑thinking leader who will shape, modernise and champion the services that underpin a thriving, sustainable and prosperous district.
  
This is a unique opportunity to join the Council’s Strategic Leadership Team and hold decisive influence over some of our most complex and high‑profile portfolios: place‑shaping, transport, climate and ecological response, housing delivery, planning, culture, heritage, corporate estate and frontline operational services. With a workforce of around 1,330 staff (1,091 FTE) and a net revenue budget of £32m, alongside stewardship of a capital programme of around £600m, this role demands strategic courage, innovation and deep commitment to improving outcomes for our residents, communities and businesses.
  
About the Role
As Executive Director of Sustainable Communities, you will:

• Provide visible, inspiring and values‑driven leadership across all Sustainable Communities services — from long‑term strategy to day‑to‑day operational delivery.
• Shape and deliver the Council’s ambitions for a greener, healthier, more resilient and economically vibrant area.
• Lead key strategic agendas including the Local Plan, climate and ecological emergency response, economic development, regeneration, transport strategy, housing delivery, planning and culture.
• Ensure high‑quality, inclusive and cost‑effective services that meet statutory obligations and deliver real value for money.
• Drive major transformation programmes across planning, transport, waste, highways, culture, estate strategy and capital delivery.
• Provide senior leadership to a large and diverse workforce, fostering innovation, collaboration and accountability.
• Oversee the delivery of all major capital and regeneration projects, ensuring robust governance, benefits realisation and alignment with Council priorities.
• Build powerful relationships locally, regionally and nationally with WECA, the LEP, Aequus, business, community partners, parish councils and emergency services.
• Act as a senior system leader for issues shaping the future of place: climate resilience, economic growth, housing need, cultural vitality and infrastructure planning.

About You
You will be a confident, influential and forward‑thinking senior leader with:

• Significant senior leadership experience across diverse place‑based services such as planning, transport, economic development, housing, environment, culture or large operational services.
• A strong track record of leading complex directorates and achieving transformation, service improvement and value for money.
• Deep understanding of the national policy landscape, statutory frameworks and emerging trends relating to place, sustainability, climate, growth and local government.
• Proven experience overseeing major capital programmes, infrastructure delivery or regeneration schemes.
• Exceptional partnership skills — able to influence, negotiate and build trust across a wide range of system partners.
• Strategic foresight, able to anticipate future challenges and shape innovative responses.
• Authentic, compassionate and emotionally intelligent leadership, able to motivate teams and lead through complexity and change.

Why Join Us?
  
This is a significant and high‑profile leadership role in a council committed to modern, effective and resident‑focused services. You will have the freedom and support to:

• Shape long‑term strategy that will define the district for future generations.
• Lead major transformation and climate‑focused change.
• Deliver impactful regeneration, economic development and infrastructure investment.
• Influence the wider system and secure opportunities for our communities.
• Play a pivotal role in building a sustainable, prosperous and inclusive Bath & North East Somerset.

If you are energised by public value, passionate about place, and ready to take on a role with meaningful strategic influence, we would love to hear from you.
  
For more information visit:

https://jobsandcareers.bathnes.gov.uk/two-executive-directors-bnes-council
  
For a confidential conversation, please contact:

• Liam Young - liam.young@tile-hill.co.uk / 07760 695867  
• Clare Connor - clare.connor@tile-hill.co.uk / 0161 408 0703. 

 
Closing Date for Applications: Midnight on Sunday 12th April

To apply:
To apply, please submit an up-to-date copy of your CV (three sides of A4 maximum), along with a supporting statement (three sides of A4 maximum) detailing your experience, and achievements and addressing the key criteria for the role set out on this site and using examples to demonstrate how you meet the requirements. Documents should be uploaded via our website, please include and upload the below information in two documents only. If you experience any issues whilst applying, please contact matthew.ashby@tile-hill.co.uk 

Applications should include:

• Full contact details;
• Names, positions, organisations and contact details for two referees (we will ask your permission before contacting referees);
• Details of your notice period
• Notification of any dates when you are not available for an interview

At Tile Hill, we are committed to inclusion and accessibility. We champion and support all individuals to ensure everyone feels valued, listened to and motivated to get the very best out of each recruitment process and that processes are designed to meet the needs of individuals. If you have any specific requests and would like a confidential discussion with the Tile Hill team, then please email inclusion@tile-hill.co.uk