Head of Planning and Building Control

Walsall Council is entering one of the most ambitious and transformative periods in its history, with bold plans to shape the borough for the next decade and beyond. The Council is now seeking an outstanding leader to take on the role of Head of Planning and Building Control and serve as its Chief Planning Officer.

This is a pivotal senior appointment at the heart of Walsall’s regeneration and growth agenda. The successful candidate will provide professional leadership to planning, building control, and environmental protection services, ensuring they are innovative, commercially minded, and equipped to deliver on the Council’s ambitions. They will lead the Local Planning Authority function, oversee the development and delivery of an up-to-date Local Plan, and ensure that planning, development, and environmental protection operate to the highest professional standards.

Working as part of the Council’s Senior Management Group, the Head of Planning and Building Control will play a crucial role in shaping policy and strategy across the organisation. They will act as a trusted adviser to elected members, supporting them in delivering the Borough’s vision, and will champion a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and customer focus. They will build strong and influential relationships with developers, businesses, government agencies, and partners across the region to maximise opportunities for investment and sustainable growth.

This is an opportunity for an experienced and visionary leader with deep knowledge of planning and place-making to make a lasting impact on the future of Walsall. The Council is looking for someone with the credibility and political awareness to operate at a senior strategic level, the ability to inspire and develop teams, and the determination to deliver measurable improvement in outcomes for residents and communities.

Walsall Council is offering a unique chance to lead a service that sits at the very heart of shaping a vibrant, inclusive, and prosperous borough. This role is for a leader who wants to be at the forefront of transformation, driving regeneration and delivering a better future for Walsall.

For more information
Please contact our dedicated partners at Tile Hill: Liam Young (liam-young@tile-hill.co.uk, 07760695867) or Elizabeth Pick (elizabeth.pick@tile-hill.co.uk, 077083 42455). 

Closing Date: Midnight on Sunday, 19th October 2025

To apply:
To apply, please submit an up-to-date copy of your CV (four sides of A4 maximum), along with a supporting statement (four 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 rebecca.keen@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 current salary and 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.