Chief Officer Place

Midlothian Council

Dalkeith

£129,606

More information can be found on our dedicated recruitment microsite at: https://www.aspenpeople.co.uk/microsite/midlothian/

This role is responsible for supporting the Executive Director of Place by leading, developing, and managing Place services, with a focus on delivering innovative strategies that grow the local economy and promote inclusive, sustainable development. It involves driving organisational and cultural change, improving service performance, and ensuring effective collaboration across the Council, partners, and external stakeholders.

As a member of the Corporate Management Team, Chief Officer Place focuses on shaping strategy, policies, and procedures to position Midlothian Council as a leading modern local authority. It involves fostering staff development through clear progression pathways and a positive, collaborative culture that encourages new ideas, ensuring that services are of the highest quality and meet Elected Member and public aspirations, whilst achieving Best Value and making the best use of resources.

The position also includes overseeing budgets, governance, risk, and compliance, as well as developing policies, service plans, and delivery models that meet community needs.

Place Services encompasses:

• Protective Services (Business Regulation, Public Health and Environmental Protection and Health, Safety and Resilience)
• Placemaking (Planning, Sustainable Growth & Investment and Building Standards)
• Neighbourhood Services (Land, Fleet, Roads and Waste)
• Building Maintenance
• Housing

Candidates must have substantial experience in leading transformation initiatives and delivering citizen-centred services, as well as operating effectively at a strategic level within a large complex organisation. The position requires extensive management experience, including service improvement, strategic planning, partnership working, project and budget management, and staff leadership, alongside a strong understanding of regulatory frameworks.