Strategic Development Director - Greater Essex Combined County Authority

Strategic Development Director – Greater Essex Combined County Authority

Temporary, Full Time (Maximum 12 Months)

Up to £1,000 per day (Inside IR35)

Location: Countywide

Overview

Greater Essex is entering a transformative period through devolution, aimed at simplifying governance, improving service delivery, and empowering communities. Under the proposed changes, powers and funding will be transferred from central government to a new Mayoral Combined County Authority, enabling more local control over key areas such as transport, housing, and economic development.

This role will play a critical part in ensuring the new Greater Essex Combined County Authority, one of the largest County Combined Authorities, is set up effectively, with the robust governance, strategies, policies and frameworks required to meet statutory and legal obligations. They will establish strong foundations that enable the organisation to accelerate its strategic priorities at pace. To achieve this, postholders will need to build effective relationships and networks across central and local government, partners, businesses and residents, and bring the business, commercial and political acumen needed to translate strategy into meaningful action.

Purpose of the Role

• Develop Greater Essex County Combined Authority’s strategic frameworks aligned with devolution and mayoral priorities.
• Provide expert financial and commercial advice to the Interim Chief Executive, senior leader and the Mayor once appointed.
• Lead regional policy agenda across transport, housing, skills, growth, climate, and public safety.
• Shape long-term strategic direction and ensure evidence-based decision-making.
• Strengthen partnerships with government, local authorities, and regional organisations.
• Build partnerships and raise the profile of Greater Essex at a regional and national level, working across the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors to drive inward investment, secure funding from government, and ensure value for money in all financial commitments.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop strategic, governance, and assurance frameworks.
• Shape Greater Essex County Combined Authority’s policy agenda and identify future opportunities.
• Lead evidence-based policy and strategic planning.

Regional Influence & Representation

• Represent Greater Essex County Combined Authority regionally and nationally.
• Influence government policy and secure support for the region.

Organisational Development & Governance

• Ensure strategic coherence across portfolios.
• Oversee strategic communications and public affairs.
• Support organisational design, digital transformation, and sustainability.
• Lead a multi-disciplinary strategy and policy team.
• Develop capability, promote Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, and strengthen culture.
• Senior strategy/policy leadership experience in complex systems.
• Strong knowledge of public policy, devolution, and Combined Authorities.
• Excellent strategic planning and analytical capability.
• Able to negotiate, influence, and build consensus regionally and nationally.
• Strong partnership and stakeholder management skills.
• Proven leadership of strategy or policy functions.

*Please note: All role dimensions (budget, line reports, etc) will be established and subject to change during the set-up stage of the interim Combined County Authority

This role is being recruited on behalf of Southend-on-Sea City Council, Thurrock Council and Essex County Council. This appointment is being managed by Essex Shared Services. Should you have any enquiries or would like to request a confidential discussion please contact Samantha Myddelton on (samantha.myddelton@essex.gov.uk 0333 013 0098) or Sadie Orwell (sadie.orwell@essex.gov.uk 0333 032 2356).

If you have an accessibility need, disability, or condition that means you might require changes to the application or recruitment process, please get in touch with Essex Shared Services at essexsharedservices@essex.gov.uk.

As part of the application process, you will be required to submit a CV and supporting statement. Click ‘APPLY’ to begin your application.

Closing date for applications: 7 December 2025 at 23:59pm.

Seniority Level

• Director

Employment Type

• Full‑time

Job Function

• Government Administration

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