If you are looking for a large-scale challenge – almost certainly larger than anything you will have been involved in before – then this role at Oxfordshire County Council may be precisely what you’re seeking. Currently in the midst of a bold venture to support the creation of up to 100,000 new homes, re-shape infrastructure and devise transport solutions that will make electric cars the norm, we have a £multi-million investment plan in place that will transform Oxfordshire’s potential.  

Due to innovative joint-initiatives between the private and the public sector, this scheme is expected to run until at least 2031, providing an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in the heart of a county-wide challenge. And as the UK’s 12th fastest-growing city, it’s a challenge that we are determined to deliver. Join us, and you could be central to this fascinating work. 

About the role:

Joining the Planning and Growth Service, you will oversee a range of planning transport and engineering functions that will elevate Oxfordshire to a visionary and forward-thinking county. With a team of around 40 dynamic staff looking to you for leadership and guidance, you will set priorities, allocate resources and drive the delivery of both strategic housing developments and infrastructure projects.

Partnership-working is important to us, so you will excel here if you can coordinate your plans with a broad array of initiatives such as the infrastructure elements of Oxfordshire’s Housing Growth Fund, ensuring all stakeholders and contractors are on board and working together. You will also be tasked with enhancing our joint working opportunities with district council partners; creating innovative design guidance; taking responsibility for negotiating multi-million infrastructure deals; and delivering housing delivery on a range of key urban developments including a new garden village – so your technical skills and project management capabilities will need to be top-notch.  

About you:

With projects worth £millions relying on your clear vision, this is position that requires broad knowledge and excellent management capabilities. Ensuring Oxfordshire achieves the future it deserves, you will thrive if you:

• Have significant experience in planning, transport, and/or engineering with a relevant qualification and membership of a professional body. You will also have a good understanding of high risk technical disciplines. 
• Are comfortable working with senior colleagues, forging partnerships to maintain the progress of projects. 
• Have experience of leading a team operating on a regional or national scale in a similar organisation.
• Enjoy developing policies and strategies that achieve great results.
• Thrive in complex organisational and project environments
• Have exceptional financial and business acumen.
• Are exceptional in developing, communicating and leading people 
• Are commercially-focussed, with great resilience and drive and the capacity to make effective decisions.

Rewards and benefits:

It really is true that every single job role here contributes to bettering the lives of the people in our county - we want to do this for our employees too. We are proud of our strong flexible working culture, including the opportunity for flexibility on working hours and the use of technology to support agile working. We offer some of the very best learning and development opportunities to support your ongoing development.

We have a generous holiday allowance which rises as you remain in employment with us up to 32 days, as well as giving you the option to buy additional holiday. You will also have access to a Local Government Pension Scheme with employer contributions of up to 19.9% of your salary; a range of local and national retail discounts; and a host of enhanced family friendly policies including carers leave and paid time off for volunteering.

Interview date: TBC