Overview

Dudley Council is seeking an outstanding individual to join our senior leadership team as the Associate Director for Regulation. This high-impact, high-profile role is central to the Council's improvement journey, focusing on upholding the highest standards of governance and championing continuous improvement. You will drive strategic and operational change, work closely with Directors and Group Directors, and lead regulatory functions and their associated resources to enhance community well-being, promote sustainability, deliver key priorities aligned with our vision, and ensure proper compliance and effective business operations of the council. You will be part of the Council's senior leadership team, driving the transformation agenda by maximising technology and automation, fostering a culture of high performance, and ensuring modernised, efficient services that prioritise customers. Are you ready to take on a pivotal role in ensuring the effective delivery, management, and compliance of key regulatory services? We are seeking a dynamic leader to oversee the following areas:

Responsibilities

• Development management (LPA)
• Trading standards
• Food safety
• Environmental health & safety compliance (including safety advisory groups)
• Noise and statutory nuisance
• Private sector housing regulation
• Tree preservation orders (TPOs)
• Licensing (alcohol, taxis, premises, etc.)
• Enforcement
• Coordinate cross-disciplinary teams to manage complex regulatory issues and casework, ensuring clear evidence of collaboration and greater awareness among residents, elected members, and key stakeholders
• Oversee all Council enforcement activities (except parking)
• Set performance standards, monitor service delivery, and maximise the use of data and technology to drive improvement and transformation
• Lead quality assurance processes to ensure services meet local and national benchmarks
• Ensure regulatory services operate within legal frameworks and council policies
• Maintain robust systems for risk management, legal compliance, and public accountability
• Collaborate closely with the Corporate Procurement, Commissioning, and Contract Management teams to ensure effective outcomes across all purchasing, procurement, commissioning, and contract management activities
• Align provision with needs, develop robust specifications, achieve best value, and demonstrate measurable impact
• Work with wider teams to collaborate on education, awareness, and self-help programmes
• Contribute to the Council's corporate transformation programme, aligning with the organisation's new operating model and long-term objectives

Requirements / What we are looking for

If you are a proactive leader with a passion for regulatory services and a commitment to excellence, we want to hear from you.

Why Dudley?

Dudley is a borough on the rise - ambitious, inclusive and committed to change. Join us and play a central role in helping our residents live healthier, more independent lives. This is a unique opportunity to influence the future direction of the Council, working at the forefront of innovation and governance. Be part of a leadership team committed to improving services, efficiency, and customer experience for our community.

Recruitment process

The recruitment process will include technical interviews with longlisted applicants to confirm the shortlist. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to assessment centres and attend final interviews. Please indicate any periods you are unavailable.

About Dudley Council

It is an exciting time to work in Dudley Council as we embark on numerous multi-million pound regeneration schemes which will be game-changers for the borough. Ongoing schemes include the Midland Metro, with challenges to ensure vulnerable residents receive the services they deserve. Dudley Council has a 'one council' ethos that builds an effective and dynamic organisation which grows the economy and creates jobs, a cleaner and greener place, and stronger, safer communities. We are proud to be the historic capital of the Black Country and, working with our partners, committed to delivering our borough vision of "Forge a Future for all". We ensure communities influence council decisions and are committed to delivering services in partnership with communities. We provide flexible and responsive service in partnership and help communities help themselves.

• is ready to embrace change, providing an environment in which you will be encouraged to make your mark
• is aware of its key challenges and the need for a new energy to innovate the council, in order to find cost effective ways of delivering services
• has aligned its political and managerial leadership structures and is committed to protecting, securing and transforming the lives of children, families, the vulnerable and older people
• wants borough residents to have their say through our community forums
• dedicates time to meaningful consultation and listen to the views of our residents
• is working with the community to encourage active involvement of our residents

www.dudleyboroughvision2030.org.uk