Job Details

Associate Director – Regulation

Salary: £92,995.00 - £104,484.00

Location: Dudley, West Midlands – on site

Employer: Dudley MBC

Be the change. Lead the future. Improve lives.

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.

Role

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:

• 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

In this role, you will 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.

Key Responsibilities

• 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

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.

Apply now and be part of something that truly makes a difference. For more information please visit: https://www.dudleycounciljobs.org.uk/

Informal discussion

Please contact Kathy Jones, Group Director for Housing & Assets via Jo Cook – Joanne.Cook@dudley.gov.uk

Application Process

Applications close: Wednesday 29 October 2025.

The recruitment process will include technical interviews with longlisted applicants to form a shortlist, followed by assessment centres and final interviews. Please indicate any periods you are unavailable.

To support Dudley’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, your personal data will be anonymised when you apply. Please remove your name and date of birth from attachments prior to uploading.

Online application forms are accepted; online facilities for jobs are available at public libraries within the Dudley Borough. All applicants must provide documentation proving their right to work in the UK. Dudley MBC does not currently offer sponsorship for candidates without the Right to Work in the UK.

Additional information

If you require support completing an online or paper application form or interview techniques, please contact Dudley Adult and Community Learning on 01384 818 143 or acl@dudley.gov.uk. For disability assistance in applying, contact the HR Resourcing Team via HR.Resourcing@dudley.gov.uk. If you experience a problem while applying, visit the WM Jobs Help Page at https://help.wmjobs.co.uk/ or contact HR.Resourcing@dudley.gov.uk.

Dudley Council will check the information provided against details held to protect public funds and prevent or detect crime, as permitted by law. The Council’s Privacy and Disclaimer Statement is available at https://www.dudley.gov.uk/privacy-disclaimer-statement/

Attached documents
Job Description & Person Specification, Employee Benefits List.pdf

About Dudley Council

It’s an exciting time at Dudley Council with regeneration schemes and ongoing challenges to ensure vulnerable residents receive the services they deserve. We operate with a ‘one council’ ethos to grow the economy, create jobs, and support stronger communities. We are proud to be part of the Black Country and work toward our Council Plan and Borough Vision for 2030.

Contact details

Website: http://www.dudley.gov.uk/ | Telephone: 01384 811300