Head of Planning, Growth & Climate
Salary: £102,246 (SCP 30)
Elgin
For more information please see our dedicated recruitment microsite: https://www.aspenpeople.co.uk/microsite/moraycouncil/
Shape Moray's Future
Moray is a place defined by ambition and opportunity. We are seeking an exceptional leader to join the Extended Corporate Leadership Team as Head of Planning, Growth & Climate, playing a pivotal role in driving sustainable growth, strengthening communities, and shaping the region’s future.
This is a rare opportunity to lead a diverse and influential portfolio spanning strategic development planning, development management, building standards, economic growth, regeneration, employability, climate action and sustainability. You will also provide strategic leadership for major initiatives including the Growth Deal programme and, subject to relevant experience and organisational requirements, may also undertake the role of Chief Planning Officer.
The Opportunity
As one of the Council's senior leaders, you will help drive the organisation's strategic vision, working closely with elected members, the Corporate Leadership Team, partners and communities to deliver positive outcomes for Moray.
You will be responsible for leading high-performing services that support economic prosperity, place-making and environmental sustainability, ensuring that the Council is well positioned to respond to future challenges and opportunities. You will champion innovation, transformation and partnership working, helping to deliver services that are responsive, efficient and focused on the needs of residents, businesses and stakeholders.
This role combines strategic influence with operational accountability. You will lead complex programmes, manage significant budgets and resources, and provide insightful and authoritative professional advice across a wide range of planning, economic and climate-related matters.
About You
We are looking for an inspiring and collaborative leader with substantial senior management experience and a proven ability to deliver results in complex environments.
You will bring:
- Significant leadership experience within planning, economic development, regeneration, climate, sustainability or a related field.
- A strong track record of delivering service improvement, organisational change and measurable outcomes.
- Experience of developing policy and strategy in a complex political, regulatory or stakeholder environment.
- Outstanding relationship-building and partnership-working skills.
- Strong financial, commercial and organisational awareness, including experience of budget planning and resource management.
- The ability to influence, inspire and motivate teams while fostering a culture of innovation, accountability and continuous improvement.
- Excellent communication skills, with the credibility and confidence to advise senior leaders, elected members and external partners.
- A relevant degree and professional qualification or equivalent are essential. Experience within local government or the wider public sector would be advantageous, as would an understanding of the Scottish local government landscape.
Why Moray?
Moray offers an outstanding quality of life, combining vibrant communities, stunning landscapes and a strong sense of place. As a senior leader within the Council, you will have the opportunity to make a lasting difference to the future of the area and the people who live and work here.
If you are a strategic thinker, an inclusive leader and someone who is passionate about creating sustainable growth and positive change, we would welcome your application. The timing to make an impact could not be better, as Moray looks to progress its new 10 year Local Development Plan, update its Economic Strategy, create a new economic blueprint for activity as existing strategic programmes begin to draw to a close and develop an area wide Climate Strategy.
Join us and help shape Moray's future.
For a confidential discussion please contact Catriona Mackie or Katharine Price at Aspen People on 0141 212 7555.
To apply, please upload your CV and cover letter (as one document) via the Apply button. Applicants will be shortlisted for interview by matching the details given in their CV and covering letter, as one document, against the job description.
Please note that you will receive an automatic acknowledgement of your application – if you do not receive this please contact Nicole Don at Aspen on 0141 212 7555.
Recruitment Timeline
- Closing Date: Friday 7th August 2026
- Psychometric Assessments: 19th – 28th August 2026
- Interviews: Monday 31st August 2026