Head of Regulation and Sustainability

Could you be the leader shaping the future of regulation and sustainability in North East Lincolnshire?

If you’re a strategic, resilient leader who thrives in complex, high impact environments, balancing statutory responsibility with innovation, partnership and place - this could be the role for you.

North East Lincolnshire Council is committed to protecting people, places and the environment, while driving forward our ambitions for a greener, more sustainable future.

We’re now looking for an exceptional leader to join us as Head of Regulation & Sustainability, playing a pivotal role in delivering transformative change across regulatory services.

What’s the role all about?

This is a senior leadership role with responsibility for providing visible, strategic direction across the Regulation and Sustainability Service. You’ll ensure the council fulfils its statutory responsibilities while continuously improving the quality, effectiveness and value for money of our services.

You’ll lead a diverse portfolio spanning regulation, enforcement and sustainability, including environmental health, housing, port health, trading standards, licensing, environmental protection, waste strategy, climate change, carbon reduction and the delivery of the council’s green agenda.

Working across council boundaries and in partnership with external stakeholders, you’ll balance education, engagement and enforcement to encourage compliance, behaviour change and better outcomes for residents, communities and businesses.

You’ll also play a key role in shaping and delivering major strategic programmes, including the Carbon Roadmap, Natural Assets Plan and Waste Strategy, ensuring sustainability is embedded into decision making across the organisation.

What will your day look like?

• Providing visible leadership and strategic direction across the Regulation and Sustainability Service.
• Leading and developing high performing, multidisciplinary teams in a complex regulatory environment.
• Acting as a trusted professional advisor to senior leaders, portfolio holders, scrutiny and Cabinet.
• Building strong relationships with partners across the public, private and voluntary sectors.
• Driving innovation, culture change and continuous improvement while maintaining strong governance and financial control.
• Horizon scanning for legislative, policy and funding changes and positioning the service to respond effectively.
• Championing the council’s green ambitions and acting as an ambassador for North East Lincolnshire locally, regionally and nationally.

Who are we looking for?

You’ll be an experienced senior leader with a strong track record in regulation.

You’ll bring:

• Proven experience of leading complex, statutory services and managing diverse professional teams.
• Deep understanding of regulatory and legislative frameworks and how to apply them in practice.
• The confidence to operate effectively in a political environment, handling challenge with tact, authority and diplomacy.
• Strong financial and commercial acumen, with experience managing complex budgets and driving value for money.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to engage partners, communities and elected members.
• A positive, resilient and values led leadership style, with a commitment to continuous improvement and professional development.

You’ll also hold a relevant professional qualification in Environmental Health or Trading Standards (or equivalent experience) and be committed to maintaining high professional standards.

Above all, you’ll be motivated by public service and passionate about protecting people, enhancing places and helping North East Lincolnshire thrive sustainably.

For more information

For further details, please review the role profile attached.

For an informal discussion, please contact: Dee.Hitter@nelincs.gov.uk

Key dates

• Closing date: 12.04.26
• Interviews: Week Commencing 20.04.26

We reserve the right to close this advert early should we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

As part of your RewardNEL package, you will have a generous leave entitlement (including bank holidays) and enrolment into a local government pension. 

You will also have access to our exclusive RewardNEL platform. 

This includes a variety of salary sacrifice schemes including Cycle2Work, Holiday Extra and Tusker (Car Lease), discounts at local coffee shops and bars, direct access to our inhouse wellbeing support, free and discounted local car parking as well as instant access to new savings at major retailers, entertainment and hotels. 

NELC staff can also benefit from flexible working and excellent training and development opportunities and a Fostering friendly scheme. 

Do you need support? 

If you need any help applying for this position, please contact Wendy Trask on 07702 338542 (text or call). Wendy can support with digital access as well as offering advice and guidance about completing the different sections of the application form. 

We regularly review data to ensure our recruitment processes are fair, transparent and promote equal opportunities for all. We also have an in-house Equalities Champions Group that works to promote and embed inclusivityin the workplace, helping us identify areas where we can take positive action, and make the organisation a safe space for colleagues to feel connected.