Joint Assistant Director - Regulatory Services
Joint Assistant Director – Regulatory Services
Guildford and Waverley Borough Councils
Location: The Burys, Godalming, Surrey (GU7 1HR) and Millmead House, Guildford (GU2 4BB)
Salary: £97,696 per annum
Contract: Permanent, Full-time
Lead and shape regulatory excellence across two boroughs.
Guildford and Waverley Borough Councils operate as a fully integrated joint council partnership, delivering services seamlessly across both organisations. We are now seeking an exceptional senior leader to join us as Joint Assistant Director for Regulatory Services. A role with major responsibility, significant influence, and direct impact on the safety and wellbeing of more than 265,000 residents and thousands of businesses.
This is a unique opportunity to lead a high-profile regulatory portfolio, provide strategic direction across multiple complex service areas, and help shape the future of a large, forward-thinking joint council.
About the Role
As a key member of our Joint Leadership Team, you will be accountable for the effective, efficient and high-quality delivery of the full suite of Regulatory Services across both councils, including:
· Food safety & health and safety enforcement
· Licensing and events management
· Private sector housing
· Environmental protection and enforcement
· Business continuity and emergency planning
· Corporate health and safety
You will lead approximately 100 staff, including two Joint Heads of Service, fostering a high-performing, values-driven culture across both organisations.
This is a leadership role with real breadth and complexity, requiring strategic insight, operational grip, and an ability to balance priorities across two distinct but united boroughs.
Your Impact
Strategic Leadership
Provide high-quality advice to Councillors, senior officers and partners, shaping policy, influencing decisions and aligning service delivery with corporate priorities.
Operational Excellence
Ensure Regulatory Services deliver consistently high standards of public protection, compliance, customer experience and value for money.
Cultural & Organisational Leadership
Empower managers, build capability, and champion our joint organisational values — Collaboration, Wellbeing, Trust, Value for Money and Professionalism.
Risk, Resilience & Preparedness
Lead business continuity, emergency planning and corporate health and safety, ensuring the Councils remain resilient, compliant and ready to respond.
Innovation & Forward Thinking
Horizon-scan, identify emerging trends and drive modern, efficient and future-focused approaches to regulatory service delivery.
Representation & Influence
Act as an ambassador for both councils, representing the joint organisation at local, regional and national levels.
About You
We are looking for a credible, outward looking and collaborative senior leader with:
· A strong track record in leading multi-disciplinary services in a public sector environment
· Experience overseeing complex service portfolios, budgets and transformation activity
· Political awareness and confidence advising elected members
· Experience leading change, building culture and driving continuous improvement
· Strong partnership skills and the ability to operate across organisational boundaries
· A commitment to equality, inclusion and the Nolan Principles of Public Life
· A commercial, analytical and improvement-focused mindset
You will be committed to ongoing professional development, and able to demonstrate outstanding leadership capability.
Why Join Us?
As a senior leader in our joint council, you will:
· Lead a large, complex, and high-impact regulatory portfolio
· Influence strategic direction across two boroughs
· Play a central role in organisational resilience and public protection
· Work with a highly committed senior leadership team
· Drive modernisation and innovation in a progressive joint authority
We offer a competitive senior leadership package, flexible working arrangements and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference at scale.
Ready to Lead With Purpose?
If you are motivated by public service, driven by challenge and inspired by the opportunity to shape regulatory excellence across two boroughs, we would love to hear from you.
Apply now and help us continue to deliver safe, resilient and high-performing services for the communities of Guildford and Waverley.
Closing date: 27th April 2026 at 9.00am
Interviews week commencing 11th May 2026 (In person)
For an informal conversation, please reach out to Ezra Wallace (Ezra.wallace@guildford.gov.uk)
How to Apply
We understand that some applicants may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist with preparing their applications.
All submitted information, whether supported by AI or not, must accurately reflect the applicant’s own skills, experience, and qualifications.
Recruitment decisions will be based on how well applicants demonstrate these attributes during the interview and selection process.
From April 2027, Guildford Borough Council and Waverley Borough Council will become part of the new West Surrey unitary council, following the government’s confirmed plans for local government reorganisation across Surrey. This change will see the current twelve councils replaced by two new authorities, East Surrey and West Surrey, with West Surrey taking responsibility for the areas currently served by Guildford, Waverley, Runnymede, Spelthorne, Surrey Heath and Woking.
As we move towards this transition, our focus remains firmly on delivering high‑quality, value‑for‑money services and staying true to our shared organisational values of Collaboration, Wellbeing, Trusted, Value for Money and Professionalism.
We recognise that any period of organisational change can bring questions, particularly regarding future structures and working arrangements. Throughout this process, we are committed to supporting our colleagues with transparency and care prioritising wellbeing, maintaining a trusted and open dialogue, and ensuring continued access to learning and professional development opportunities.
While the exact shape of the new West Surrey Council beyond 2027 is still being developed, joining us now means becoming part of an organisation where collaboration thrives and where your contribution will directly influence one of the most significant local government transformations in decades. You’ll gain valuable experience, play an active role in shaping the future of public services across West Surrey, and work within a team committed to professionalism and delivering outstanding outcomes for our communities.
Together, we will ensure a smooth transition and continue to deliver exceptional services for residents both now and into the future.
To apply for this vacancy, click the “Apply Online” link.
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