Surrey 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) Strictly no agencies or speculative CVs will be considered