Job Title: Principal Regeneration Officer (PO6)

Salary: £51,536- £54,495

Hours: 37 hours per week

Contract: Permanent

Location: Merrion House, Leeds

Leeds is a large and thriving city - and these adjectives equally apply to the council. With over 14,000 staff delivering hundreds of different services to a population of 812,000 people, we work in a complex, diverse and fast-paced environment.

As a Principal Regeneration Officer, you will work on and lead a range of programmes and activities supporting the delivery of economic and housing growth.

We are looking for someone who shares our ambition for the city and ready to be involved in a range of activities which deliver transformational place led change across our city. This will involve working with key partners at national, regional and local level to champion growth opportunities within the city and form the partnerships required to deliver in collaboration with external landowners, developers and investors.

We are ambitious for our city. Our Leeds Ambitions set out our overall vision for the future of Leeds, with a mission to tackle poverty and inequality and improve the quality of life for everyone who calls Leeds home. Our Organisational Plan describes how we want to become the best council in the best city, with our staff supported to understand what we do, why we do it, and how we can all work together to achieve our ambitions and values.

The Place and Regeneration Programmes Team is responsible for driving the delivery of major regeneration initiatives at major spatial priority locations, currently including:

Overseeing the work of the Mayoral Development Zone for Leeds City Centre and oversight of a new £1bn City Fund to drive Regeneration Programme delivery.
Accountability for the delivery of the proposed South Bank New Town – working to secure the delivery of 9,500 new homes in Leeds City Centre over the next 3 years, using a broad commercial and technical toolkit to secure private sector led delivery.
Partnership with Leeds United, to define and secure the delivery of regeneration of 30 acres of land around Elland Road, as well as unlocking new stadium redevelopment
Brokerage work with private developers to unlock and accelerate the delivery of thousands of new homes, including a priority focus in delivering affordable homes in accordance with the Leeds Affordable Housing Plan through close working with Registered Providers.
A leadership role with Homes England to define and deliver new British Library for the North at the Grade 1 Temple Work – using Council land assembly and grant. Alongside defining and managing heritage grant schemes across priority regeneration areas.
Leadership role in defining, via a major grant, to secure the delivery of a major new conference and exhibition facilities at Royal Armouries.
Oversight of the delivery, and of technical teams, of Local Regeneration Fund initiatives such as Heart of Holbeck and Morley Town Deal.
Economic focussed growth to unlock and accelerate commercial developments, such as securing investments into the Leeds Innovation Arc via grant schemes, North-West Leeds Employment Hub via a developer procurement competition, and delivery of the Northern Square Mile through a broad technical toolkit.
Shaping regeneration strategy and overseeing delivery around major transport hubs, including Leeds Station, Leeds Bradford Airport and potential Mass Transit routes.
Shaping the future ‘pipeline’ of major public realm, green and blue infrastructure to deliver growth and transformation, making the case for investments, securing funding for them. And clienting technical teams who would then deliver capital schemes.
Working to define and project the city’s place based narrative, including supporting inward investment and policy formation at a local, regional and national level.

In essence the service is about ensuring the delivery of regeneration outcomes outside of direct capital project delivery, through partnership, and enabling private, community and anchor institution projects to thrive. Technical and commercial activities of the service include:

Authoring or appraising funding bids, including in line with Treasury Green Book and other funding appraisal methods, including viability assessments;
Negotiating, administering and governing capital grant and or loan programmes, including on heritage, housing, economic development focussed activities.
Co-ordination of technical work where the Council’s powers may be used, including Compulsory Purchase, Appropriation etc to secure delivery. Including the intelligent clienting of legal and surveying specialists.
Producing regeneration visions across spatial areas, including producing or co-ordinating regeneration frameworks and site-specific masterplans or development briefs or Supplementary Planning Documents.
Supporting the development of Planning Policy by providing advice and expertise to the Local Planning Authority.
Community and stakeholder engagement on place-based plans.
Close working with major investors, registered providers, and developers to secure the delivery of housing and economic growth.
Partnerships with key place agencies including WYCA, Homes England, Historic England and wider Government departments such as MHCLG and DCMS.
Informal and formal partnerships, including ‘landowner’ brokerage/ convening and formal structures such as Joint Ventures, and curating place-based solutions to unlock growth.
Clienting technical teams undertaking land assembly, or procuring of developer partners.
Supporting ‘real estate’ focussed inward investments to secure new businesses and organisations to the city.
Providing place-based advocacy and evidence to support investment cases into major infrastructure – i.e. by making economic and strategic cases strong.

About the role

As Principal Regeneration Officer you will be responsible for co-ordinating and supporting a range of high profile and complex work streams within this partnership, which will also support the work of the wider City Development directorate. As we move from visioning to implementation there will be specific focus on delivery of projects and programmes, providing a strong client role to achieve our place outcomes and City Ambitions.

The role will be at the forefront of defining and developing regeneration solutions in one of the largest and most exciting cities in the UK – you will have the opportunity to build a significant profile working with public and private sector partners and have flexibility within our team to deploy your expertise across a diverse range of activities, or to explore new challenges.

Your portfolio may cover supporting and assisting on a range of complex areas of work including area-based plans, unlocking strategic development opportunities, major cultural/sporting led regeneration, real-estate focused inward investment, major infrastructure investment, housing investment including affordable homes, historic assets, estate regeneration, neighbourhood and high street regeneration, economic developments, leading on funding bids or community initiatives.

The type of work will be varied, and the service has a broad technical skills base in its delivery. You will not be directly responsible for project managing implementation of capital projects, but you will have experience of contributing to driving delivery. The types of delivery toolkit that the role may involve includes:

Authoring or appraising funding bids, including in line with Treasury Green Book
Negotiating, administering and governing capital grant and or loan programmes, including on heritage, housing, economic development focussed activities.
Co-ordination of technical work where the Council’s powers may be used, including Compulsory Purchase, Appropriation etc
Defining regeneration visions across spatial areas, including producing or co-ordinating regeneration frameworks and site-specific masterplans or development briefs.
Community and stakeholder engagement on place-based plans.
Informal and formal partnerships, including ‘landowner’ brokerage/ convening and formal structures such as Joint Ventures, and curating place-based solutions to unlock growth.
Clienting technical teams on land assembly, or procuring of developer partners.
Supporting ‘real estate’ focussed inward investments to secure new businesses and organisations to the city.
Providing place-based advocacy and evidence to support investment cases into major infrastructure.

In this context you should have some expertise in technical challenging and complex projects & programmes, supporting a positive team culture and working across numerous disciplines.
About You:
You will be a pro-active curious commercially minded problem solver, committed to getting the best out of people and partnerships. You have proven experience and expertise in contributing to successful regeneration, asset, economic development, or place-based programmes. You will be able to work positively and closely with immediate team colleagues and those from across other Council services and partners, to support programme team activities and empower others as required to develop programmes and work plans, commission research, option appraisal exercises, feasibility studies and other related project activities including toolkits highlighted above.
You will play a role in supporting and developing the leadership of the service and managing the workloads of the team and have the ability to provide high quality well-being, mentoring and management support for colleagues. You will contribute to a positive team culture.
You will understand the importance and be capable of actively using governance and risk management to progress your work and be a highly able communicator through report writing, presentations and your own engaging personal style. You will be adept at building good working relationships with colleagues, clients and partners to deliver council objectives across all levels, with commercial intelligence and a clear understanding of how to work in a political setting. Through your work you will be open, inclusive, responsive, and accountable and always focused on positive solutions to achieving diversity and equality in all aspects of your work. As outlined above, this role requires the utilisation of a broad toolkit to deliver Place and Regeneration Programmes. Whilst it is not expected that you will have experience in all areas outlined above, you will have track record in successfully using toolkits that have tangibly delivered place based transformation, Importantly, you will an ability and attitude to work flexibly to broaden your technical and commercial experience to support the delivery of a wide range of programmes using such a diverse toolkit.

In this context, your supporting statement should respond directly to the context detailed above, including on toolkits, and focus on the following five priority essential requirements

Significant and proven experience of delivering projects and or initiatives within Regeneration related fields;
Experience of achieving results in a politically sensitive context;
Experience of taking forward initiatives and policies from development to implementation;
Ability to provide leadership to achieve results;
Ability to conduct negotiations successfully at a senior level.

As this is a senior position, we are particularly keen that a depth and breadth is articulated and a focus on tangible examples of effective leadership
What we offer you:
We take pride in offering the best employee experience, with benefits including:

a competitive salary of up to a competitive salary of up to £54,495 and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays (29 days rising to 34 days after 5 years’ service)
and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays (29 days rising to 34 days after 5 years’ service)
membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions
flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements
a clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities
a range of staff benefitsto help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further

How to Apply:

Please upload your CV (no more than 3 sides of A4) and complete a personal statement of no more than 3 sides of A4 (Size 12 Arial, with ‘Normal’ MS Word Margins used.

Read our guidance for further advice. Please check your information carefully and ensure you complete all sections before submitting your application.

Given the breadth of the service's work programme, this post could be suitable for candidates with a diverse range of professional backgrounds, experiences, and specialisms. We therefore strongly encourage any interested applicants to discuss the opportunity with us.
Please contact Lee Arnell if you would like an informal discussion in advance submitting your application.
Lee Arnell - phone: 0113 3787717 email: lee.arnell@leeds.gov.uk

We promote diversity and want a workforce that reflects the population of Leeds. Leeds City Council is ranked 70 on the Stonewall Equality Index 2023. We are also an age-friendly employer, a Mindful Employer and a Disability Confident Leader.

All new Leeds City Council appointments are made subject to the satisfactory completion of a six-month probationary period.
This role is based in the UK. Employment is conditional on confirmation of the right to work in the UK - either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa. If you do not have the right to work in the UK and the role does not meet eligibility for sponsorship, please consider carefully whether you meet the eligibility to apply.

Job Description

Job Purpose: To lead, manage and co-ordinate priority work streams and teams within the Asset Management and Regeneration service, with specific focus on the delivery of development initiatives and regeneration programmes for the city

Principal Accountabilities

To support the leadership of the service and to initiate and manage workloads which contribute to the delivery of the service plan in order to deliver Value for Money services to customers in line with Council priorities ensuring that the work incorporates the council’s cultural values.

Using strong people skills, to motivate, develop and coach staff within your area of the service to achieve Best Council Plan, directorate and service plans.
To be responsible for the management and achievement of the service plan for your area so that it achieves its corporate and service objectives and outcomes.

To promote and deliver positive solutions to achieving diversity and equality in all aspects of your service delivery, community engagement and human resource areas, focussing on equality of outcome.

To support organisational development and continuous improvement by contributing to cross Council projects and supporting the Asset Management & Regeneration Management Team.

To take responsibility for developing and maintaining effective consultation and communications with staff, service users, Councillors, trade unions, partners and other stakeholders.

To work as part of the team for Leeds, in ways which are open, inclusive, responsive and accountable, to develop and maintain good working relationships with internal and external customers, other stakeholders and partners to achieve excellent outcomes for the citizens of Leeds.

To work responsibly to ensure the safety of staff, service users and contractors in accordance with all statutory obligations and the council’s Health and Safety Policy.

To work with elected members, service users, partners and community representatives in ways which support open, responsive and accountable government.

To work responsibly to deliver workloads within approved budgets, to defined timescales, achieving the required quality and following agreed procurement processes.

To work flexibly as required to meet service, directorate and corporate priorities.

Specific Responsibilities:

To develop and manage specific asset management and regeneration work streams and programmes including area based initiatives, strategic sites, housing investment and historic assets.
To co-ordinate and manage the work of partners contributing to specified work streams and programme delivery.
To carry out appropriate research, option appraisal exercises, feasibility studies and other related project activities to a professional standard.
To lead on and manage the preparation of project funding proposals and business cases that will assist in delivering development, regeneration and asset management outcomes.
To be able to produce reports up to Exec Board level and where required Scrutiny Board.
To take the lead on programme team activities as required and provide expertise in one or more relevant skills set within the programme area.
To develop programmes and work plans and ensure where appropriate that work streams managed by the post holder contribute to delivery successful change.
To appoint and contract manage external consultants/ contractors, in line with corporate procedures in order to meet the needs of clients in terms of delivering projects and programmes to budget, to defined timescale and required quality of finish.
To manage preparation of, prepare or contribute to the preparation of key documents including tenders, briefs, contract documentation, reports and business cases.
To work closely with Area Management colleagues to successfully deliver asset management and regeneration programmes.
To ensure good working relationships with colleagues and clients to deliver council objectives across all levels. To support the leadership and management of major asset management and regeneration initiatives and work programmes.
To ensure value for money is achieved in all aspects of the work programme by pursuing the use of risk management, cost planning and value management / engineering procedures at appropriate times in the project lifecycles.
To ensure proper and systematic handover to clients and partners, undertaking post project/programme reviews and ensuring prompt completion of final accounts / financial closedown.
To prepare comprehensive project plans that identify key critical path stages of a project / programme and identifies lead officer responsibilities.
To prepare and maintain a task orientated project programme, identifying key resources necessary to achieve tasks identified according to an agreed timetable and milestones.
To undertake any other duties as required that are commensurate with the nature and level for this post working across the Asset Management and Regeneration Division

Prospects

Promotion: Whilst no guarantee can be given to subsequent promotion, there are currently a number of higher graded posts within the Council which potentially provide the opportunity for career progression within the Council. Any subsequent vacancies will be filled in compliance with agreed Council procedures.

Training: The Council has a positive commitment to the training and development of employees in all areas of its activities. Similarly employees are also expected to adopt a positive attitude to any training provided and also to their own personal development.

Relationships: The post holder will work closely with colleagues in the Directorate and will also be required to maintain effective relationships with staff at all levels within the Directorate, other Council departments, Elected Members, external agencies and the general public.

Qualifications: A degree or degree level professional qualification (or equivalent), or demonstrate experience at a senior level in an organisation

Employee Specification

In order to fulfil the standard requirements of the post, postholders must meet the following requirements. Candidates for selection for the post will only be shortlisted for interview if they can demonstrate in their application that they meet these requirements.

Skills

Ability to provide leadership to achieve results
Ability to manage and monitor performance effectively and set clear objectives for the review of individual and service level performance
Ability to lead on multiple projects
Ability to contribute to change programmes, improve service quality and support a culture that drives up standards and performance.
Ability to interpret and lead on the development of strategy
Ability to resolve conflict with others to deliver cross projects
Ability to develop productive working relationships that command respect, trust and confidence
Ability to encourage effective and efficient team work
Ability to lead, motivate and develop a project team to ensure the achievement of agreed aims, objectives and goals.
Ability to work to multiple and often conflicting deadlines
Ability to take the lead in the development and implementation of innovative approaches to problem solving
Ability to deal with Member and MP enquiries efficiently and effectively
Ability to conduct negotiations successfully at a senior level

Knowledge / Qualifications

An understanding of service delivery issues
A degree or degree level professional qualification, or demonstrate relevant experience at a senior level.
Knowledge of the range of services which impact on the service and key partners
Knowledge of Management practices and policies.
Understanding of public sector issues
Knowledge of project financing and the role of the private sector in development initiatives
Detailed knowledge and understanding of the Council’s Contract Procedure Rules and Standing Orders in respect of the development process
Knowledge of Local Government’s role in supporting, assisting and enhancing the local economy through physical and economic development and regeneration
Knowledge of the RIBA Plan of Work
Knowledge of Procurement Procedure Options

Experience

Significant and proven experience of delivering projects and initiatives within Asset Management and Regeneration
Experience of preparing, managing and controlling budgets
Experience of achieving results in a politically sensitive context
Experience of taking forward initiatives and policies from development to implementation.
Experience of facilitating joint working and collaboration
Experience of managing services to meet customer needs
Experience of leading and managing projects within Asset Management and Regeneration
Experience of setting service standards for projects and services.
Experience of developing and implementing service/business planning processes.
Experience of working in partnership with a range of service providers.
Experience of securing funding/packages of support.
Experience of preparation of reports and agendas

Technical

Significant experience of successfully managing development/infrastructure projects
Experience of preparing and presenting detailed and complex information in written reports and proposals and making presentations to senior officers, Members, Boards, partners, stakeholders and clients
Experience of dealing with Member and MP enquiries efficiently and effectively

Experience of analysing complex situations, identifying problems and leading in developing and implementing solutions within agreed timescales

Behavioural and other related characteristics

Achievement of equal opportunities in both employment and service delivery.
Experience of managing risk in relation to a project or work area.
Understanding of project managers, and individual responsibility for health and safety.
An understanding of and commitment to the principle of customer care.
Prepared to be flexible in order to meet deadlines.
A willingness to co-operate with others and work as part of a team to ensure the duties of that team are carried out effectively.
To behave in a highly professional manner in line with Council’s values and behaviours
A flexible and imaginative approach to problem solving
To be self-motivated and to be able to motivate others
To be able to use initiative.