Venn Group

We are currently recruiting for a Major Projects Programme Delivery Lead (Interim) requirement with a local authority in the West Midlands, ideally suited to someone with extensive experience leading large-scale regeneration, infrastructure, economic development, or place-based programmes within a local authority or public sector environment. Candidates with experience delivering complex regeneration programmes, transport infrastructure projects, operational readiness programmes, and stakeholder engagement across regional partnerships would be of particular interest. Please see the below details for your perusal: Major Projects Programme Delivery Lead (Interim) Start Date: September 2026 / ASAP Duration: 9 Months Rate: Negotiable (Inside IR35) Working Pattern: Hybrid (3 days onsite in the West Midlands but potential flexibility) Duties: Provide senior leadership across the Council's major regeneration, infrastructure and place-based programmes Bring together multiple projects into a single integrated programme aligned to the Council's strategic priorities Coordinate cross-Council operational activity, governance, reporting and readiness planning Act as client lead for the Council's Ecosystem Masterplan, overseeing procurement, mobilisation and delivery Establish governance frameworks, programme dashboards, risk registers and reporting arrangements Identify programme dependencies, risks and opportunities and drive solutions to delivery challenges Prepare Cabinet reports, executive briefings, member updates and programme assurance reports Work collaboratively with regional Transport partners Maximise regeneration, economic growth and investment opportunities arising from significant transport and infrastructure investment Ensure successful delivery of major regeneration, placemaking and town centre transformation initiatives Requirements: Significant experience leading major regeneration, infrastructure or economic development programmes Strong background operating within local government or complex public sector environments Proven ability to lead multi-disciplinary programmes involving a wide range of stakeholders Experience working with elected members, senior leadership teams and external partners Knowledge of regeneration, place-making, infrastructure delivery and capital programmes Experience establishing programme governance, reporting and assurance frameworks Strong stakeholder engagement and partnership management skills Experience procuring and managing external consultants and professional advisors Ability to manage political, financial and reputational risk effectively Local Authority experience is highly desirable

Major Applications Team Leader Local Authority Warwickshire 6-Month Interim Contract An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Major Applications Team Leader to join a busy Local Authority Planning Service on an interim basis. This role will lead a high-performing Development Management team responsible for delivering a significant caseload of major planning applications within an area experiencing substantial development pressures. Contract Details Job Title: Major Applications Team Leader Location: Warwickshire Rate: £75 per hour (Inside IR35) Contract Length: 6 Months Start Date: September 2026 Working Pattern: Full-time, 37 hours per week Working Arrangement: Hybrid working with a minimum of 2 days per week in the office, regular attendance at Planning Committee (Wednesday evenings), and site visits across the district The Role Reporting into senior management, you will provide leadership and oversight to a team comprising an Assistant Team Leader and 10 Senior Planning Officers. The focus of the role will be to ensure the efficient progression and determination of major planning applications, supporting officers, signing off reports, and helping to bring applications forward to Planning Committee. Key Responsibilities Lead and manage the Major Applications team Oversee the processing and determination of major planning applications Review and sign off officer reports and recommendations Support and mentor planning officers on complex cases Present and defend recommendations at Planning Committee Drive performance and help expedite planning decisions Manage stakeholder relationships with applicants, developers, consultants, members, and internal departments Ensure compliance with planning legislation, policy, and best practice About You Chartered Member of the RTPI (MRTPI) Significant experience within Development Management and major applications Proven experience managing planning professionals within a local authority environment Strong track record of presenting applications and recommendations to Planning Committees Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills Experience operating in areas with significant development pressures is desirable Experience within an authority without a five-year housing land supply would be advantageous This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Planning Manager, Development Management Team Leader, or Major Applications specialist looking to make an immediate impact within a busy and ambitious Local Authority service. To apply or find out more, please apply with your most up to date CV and a member of the team will be in contact

Structures Engineer Greater Manchester 7-Month Contract Venn Group is currently recruiting for an experienced Structures Engineer on behalf of a local authority in Greater Manchester . This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in the management, maintenance and improvement of a large and diverse highway structures portfolio, ensuring critical infrastructure remains safe, compliant and fit for purpose. The Role The successful candidate will take the lead on the delivery of bridge and highway structure maintenance programmes, overseeing inspections, asset management activities and improvement schemes across the highway network. The position combines technical engineering expertise with project and contract management responsibilities. Key Responsibilities Manage and coordinate annual bridge and highway structure inspection programmes. Oversee the delivery of maintenance and improvement projects from planning through to completion. Review designs, technical proposals and development schemes affecting highway structures. Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, standards and inspection requirements. Manage contractors and external suppliers, ensuring quality, value for money and programme delivery. Produce technical reports, specifications, risk assessments and cost estimates. Support asset management and lifecycle planning activities across a portfolio of approximately 900 highway bridges and structures. Engage with internal stakeholders, developers, contractors and members of the public to support effective project delivery. Candidate Requirements Proven experience within highway structures or bridge engineering. Experience managing bridge inspections, maintenance programmes and associated contracts. Knowledge of DMRB, CDM Regulations and highway structures inspection standards. Strong project management and stakeholder engagement skills. Ability to prepare and review technical documentation, specifications and reports. Degree in Civil Engineering, relevant MSc, HND in Highway Structures Engineering, or Chartered/Incorporated Engineer status with a relevant professional institution. Contract Details Role: Structures Engineer Location: Greater Manchester Contract Length: 7 Months Sector: Local Authority Start Date: ASAP To apply or find out more, please contact Venn Group for a confidential discussion.

Interim Repairs & Maintenance Manager Based in West Sussex, hybrid working (2 days onsite but needs to be flexible) Length: 3-6 months We are working with a District Council who are looking to appoint an interim Repairs & Maintenance Manager to lead and oversee the effective delivery of a high-standard, responsive repairs and maintenance service. Key Responsibilities: Lead the delivery of a responsive, high-standard responsive repairs service Oversee the effective management of void properties, ensuring swift turnaround times to minimise void rent loss Oversee and manage disrepair cases, ensuring compliance with relevant legal and legislative requirements Lead the execution of capital works, cyclical maintenance, and planned programmes in partnership with the Asset & Development Manager Maintain current and accurate records of the Council's housing stock, tracking recent repairs and modifications Develop and maintain a compliance schedule for housing assets, establishing a clear operational framework with effective reporting mechanisms Manage multi-million-pound budgets and secure external funding where available, ensuring financial effective governance, accountability and efficient resource allocation Lead multidisciplinary project teams and oversee a programme of projects aimed at enhancing efficiencies and customer experience. Key Requirements: Hold or be willing to work towards a CIH Level 4 or equivalent qualification, Project management certification (e.g., PRINCE2, Agile, Health and safety qualifications, such as NEBOSH or IOSH) is desirable A relevant degree or equivalent professional qualification in a field such as construction, property management, building surveying, facilities management, or qualified by proven experience is also desirable Significant experience in managing repairs and maintenance services within the social housing or public sector Proven experience managing in-house teams and external contractors to deliver high-quality, cost- effective maintenance services A strong track record of managing void properties and implementing measures to reduce void rent loss