Job Description

Post Title: Chief Officer (Planning and Economic Development) Location: Highland Council Headquarters, Inverness Hours: 35 hours per week Duration: Permanent Salary: £113,656 per annum
Contact Person: For a confidential discussion please email Cyndi.cameron@highland.gov.uk to arrange
Job Purpose: The Highland Council is seeking a bold, strategic thinker to drive transformational change across our Enterprise and Investment services. From the £3bn Highland Housing Challenge to the Green Freeport and major renewable energy projects, this is your chance to lead initiatives that will define the region’s future.

As part of our senior leadership team, you’ll collaborate across clusters, inspire teams, and build powerful partnerships to unlock the full potential of the Highlands. If you thrive on challenge, innovation, and making a lasting impact then this is the role for you.

Closing date for applications: Monday 10th November 2025

Political Restriction: The post is defined as being politically restricted and will therefore be restricted in terms of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989, as amended by the Local Governance (Scotland) Act 2004, and by the Local Government Officers (Political Restrictions) Regulations 1990. Please find the Job Pack below.

Please APPLY ONLINE.

The Highland Council understands that diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We are committed to equality of opportunity and being fair and inclusive. We welcome applications from people from all backgrounds, representative of the communities we serve and particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be under-represented in our workforce.

As a disability confident employer, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum essential criteria requirements for the post.

Short listed applicants will normally be contacted by email, unless otherwise stated. Please check your emails regularly, including your junk/spam folder.

Requirements

Educated to degree level with evidence of continuous professional development and preferably a further relevant professional qualification

Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme