A message from the Leader of the Council

I want Harlow to be the most transformative and impactful local authority in the country. One that truly changes peoples’ lives and doesn’t manage decline, but rather leads the rebirth of an iconic New Town.

That’s why we’re building a new Executive Management Team. A modern, agile team that delivers. A team that reflects the fact we do not act like a district of ten square miles but as an organisation that delivers well beyond its geographical bounds.

For decades, the council has in one form, or another let the town down because of poor political and managerial leadership. It has not kept in step with the innovative, aspirational spirit that the New Town pioneers placed at the centre of this community. That is why we are on a journey of true transformation: Building Harlow’s Future.

We have laid the foundations for that future by delivering on our five priorities. The five pledges we made in 2023 to restore trust in the council and what it could achieve. Not everything has gone right – it never does. But we have changed the way Harlow Council works and have put us on the footing to transform our town over the next four years with a strong financial footing, clear direction with six new missions and a true desire to deliver lasting change.

That’s why in earlier this year we were named the second most improved council in the country, but we must go much further.

Harlow has so much going for it. We led the wave of the New Town revolution, invented fibre optics, the recipe for Baileys, and so much more. We’re the only sculpture town in the world, we’re the biggest social housing landlord in the East of England, we sit at the heart of the UK Innovation Corridor, we’re the fastest growing area in the country meaning within a decade this town will be bigger than Cambridge and over the next four years will see the construction of a new hospital, new neighbourhoods and a new town centre, enormous Government investment and transformative private sector aspiration.

Yet, Harlow is yearning for change. The evidence tells us that, our residents tell us that. We know that there is so much more to do to achieve that vision and to ensure that every resident and business is proud of our town again. That’s why, we’ve set out our six missions for the next four years and I passionately believe that these six missions with transform the future of Harlow.

A future in which every Harlow family lives in a decent home, where they are proud of the neighbourhood they live in, proud of our thriving new town centre, with access to a fantastic job or apprenticeship thanks to local businesses investing more into our town, where they feel safe at any time of day and know that their children will live a healthier and more prosperous life, underpinned by a council that drives Harlow forward. That is the future we are forging with our six missions.

Six missions to hail a new chapter in our history. Six missions which we, and every member of our team, will deliver, for Harlow. Six missions to change the way we do things and ensure that the children of Harlow today have a safer and more prosperous future and to ensure that every resident from Arkwrights to Aylets Field, from Hilly Field to Hare Street, lives in a better home, in a renewed neighbourhood, with a new town centre, with a enhanced opportunities and a growing local economy, safer streets, a healthier future and a council which truly delivers for them. Our Plan will put the heart back into Harlow and transform our town

Harlow will once again be on the map as an economic powerhouse of the UK’s Innovation Corridor having once again led a revolution in the rebirth of a place.

You can help lead that transformation by joining our new Executive Management Team. So, if you share our passion and want to join our journey, I would love to hear from you.

With every good wish,

Cllr Dan Swords
Leader of the Council

Our Six Corporate Plan Missions for the next four years:

work with us

Harlow Council are embarking on a journey of significant transformation, and we are looking for talented leaders to help write a new chapter for our iconic new town.

We are seeking those who are passionate about driving innovation in local government and are keen to realise the huge potential of Harlow – the fastest growing place in the country.

Applications are now open for:
‍
Managing Director
Executive Director (Housing focus)
Executive Director (Community & Regeneration focus)
Executive Director (Corporate and Regulatory Services focus)
Assistant Director - Facilities and Assets
Assistant Director - Housing Operations (Property)
Assistant Director - Culture and Community
Assistant Director - Environment
Assistant Director - Legal and Democratic
Assistant Director - Public Protection

View the new Executive Management Structure

Job descriptions

How to apply

Start your application

For further information