Luton Council - Director of Sustainable Development

Luton Borough Council

Director of Sustainable Development

Salary: £100,873 - £106,919 + £3,990 car benefit

Are you ready to shape the future of one of the UK’s most ambitious towns?

Luton Council is seeking a visionary Director of Sustainable Development to steer a bold transformation and guide the delivery of our Luton 2040 vision, a healthy, fair, and sustainable town where everyone thrives.

This is a once‑in‑a‑generation opportunity to shape and influence major projects that will define Luton for decades. From airport expansion and inward investment to town centre regeneration, housing growth, and green transport solutions, you’ll navigate the strategic direction that balances economic prosperity with environmental responsibility.

Your portfolio spans planning policy, development management, highways and transport, fleet transformation, and building control all underpinned by our commitment to net zero carbon by 2040. You will champion universal accessibility and sustainable infrastructure, ensuring our transport networks and public spaces work for everyone.

We are investing in Bus Service Improvement Plans, active travel routes, and innovative approaches to reduce car dependency. You will work with government, businesses, and communities to deliver integrated solutions that tackle climate change, improve air quality, and create a greener, more connected Luton.

To succeed, you will be a corporate player who understands system working, able to collaborate across the Council and with partners to deliver shared goals. You will also build a high performing team culture and ethic, inspiring colleagues to innovate and deliver at pace.

If you’re a strategic leader with the vision, influence, and drive to deliver complex programmes and inspire change, we want to hear from you.

Closing date: Midnight on Monday 2nd of March

To download a candidate pack click here.

For a confidential conversation about this role, please contact our retained consultants at Penna:

Ali Tasker on 07514 728114 or email: ali.tasker@penna.com

Pete John on 07701 305617 or email: pete.john@penna.com

How to Apply

1. Upload your CV under “Please select one of the options below.”
2. Complete the short mandatory fields on the next page.
3. Use ‘Add Attachments’ to upload your Supporting Statement and any other documents.
4. Please ensure that the file name of your CV and supporting statement includes your full name.
5. Ensure both CV and Supporting Statement are uploaded before submitting your application.

If you have a long term health condition or disability and would like your application to be considered in accordance with a Disability Confident Scheme, please email: execapplications@penna.com to inform the Penna team