About Us
View vacanciesWe are a dynamic local authority providing essential services to the people of Southend-on-Sea. We are proud to have been awarded city status in March 2022, making us one of only two cities in Essex and the first city along the Thames corridor before London.
As an employer, we offer more than just your next job. We offer an opportunity for you to shape your career through a wide range of job opportunities, whilst making a difference to our city.
Working to Make Lives Better
At Southend-on-Sea City Council we believe that our people are our greatest asset so we are always looking to attract the best people who want to use their skills and experience to make lives better for the people of Southend on Sea.
As a Unitary Authority, we are responsible for all local government functions within our city so we provide a wide range of vital services to the community. We also invest in exciting projects that keep Southend firmly on the map.
Join us and you’ll see the impact you’re making every day. Help us to build a city where businesses and individuals can prosper.
Fantastic Location
Southend is a culturally rich, vibrant coastal city with its own personality and a strong entrepreneurial spirit.
We are the closest seaside resort to London and benefit from seven miles of coastline and the world’s longest pleasure pier. We attract around 7.5 million tourists each year. We are also home to award-winning parks, an international airport and a wide range of cultural venues, making Southend a fantastic place to live, visit and work.
We are proud to have so many great amenities on our doorstep, but we also benefit from easy access to the rest of the county, our capital city and beyond. The area is well connected via road and rail and has two direct rail links to London, meaning that you can be in the capital in under an hour.
In February 2024 the council welcomed our new Chief Executive, Colin Ansell. Colin is currently working with our partners on a refreshed vision for the city so that we can ensure our resources are aligned in the interest of our residents. Colin will also be developing the Council’s organisational vision that will set out our strategic priorities and help shape our transformation plans.
Sitting underneath our vision for the city and Council is the Corporate Plan. The Corporate Plan 2023 to 2027 provides a high-level, strategic view of the council’s priorities and what it wants to achieve for the city and the council from 2023 to 2027.
The corporate plan has three overarching city-focused priorities, with a fourth priority focused on our organisation. Our four corporate priorities are as follows:
- a growing city with a strong and prosperous community
- a safe city with a good quality of life for all
- a clean city with a resilient environment
- a transforming council delivering efficient, cost-effective services
