Strategic Director of Place

Salary: £137,479 - £147,620 per year

Location: Derby

Job Reference: 000012407

Closing date: 31 August 2026.

Interviews are expected to take place: week commencing 31st August 2026.

This is an exceptional opportunity to play a leading role in shaping the future of local government in Derby.

Whether you are an experienced Director from a District or Borough Council looking to broaden your experience within a Unitary Authority, or an established Unitary Director seeking a pivotal leadership role, you will join Derby City Council at one of the most significant periods in its history. As Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) gathers pace, you will help shape the organisation of the future while leading services that make a tangible difference to the lives of Derby's residents.

Working closely with the Chief Executive and Corporate Leadership Team, you will contribute to the Council's strategic direction, influence regional partnerships and play a key role in preparing the organisation for the opportunities and challenges that LGR will bring.

Who We Are

At Derby City Council, we're proud to deliver over 250 essential services that support our residents, communities and businesses. Guided by our vision to create an Inclusive, Green, Growing and Vibrant City, we put people at the heart of everything we do.

Our values shape how we work every day. We believe in Great People, One Team, we're Bold in embracing change, Strong in delivering for our communities, and We Care about making a positive difference.

Join us and you'll become part of an ambitious, collaborative organisation where you can grow your career while helping to shape Derby's future.

About the role

As Strategic Director of Place, you will lead a diverse portfolio of services that drive regeneration, sustainable economic growth and environmental improvement across the city. You will be responsible for delivering high-quality front-line and operational services that enhance the quality of life for Derby's communities while ensuring the Council continues to meet its statutory responsibilities. You will provide strategic leadership through a period of significant organisational change, helping to shape future service delivery, strengthen partnerships and ensure Derby is well positioned to maximise the opportunities presented by Local Government Reorganisation.

About you

We are looking for an inspiring and politically astute leader with a strong track record of delivering strategic outcomes within local government, specifically across Place/Communities services. You will understand the importance of building effective relationships with elected members, colleagues, partners and stakeholders, and be confident operating in a complex, high-profile political environment.

You will bring excellent leadership and change management skills, the ability to balance competing priorities and a collaborative approach that inspires confidence across the organisation. Most importantly, you will share our ambition to create a thriving, inclusive and sustainable Derby and have the vision and resilience to help shape the Council's future.

Why join Derby City Council?

By joining Derby City Council, you'll be part of an organisation that is committed to making a real difference to the lives of our residents while supporting you to thrive, both professionally and personally.

Alongside the opportunity to shape the future of our city, you'll benefit from a rewarding package that includes:

Financial security

Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) – one of the UK's most valuable public sector pension schemes, offering a secure, defined benefit pension, life cover and financial peace of mind for you and your family
Team Derby Rewards, giving you access to discounts across a wide range of retail, leisure and lifestyle brands
The Tusker Car Benefit Scheme, providing a convenient and cost-effective salary sacrifice option to lease a brand-new, fully maintained and insured vehicle

Work-life balance

Generous annual leave, starting at 27 days and rising to 32 days after five years' service, plus bank holidays (depending on your contract), so you have more time to rest, recharge and spend time on what matters most
The option to purchase additional annual leave, giving you even greater flexibility throughout the year
Flexible and hybrid working arrangements apply to many of our roles, helping you achieve a healthy work-life balance
Flexible retirement options, where eligible, supporting a gradual transition into retirement while enabling colleagues to continue contributing their skills and experience
Support for colleagues with caring responsibilities, including leave and workplace policies that help you balance work with caring commitments

Learning and career development

Learning and development opportunities, with regular career conversations to help you develop your skills and progress your career
Leadership and management development programmes, including mentoring, professional qualifications and opportunities to develop at every stage of your career
Workspaces designed to support productivity, wellbeing and effective service delivery

Health and wellbeing

A comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme, wellbeing support and a year-round wellbeing calendar to help you look after your physical, mental and financial wellbeing
Free annual flu vaccinations, supporting your health and wellbeing during the winter months
The Cycle2Work Scheme, plus free cycle training, helping you save money, improve your fitness and reduce your environmental impact

Community and inclusion

Up to 15 hours of volunteering leave each year, enabling you to support local communities and causes that matter to you
Recognition and reward programmes, celebrating outstanding contributions and long service through initiatives including the Here for Derby Awards and Long Service Awards
The opportunity to help shape an inclusive and supportive workplace by joining one of our established Employee Networks, including LGBTQ+, Disabled Employees and Carers, Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Employees, and Neurodiversity

At Derby City Council, we believe our people are our greatest strength. That's why we're committed to creating an inclusive, supportive and rewarding workplace where everyone can develop their career, feel valued and make a meaningful impact.

How to apply

To apply please submit your CV and a supporting statement which clearly demonstrate how your skills, experience and approach meet the requirements of the role. Your application should be sent to Ash Hague Ash.Hague@derby.gov.uk and Ellie Hyde Ellie.Hyde@derby.gov.uk

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

At Derby City Council, we're committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and can thrive. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and believe our workforce should reflect the diverse communities we serve.

As a Disability Confident Leader, disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria can choose to apply through our Guaranteed Interview Scheme.

We are also proud to hold the Ministry of Defence Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Award, recognising our commitment to supporting serving personnel, veterans and their families. As part of this commitment, members of the Armed Forces community, veterans and their close family members who meet the essential criteria for the role are also eligible for our Guaranteed Interview Scheme.

If you need any reasonable adjustments during the application, interview or onboarding process, we'll work with you to provide the support you need.

If you have any questions about this vacancy or need assistance with your application, please contact our Recruitment Team on 01332 640844 (Relay UK: 18001 01332 640844) or email recruitmentteam@derby.gov.uk.

Derby City Council

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Strategic Director of Place