Director of Economy and Regeneration

As Director of Economy and Regeneration, you will play a key role in delivering the Council's ambitions for Derbyshire. You will provide strategic leadership across a broad portfolio encompassing economic growth and regeneration, statutory and regulatory services, and cultural and community services.

Working with businesses, communities, government agencies and regional partners, you will lead services that drive economic growth, attract investment, deliver major projects and create opportunities for businesses and residents. Through business support, skills, employment and major investment programmes, you will help strengthen Derbyshire's economy and support long-term prosperity across the county.

You will lead a diverse range of services that help shape the places where people live, work and visit, including planning, trading standards, transport development management, libraries, culture and heritage.

What you'll be doing

• Providing strategic leadership of the Economy and Regeneration Division, while delivering strong outcomes for residents, businesses and communities across Derbyshire, ensuring statutory and regulatory responsibilities are met.
• Driving economic growth, regeneration, employment, skills and investment opportunities across the county.
• Leading large, complex teams and significant budgets, ensuring services are financially sustainable and deliver value for money.
• Leading service improvement, innovation and transformation, driving efficiencies, cultural change and continuous improvement across the division.
• Supporting the delivery of corporate priorities and wider Place objectives, including delivery of the Council's Environmental Sustainability Strategy.
• Building strong relationships with elected members, businesses, regional partners and stakeholders to influence and deliver positive outcomes for Derbyshire.
• Operating as a key member of the Place Strategic Leadership Team, driving transformation, performance improvement and best value.
• Developing a positive, inclusive and high-performing culture.

We're looking for someone who:

• Has substantial senior leadership experience within a complex organisation.
• Has a strong track record of leading large, complex services and multi-disciplinary teams.
• Has significant experience of economic development, regeneration and growth-related services, within a large and complex organisation.
• Brings strong financial, commercial and strategic skills.
• Has strong inter-personal and influencing skills with a clear ability to deliver services and achieve results through collaboration.
• Leads with integrity, collaboration and a commitment to excellent public services.
• Has experience of transformation, organisational change and performance management.

Why apply?

This role offers the opportunity to take on a highly influential leadership position, working alongside talented colleagues to help shape Derbyshire's economic future and lead services that make a significant contribution to its places and communities. It's an opportunity to broaden your impact, contribute to the Council's future direction and further develop your executive leadership career.

How to apply?

Please register and complete the shortened application form, attaching your CV and accompany this with a supporting statement - statement to be approx. two sides of A4 – outlining the skills, experience and leadership qualities you would bring to the role. Be sure to highlight how you would contribute to our strategic priorities and support our transformation journey. Please take a look at the attached JPP for more information.

For an informal conversation about the role, please contact Claire Brailsford, Claire.Brailsford@derbyshire.gov.uk

Closing Date: 22nd November 2026

Provisional Interview Dates: Day 1 – 30th November 2026 & Day 2 - 3rd December 2026

Please note that the interview process may include a short presentation, designed to support you in demonstrating your skills and approach. Further information will follow at interview invitation stage.

This post is designated in accordance with the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 as a Politically Restricted Post. The successful candidate will therefore be disqualified from: (a) Becoming or remaining a Member of a local authority (excluding town or parish councils); or (b) Standing as a candidate for election as a Member of the House of Commons or the European Parliament (c) Acting as an election agent (d) Acting as an official of a political party, (e) Canvassing on behalf of a political party or individual (f) Publishing material or addressing the public in support of a political party.

Apply now and take the first step towards a fulfilling career with us! By joining Derbyshire County Council you will have access to a range of amazing rewards and employee benefits, including our generous annual leave scheme, excellent local government pension and fantastic employee discounts. To discover more detail about the rewards and benefits available to you, click here

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This role currently offers hybrid working options which will be subject to service needs, there'll be an opportunity to discuss working arrangements for this position at interview.

Important: Derbyshire County Council holds a sponsorship licence, but this role does not offer visa sponsorship. Please apply only if you already have the right to work in the UK without sponsorship, as applications that do not meet this requirement will be rejected.

We welcome applications from individuals who share our values — being Collaborative, Innovative, Empowered and Accountable. These values describe who we are and what we stand for as a council. They help shape our culture, encourage consistent behaviour and guide how we work together to make a positive difference for both our employees and the residents we serve.

Applications for this role must include a CV and a supporting statement, it’s easier than ever to apply! Just click on “Apply for this job”, register and upload your CV and supporting statement.