Chief Executive

Ebbsfleet Development Corporation; England; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A regeneration project leader in the UK seeks a Chief Executive to provide strategic leadership for a significant Garden City development. The role demands strong commercial acumen, experience in housing programs, and the ability to engage with various stakeholders including ministers and local partners. Candidates should possess proven leadership skills, a commitment to public service, and a track record of driving sustainable community growth. This opportunity promises to fulfill a vital role in achieving substantial progress in regeneration.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in delivering complex housing or regeneration programmes.
• Experience in commercial negotiation and planning.
• Strong judgement and ability to lead through complexity.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership to the Corporation.
• Lead the talented team ensuring impact and integrity.
• Prepare and secure approval for corporate and business plans.

Skills

Strategic vision

Commercial acumen

Leadership skills

Engagement with ministers

Job description

About The Place

Ebbsfleet is one of the UK’s most ambitious regeneration projects, a 21st-century Garden City designed to bring together homes, jobs, and green spaces in a connected and sustainable way. As England’s first new Garden City in almost a century, Ebbsfleet is already home to thousands of residents, a growing business community, new schools, and a landscape shaped around health, wellbeing and the environment.

The vision is bold and enduring: to create an exemplar new community of up to 15,000 homes, supported by first‑class infrastructure, active travel routes, outstanding public spaces, and a dynamic new commercial and civic heart at Ebbsfleet Central.

The Ebbsfleet Development Corporation (EDC) sits at the centre of this mission, leading delivery, unlocking investment, and working with government, local authorities, developers and residents to make the vision real. EDC is a small, expert and highly committed organisation that has already delivered major progress on housing, transport and placemaking. The next few years will be pivotal, as we accelerate development, shape Ebbsfleet Central, and embed long‑term stewardship of this unique place.

About The Role

This is a rare and career‑defining opportunity to lead one of the most significant regeneration projects in the country.

As Chief Executive, you will provide strategic leadership to the Corporation, ensuring it delivers the Garden City vision while maintaining the highest standards of governance and accountability as a public body. Reporting to the Chair and Board, you will lead a talented and motivated team, shaping the next phase of Ebbsfleet’s journey and ensuring the Corporation continues to deliver at pace, with integrity and impact.

Your priorities will be clear and ambitious: to make tangible progress on Ebbsfleet Central, maintaining housing delivery momentum; to strengthen long‑term partnerships with government, local authorities and developers; and to ensure the Corporation remains a trusted and effective organisation, known for delivery, collaboration and innovation.

This is both a strategic and visible leadership role. You will represent Ebbsfleet nationally and locally, engaging with ministers, partners and investors while ensuring robust programme management, sound financial control and a culture that enables staff to thrive. You will be responsible for preparing and securing approval for corporate and business plans, overseeing investment programmes, and sustaining the high standards of governance expected of a public body.

About You

We are looking for an outstanding leader who combines strategic vision, delivery focus and strong commercial acumen with the values and integrity that come from public service. You will have a proven track record of delivering complex housing or regeneration programmes and of working across public and private sectors to unlock growth.

You will be comfortable engaging with ministers and senior officials, as well as with developers, investors and local partners. Equally, you will bring the leadership skills to inspire an organisation, building confidence and maintaining the collaborative, supportive culture that defines EDC.

You will bring the confidence and credibility to lead through complexity, with a proven record in delivering results, shaping partnerships and driving investment. Your experience in commercial negotiation, planning and place leadership will be grounded in sound judgement and a genuine passion for building sustainable communities.

This is a role for someone who wants to make a lasting impact. It offers the chance to combine strategic leadership and hands‑on delivery in an organisation with national profile and a clear purpose.

For more information and to apply, please visit www.join-ebbsfleetdc.co.uk or get in touch for an informal conversation. Maud Hollis | [e-mail] or Clare Connor | [e-mail]