Director of Strategy and Development

Local Government Chronicle; Luton; On-site; GBP 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Luton Rising is seeking an exceptional Director of Strategy & Development to lead strategy, commercial development, sustainability, PMO and procurement. Reporting to the Managing Director, you will shape our future growth and oversee major development programmes.

This permanent role offers a pivotal opportunity to influence programmes worth up to £2 billion, requiring strong leadership, stakeholder collaboration across public and private sectors, and a commitment to social value.

Qualifications

• Proven track record leading complex programmes and major infrastructure or construction projects.
• Strong commercial and strategic leadership experience.
• Ability to build partnerships across public and private sectors.
• Inspires teams and drives performance through change.
• Combines commercial success with sustainability and community impact.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategy, commercial development, sustainability, PMO and procurement functions.
• Shape future growth and oversee major development programmes.
• Ensure investments deliver commercial success alongside social value.
• Influence programmes worth up to £2 billion.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Commercial development

Public-private partnerships

Change leadership

Sustainability & social value

Job description

Director of Strategy and Development

The following content displays a map of the jobs location - Luton

Location

Luton

Closing Date

05/10/2026

Job Category

Luton Rising

Directorate

Luton Rising/LLAL

Business Unit

Job Introduction

Luton Rising

Shape the future of one of the UK's most ambitious growth programmes.

Luton Rising is a unique commercial organisation with a public purpose. As the owner of London Luton Airport and other strategic assets, we're driving sustainable growth, creating economic opportunity and delivering long-term benefits for our communities. With major expansion plans underway, this is a pivotal moment in our journey.

We're looking for an exceptional Director of Strategy & Development to lead our strategy, commercial development, sustainability, PMO and procurement functions. Reporting to the Managing Director, you'll play a key role in shaping our future growth, overseeing major development programmes and ensuring our investments deliver commercial success alongside social value.

This is a rare opportunity to influence programmes worth up to £2 billion, lead teams and help deliver the ambitions of the Luton 2040 Vision.

We're Looking For Someone Who

• Has a proven track record leading complex programmes and major infrastructure or construction projects
• Brings strong commercial and strategic leadership experience
• Can build effective partnerships across public and private sectors
• Inspires teams and drives performance through change
• Combines commercial success with a commitment to sustainability and community impact.

Luton Borough

Luton, UK

Contract

Permanent