Head of Corporate Development

Dorset Police / Devon and Cornwall Police; Exeter; Hybrid; GBP 75,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional police force is seeking a Head of Corporate Development to establish a new department and lead its strategic direction. This senior position requires substantial experience in strategic planning and corporate coordination within a complex organization. Responsibilities include overseeing improvement activities, managing stakeholder relationships, and ensuring effective governance. The successful candidate will have a postgraduate degree and demonstrate strong leadership and communication skills. The role offers a competitive salary with yearly increments and flexible, hybrid working arrangements.

Benefits

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Access to subsidised gym membership

Competitive pension scheme

Free onsite parking

Development and training opportunities

Flexitime and hybrid working options

Qualifications

• Substantial senior-level experience in strategic planning and corporate coordination.
• Strong knowledge of public sector governance and performance measurement.
• Proven ability to use data and analytics for strategic decision-making.

Responsibilities

• Shape the strategic direction of the Corporate Development Department.
• Oversee improvement activity across operational and enabling services.
• Lead governance frameworks and ensure compliance across corporate services.

Skills

Strategic planning

Corporate coordination

Public sector governance

Data analytics

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Postgraduate degree or equivalent experience

Job description

Head of Corporate Development

We are welcoming applications for the role of Head of Corporate Development with Devon & Cornwall Police based at the following location(s) : Police Headquarters, Exeter

Salary: Grade 12 - Starts at £75,201 rising by yearly increments to a maximum of £84,534 per annum

Type of employment: Permanent

Type of working arrangement: Hybrid Worker.

Hours per week: this role is 37 hours per week. However we welcome applications from individuals wishing to work on a part-time basis and are willing to consider flexible working patterns subject to business need.

About the role

Devon & Cornwall Police is establishing a new Corporate Development Department and is seeking an experienced and visionary leader to serve as its inaugural head. This senior role will be responsible for shaping the department’s strategic direction, coordinating organisational delivery and overseeing improvement activity across both operational and enabling services. The post holder will work closely with the Chief Constable, Deputy Chief Constable and Executive Team and will represent the Force with key external partners including HMICFRS, the OPCC and national policing bodies. The role also provides direct strategic support to the Chief Constable, leads the Executive Staff Office, and oversees culture, inclusion, analytics and business intelligence functions.

The successful candidate will guide the development and delivery of the Force’s strategic business plan and ensure that decision-making is informed by evidence, insight and strategic risk. They will manage inspection, audit and assurance activity, coordinate organisational learning and continuous improvement, and provide clear reporting for scrutiny and public accountability. The role also requires strong leadership of governance frameworks, ensuring the Force has effective structures that support planning, prioritisation and compliance, and that corporate services work together to achieve shared aims. This is a significant organisational leadership role with direct impact on reputation, performance and long-term planning.

About You

Applicants should be educated to postgraduate degree level or have equivalent experience in a relevant field. They must bring substantial senior-level experience in strategic planning and corporate coordination within a complex organisation, including planning and delivering long-term organisational direction. Strong knowledge of public sector governance, planning cycles, resource management and performance measurement is essential. Applicants must have a proven ability to use data, analytics and performance insight to shape strategic decisions. They should also have senior business management experience leading multi-disciplinary teams, along with the ability to influence at executive level, build productive relationships and work collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders.

Success in this role requires excellent communication and interpersonal skills. The post holder must be able to set out a clear vision, translate strategic aims into practical plans and communicate confidently across the organisation and with external partners. Skilled stakeholder engagement, professional credibility and the ability to work in a high‑paced, regulated and scrutinised environment are critical. Please note, candidates are only required to evidence 6 out of 11 role profile essential criteria in their application. The remaining criteria will be tested at the assessment day.

What We Offer

This is a rare opportunity to shape the future direction of policing across Devon and Cornwall. We offer a supportive environment, flexible working and the chance to contribute meaningfully to public service.

Starting salary will be negotiable and dependent on the successful candidate’s knowledge, experience and demonstrating high calibre of talent and potential to significantly improve service delivery.

Relocation allowance will be considered.

What you get if you join us :

• A competitive salary with yearly increments.
• 25 days a year leave entitlement, with an increase to 30 days after 5 years continuous employment, plus bank holidays (pro-rata for part time workers).
• Access to heavily subsidised gym membership that will provide you access to police site gyms throughout the counties.
• Access to the Blue Light Card Scheme for discounts and services (requires a one off payment of £5).
• Company sick pay.
• Competitive local government pension scheme.
• Job related equipment, as required.
• Free onsite parking at many police sites throughout the counties.
• Access to Group insurance scheme (via salary sacrifice scheme).
• Support networks, free Employees Assistance Programme, Occupational Health and wellbeing services.
• Development and training opportunities.
• Supportive and flexible training plan, including regular check‑ins throughout your initial period of joining us to ensure you are up to speed with the role and getting the support you need.
• Flexitime, with the ability to undertake your hours flexibly and in line with business need.
• Hybrid working, with the ability to work remotely at times throughout the working week (once signed off the training plan).

To Apply

If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for Devon and Cornwall Police, please click apply to be redirected to our website to complete your application