Head of Corporate Development at Devon & Cornwall Police

Dorset Council; Dorchester; Hybrid; GBP 75,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in the United Kingdom is looking for an experienced leader to serve as the inaugural head of its Corporate Development Department. This senior role involves shaping the department's strategic direction and managing cross-functional teams. Successful candidates will have extensive experience in public sector governance and strong leadership skills. The position offers a salary between £75,201 and £84,534 with hybrid working options and various employee benefits including competitive leave entitlement and pension scheme.

Benefits

Competitive local government pension scheme

25-30 days of annual leave

Access to subsidised gym membership

Flexible working hours

Qualifications

• Postgraduate degree level or equivalent experience in a relevant field.
• Substantial senior-level experience in strategic planning and corporate coordination.
• Strong knowledge of public sector governance and performance measurement.

Responsibilities

• Shape the strategic direction of the Corporate Development Department.
• Lead the Executive Staff Office and oversee various functions.
• Guide the development and delivery of the Force’s strategic business plan.

Skills

Strategic planning

Data analytics

Public sector governance

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Leadership

Education

Postgraduate degree or equivalent experience

Job description

Overview

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.

Responsibilities

• Shape the strategic direction of the Corporate Development Department and coordinate organisational delivery.
• Represent the Force with key external partners including HMICFRS, the OPCC and national policing bodies.
• Lead the Executive Staff Office and oversee culture, inclusion, analytics and business intelligence functions.
• Guide the development and delivery of the Force’s strategic business plan.
• Ensure decision‑making is informed by evidence, insight and strategic risk.
• Manage inspection, audit and assurance activity.
• Coordinate organisational learning and continuous improvement.
• Provide clear reporting for scrutiny and public accountability.
• Lead governance frameworks and ensure effective structures support planning, prioritisation and compliance.
• Ensure corporate services work together to achieve shared aims.

Qualifications

• Postgraduate degree level or equivalent experience in a relevant field.
• Substantial senior‑level experience in strategic planning and corporate coordination within a complex organisation.
• Strong knowledge of public sector governance, planning cycles, resource management and performance measurement.
• Proven ability to use data, analytics and performance insight to shape strategic decisions.
• Senior business management experience leading multi‑disciplinary teams.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to influence at executive level, build productive relationships and work collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Successful applicants must evidence a minimum of 6 out of 11 essential criteria in their application.

Benefits & Salary

• Salary: Grade 12 – Starts at £75,201 rising to a maximum of £84,534 per annum.
• Hybrid working with flexibility to work remotely at times throughout the working week.
• 25 days a year leave entitlement, increasing to 30 days after 5 years of continuous employment, plus bank holidays (pro‑rata for part‑time workers).
• Competitive local government pension scheme.
• Free onsite parking at many police sites throughout the counties.
• Access to heavily subsidised gym membership and Blue Light Card Scheme for discounts and services.
• Job‑related equipment, as required.
• Support networks, free Employee Assistance Programme, Occupational Health and wellbeing services.
• Development and training opportunities.

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.