Head of Corporate Development at Devon & Cornwall Police

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

Job summary

A regional law enforcement agency is seeking a Head of Corporate Development to shape strategic direction and oversee improvement activities. Candidates should possess a postgraduate degree or equivalent experience, along with substantial senior-level expertise in strategic planning and corporate coordination. The role offers a competitive salary starting at £75,201 with yearly increments, flexible working, and an opportunity to influence public service positively. The position is hybrid, allowing remote work alongside in-office requirements.

Benefits

Competitive salary with yearly increments

25 days annual leave, increasing with service

Subsidised gym membership

Local government pension scheme

Flexible working hours

Hybrid working model

Qualifications

• Substantial senior-level experience in strategic planning and corporate coordination.
• Strong knowledge of public sector governance and resource management.
• Proven ability to use data and analytics for strategic decisions.

Responsibilities

• Shape the department’s strategic direction and oversee improvement activity.
• Provide direct strategic support to the Chief Constable and Executive Team.
• Lead the development and delivery of the Force’s strategic business plan.

Skills

Strategic planning

Corporate coordination

Stakeholder engagement

Data analytics

Leadership

Education

Postgraduate degree or equivalent experience

Job description

We are welcoming applications for the role of Head of Corporate Development with Devon & Cornwall Police based at Police Headquarters, Exeter. Salary: Grade 12 – starts at £75,201 rising by yearly increments to a maximum of £84,534 per annum.

Please note that the above salary is based on working 37 hours per week. If this role is part‑time or you are appointed on a part‑time basis your salary will be prorated to reflect this. Exceptions to starting salary may apply if you are an existing Devon and Cornwall or Dorset Police Staff employee substantively posted to a role at the same grade.

Type of employment: Permanent
Type of working arrangement: Hybrid Worker – hybrid working is a form of flexible working where workers spend some of their time working remotely (usually, but not necessarily, from home) and some in the employer's workspace.
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 six out of eleven 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)

Further Information

Want to know more about this role?

Role

Please visit our website for further information including the Recruitment Brochure and to apply. If you think this may be the role for you and would like additional information to that on our website or to arrange an informal conversation, please contact:

Hiring Line Manager: Zoe Parnell – Chief Inspector – Chief Officer Group Support
Email Address:

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