Interim Executive Director of Place

Starfish Search; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency is seeking an Interim Executive Director of Place for a council in Birmingham. This high-profile role involves providing strong leadership across areas such as regeneration, housing, and economic development. Key responsibilities include shaping the council’s place strategy and driving inclusive growth. Candidates should have a solid background in local authority executive roles and experience managing complex place portfolios. This position is a 6-month contract offering a chance to make a significant impact.

Qualifications

• Strong track record at Executive Director or Director level within a local authority.
• Experience leading large, complex Place-based portfolios.
• Proven ability to lead transformation in a politically sensitive environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership across the Place directorate.
• Work closely with the Chief Executive and leadership team.
• Drive inclusive growth and regeneration.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Stakeholder management

Transformation leadership

Regeneration expertise

Financial control

Job description

Starfish Search are working with a Council in the North of England who are seeking an Interim Executive Director of Place to provide strong, visible leadership across a broad Place portfolio. This is a high‑profile role, central to driving economic growth, regeneration, and high-quality place‑based services for residents and communities.

This is a 6 month contract.

You Will :

• Provide strategic leadership across the Place directorate, including regeneration, planning, housing, transport, environmental services, and economic development.
• Work closely with the Chief Executive, Cabinet Members, and Corporate Leadership Team to shape and deliver the council’s place strategy and long‑term vision.
• Drive inclusive growth, regeneration and investment, ensuring outcomes deliver tangible benefits for residents and local businesses.
• Provide clear leadership to senior officers, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and high performance.
• Build strong partnerships with external stakeholders including government bodies, neighbouring authorities, developers, and the voluntary and private sectors.
• Ensure effective governance, risk management, and financial control across the directorate.

You Will Have :

• A strong track record operating at Executive Director, Director, or equivalent level within a local authority.
• Significant experience leading large, complex Place‑based portfolios within local government.
• Proven ability to lead transformation, regeneration, and service improvement in a politically sensitive environment.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the credibility to work effectively with elected Members and senior partners.
• A pragmatic and resilient leadership style, able to balance strategic direction with hands‑on problem solving when required.

Due to a high volume of applications, we may not be able to respond to every applicant individually.