Managing Director – Business Durham

Local Government Chronicle; North East; On-site; GBP 94,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional governmental organization in North East England is seeking a dynamic Managing Director to drive economic growth and investment in County Durham. This influential role involves shaping economic policies, leading strategic programs, and collaborating with local and international stakeholders to ensure a thriving business environment and measurable impact. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in fostering innovation and a commitment to enhancing the region's competitiveness.

Benefits

Up to £8,000 relocation assistance

Qualifications

• Visionary leader with ambition to transform economic growth.
• Experience in driving investment and innovation.
• Proven track record in economic policy and programme implementation.

Responsibilities

• Lead the County's business growth ambitions.
• Shape economic policy to attract investment.
• Work with senior stakeholders to promote County Durham.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Driving investment

Partnership building

Economic policy formulation

Job description

Managing Director - Business Durham

£94,812 plus up to £8,000 relocation assistance

Are you a visionary leader with the ambition to transform economic growth and investment in County Durham? Durham County Council's business growth service, Business Durham, is seeking a dynamic, commercially astute Managing Director to lead the County's business growth ambitions and deliver bold, measurable impact.

As part of the Regeneration, Economy and Growth Directorate, and reporting to the Head of Inclusive Growth and Partnerships, you will provide strategic leadership to position County Durham as a premier destination for business investment, high growth enterprise and innovation. You will shape economic policy and translate it into programmes that attract inward and foreign direct investment, foster innovation within our business base, unlock strategic employment sites and sustainably grow Business Durham's own commercial property portfolio.

This is a high‑profile, influential role at the heart of the County's growth agenda. You will work across council services and with senior stakeholders locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally to ensure Durham is open for business.

We're Looking For a Leader Who Can

• Set and deliver a bold economic vision aligned with corporate priorities to supercharge the county's economy.
• Has a track record in driving investment and innovation across key sectors and in key employment sites to accelerate growth.
• Lead strategic programmes that enable high‑growth businesses to thrive.
• Forge powerful partnerships that unlock investment and strengthen County Durham's position on the national and global stage.
• Deliver measurable impact, ensuring outcomes that enhance resilience, inclusivity, and competitiveness.

To find out more, please contact our retained consultants at Penna: Nick Raper on , or Tom Niven on for a confidential conversation, or download a candidate pack for further information.

Closing date: Sunday 14th December