Service Director - Development & Economy

Central Bedfordshire Council; Campton; Hybrid; GBP 95,953 - 106,769; Full time

Job summary

A local authority in England is seeking a Service Director for Development & Economy to lead its planning and economic growth initiatives. This pivotal role demands strategic oversight of development services and requires expertise in navigating complex stakeholder landscapes. The ideal candidate will possess demonstrable experience in operational planning and political astuteness, capable of shaping growth that benefits communities while ensuring effective service delivery. The position offers significant opportunity to leave a lasting impact in a rapidly developing region.

Qualifications

• Demonstrable successful strategic and operational planning experience.
• Ability to navigate competing priorities and unlock viable development.
• Experience in advising Members and contributing to corporate leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, development, and economic growth for Central Bedfordshire.
• Oversee planning and development services managing complex applications.
• Provide leadership on economic development to support jobs and investment.

Skills

Strategic planning

Operational planning

Political astuteness

Public consultation

Education

Relevant planning qualifications

Job description

Salary: £95,953 – £106,769 + MRS of up to £13,000 for qualified planners

Location: You will be expected to attend a CBC office location as often as needed to carry out your role, which will be no less than twice per month.

Contract Type: Hybrid - Permanent

Closing Date: 8th February 2026

Interview Date: The interview process will consist of a 1st stage technical interview to take place at the end of February 2026 and if successful at this stage candiates will progress to an in person formal interview at Priory House, Shefford in early March 2026. Exact dates will be confirmed as soon as possible.

More about the role

Central Bedfordshire is growing fast. More than 2000 new homes are being delivered each year. We are central in the Ox Cam Corridor and the choices made now will shape the place for decades.

The M1, A1, East Coast Mainline and Midland Mainline giving great connectivity north and south all of which will be bolstered by East West Rail and make the area even more important to growth opportunities – you will play a major role in managing these to the benefit of the area. Universal studios has just received planning permission. We await the government’s announcement on New Towns.

As Service Director – Development & Economy, you will lead the council’s approach to planning, development, and economic growth at a pivotal point. This is a role that sits at the heart of the organisation’s relationship with its future. You will be responsible for shaping how growth happens, where it happens, and how it delivers real benefit for communities.

Overseeing planning and development services that manage complex applications you will have demonstrable successful strategic and operational planning experience. You will work with members, developers, communities, and partners to navigate competing priorities and unlock development that is viable and aligned with the council’s ambitions. Alongside this, you will provide leadership on economic development, helping to support jobs, skills, and investment across a diverse and evolving area.

Central Bedfordshire is not a blank canvas. It is made up of villages, market towns, new settlements and established communities, each with their own concerns and aspirations. This role requires someone who can hold that complexity, who understands that growth is as much about trust and legitimacy as it is about policy and process.

You will need to be politically astute and able to advise Members, contribute to corporate leadership, and represent the council externally.

Central Bedfordshire doesn’t stand still and is focused on modernising and being efficient alongside outstanding service delivery. You will need to be ready to embrace change.

This is a role for someone motivated by shaping real places and long-term outcomes. Central Bedfordshire offers scale, pace, and the opportunity to leave a lasting imprint on a growing authority.