Strategic Director of Community Services

Isle of Wight Council; Thorley; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority is seeking a Strategic Director of Community Services to lead regeneration, economic development, and a range of vital services. This role requires exceptional leadership and superb communication skills to engage with the workforce and public effectively. The successful candidate will transform services aiming for sustainability and visibility, delivering on the Council's vision. This is a significant opportunity to inspire change within the community and drive measurable outcomes for the residents.

Qualifications

• Exceptional leader with superb communication skills.
• Ability to engage, inspire and influence a range of stakeholders.
• Experience in building relationships with workforce and public.

Responsibilities

• Lead a diverse portfolio including regeneration and economic development.
• Drive transformation and innovation in service delivery.
• Represent the Council at regional and national forums.
• Translate political priorities into actionable strategies.
• Modernise services impacting every part of island life.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Strategic planning

Public engagement

Customer-centric principles

Job description

Overview

Your vision. Our community.

At the Isle of Wight Council, we’re passionate about creating thriving communities, protecting our unique environment, and driving sustainable growth.

As a forward-thinking local authority, we put people first and champion innovation, collaboration, and excellence in everything we do.

We are now seeking a Strategic Director of Community Services to shape the future of our communities. Are you ready to join our team and lead with vision and purpose?

This is a rare opportunity to inspire change, champion sustainability and make a lasting impact on the lives of thousands.

This is your chance to lead at a level where it truly matters.

Responsibilities

• Lead a diverse portfolio including regeneration, economic development, environment, planning, highways, waste, commercial services, cultural heritage, leisure, coastal and public realm.
• Drive transformation and innovation, embedding customer‑centric principles and delivering services that make a real difference to residents.
• Act as an ambassador for the Island, representing us at regional and national forums and building strategic partnerships that unlock growth and opportunity.
• Shape the Council’s vision, translating political priorities into actionable strategies that deliver best value and measurable outcomes.
• Modernise services and oversee vital work that touches every part of island life, making a lasting impact for generations to come.

Qualifications

To truly embrace this role, you’ll need to be an exceptional leader, with superb communication skills, able to engage, inspire and influence as you build on relationships with our workforce, the public, media and partnership organisations.

Apply

If you have the drive, resilience, and strategic vision to lead one of the most diverse and impactful portfolios in local government, we want to hear from you.