Strategic Director of Community Services

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

Job summary

A local authority in England is seeking a Strategic Director of Community Services. This pivotal role involves leading regeneration, economic development, and sustainable planning. The successful candidate will be an exceptional leader with superb communication skills, capable of inspiring change and influencing stakeholders. This position offers a unique chance to impact community life significantly. The organization provides competitive benefits, including a generous leave policy and a relocation scheme for eligible candidates.

Benefits

Annual leave entitlement of 32 days p/a PLUS public holidays

Local Government pension scheme

Discounted Solent ferry travel

Island bus network discount

Cycle to work scheme

Staff parking permit scheme

Discounted island sports & leisure gym membership

National and local discounts & benefits schemes

Relocation scheme of up to £8,000 may be available

Travel allowance may be available if commuting from the mainland

Qualifications

• Proven experience in leading diverse portfolios in local government.
• Ability to influence and inspire stakeholders across various levels.
• Strategic vision and resilience to drive transformation and innovation.

Responsibilities

• Lead regeneration, economic development and environmental strategies.
• Act as an ambassador representing the Council at various forums.
• Translate political priorities into actionable strategies.

Skills

Exceptional leadership

Superb communication skills

Engagement and relationship building

Job description

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.

As a key member of our corporate leadership team, you will:

• 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.

As our Strategic Director of Community Services, you’ll drive regeneration, transformation and economic growth, shape sustainable planning and environmental strategies, modernise services and oversee vital work that touches every part of island life, making a lasting impact for generations to come.

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.

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.

Join #TeamIWC and you’ll receive our staff benefits package, including:

• Annual leave entitlement of 32 days p/a PLUS public holidays!
• Local Government pension scheme
• Discounted Solent ferry travel
• Island bus network discount
• Cycle to work scheme
• Staff parking permit scheme
• Discounted island sports & leisure gym membership
• National and local discounts & benefits schemes
• Relocation scheme of up to £8,000 may be available for some roles (subject to criteria)
• Travel allowance may be available if commuting from the mainland (subject to criteria)

Closing date: Sunday 11 January 2026

Interviews: We plan to interview 29 January 2026 with a view to the successful candidate starting in post on or before May 2026

For full details on this vacancy please visit our campaign page.

To apply please click the Apply Now link below.