Director of City Development

Contract type

Permanent, Full Time

Location

City of Wolverhampton Council

Salary

£116,487 – £139,874 (Grade 14)

Hours

37 Hours per week

Job Title

Director of City Development

Overview

We are looking for an outstanding and experienced leader to join our Strategic Executive Board as Director of City Development. This pivotal role shapes and delivers the Council’s strategic priorities and drives an ambitious programme of regeneration and transformation.

About The Role

As Director of City Development, you will:

• Provide strategic leadership as a member of the Council's senior leadership team, Strategic Executive Board (SEB).
• Lead and deliver major regeneration programmes, including high‑profile capital projects and development sites.
• Drive organisational transformation and change, embedding a culture of continuous improvement.
• Oversee key service areas including:
  • Assets
  • City Planning
  • City Development
  • Green Cities and Circular Economy
  • Special projects such as the Green Innovation Corridor
• Develop innovative and commercial approaches to service delivery and commissioning.
• Build strong partnerships with regional, national and private sector stakeholders.
• Ensure effective management of significant financial, people and physical resources to deliver value for money.

You will also play a key role in shaping policy, advising elected members, and supporting the Council’s long‑term vision and priorities.

About You

We are looking for a highly experienced and credible senior leader who can operate effectively at strategic level within a complex organisation.

You will bring:

• Extensive experience leading large, complex, multi‑service portfolios.
• A strong track record of delivering major regeneration and capital projects.
• Proven experience of driving large‑scale organisational change and transformation.
• A deep understanding of the economic, political and strategic challenges facing local government.
• Significant experience managing multi‑million‑pound budgets and resources.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at local, regional and national level.
• Strong commitment to partnership working, social value, and delivering outcomes for communities.

You will be someone who can think strategically, lead confidently, and deliver results in complex and often ambiguous environments.

Why join us?

• Shape the future of a growing and ambitious city.
• Lead high‑impact programmes that deliver real benefits for residents and businesses.
• Work at the centre of decision‑making as part of the senior leadership team.
• Drive innovation, transformation and long‑term economic growth.

Interview Details

Interviews will take place on Thursday 23 July 2026 and will consist of the following:

• Stakeholder Panel
• Special Appointments Committee

Our Working Arrangements

All council roles are allocated to either a fixed, field or flexible work style. Roles may be agile, allowing employees to maximise performance while maintaining work‑life balance. Fixed workstyle requires working in a fixed permanent council location. Field workstyle involves community work with a minimum requirement for touch‑down space. Flexible workstyle allows a flexible base location, enabling work from home, council office, partner/client or external location as required.

Diversity

We are committed to building a workforce that reflects the diverse community we serve. We value inclusion, equality and diversity, and maintain a Disability Confident Employer status and Stonewall Gold Award. We offer a guaranteed interview to eligible candidates who meet the essential criteria.

Legal & EEO Statement

We are committed to the fair treatment of all employees and potential employees, including ex‑offenders, and provide equal opportunities regardless of background.