Rushcliffe Borough Council - Deputy Chief Executive and Director for Development & Economic Growth

Deputy Chief Executive and Director for Development & Economic Growth

Lead growth, regeneration and place leadership in a high-performing council.

Rushcliffe is widely recognised as one of the country’s most successful and high-performing district councils. Serving a thriving borough south of Nottingham, we combine a strong track record of delivering high-quality services with an ambitious agenda for sustainable growth, regeneration and place leadership.

We are now seeking an exceptional leader to join our Executive Management Team as Deputy Chief Executive and Director for Development & Economic Growth.

The Opportunity

This is a pivotal corporate leadership role at the heart of one of the region’s most dynamic local authorities.

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive, you will help shape the strategic direction of the Council while leading a broad portfolio that sits at the centre of Rushcliffe’s future prosperity and place development.

Your responsibilities will include the leadership of a number of key services including economic growth, development management and planning policy, property services, corporate projects, business support team and the Rushcliffe Oaks Crematorium and will support major regeneration initiatives. You will work closely with Members to translate ambition into delivery and ensure the Council continues to play a leading role in shaping the borough’s future.

The role also carries Deputy Chief Executive responsibilities, supporting the Chief Executive in driving major strategic programmes and representing the Council in regional partnerships.

You will be directly involved in a number of high-profile projects and partnerships, including:

• The future development opportunities arising from the Ratcliffe-on-Soar power station site
• Engagement with the East Midlands Combined County Authority
• Work linked to the East Midlands Freeport
• Major place-shaping initiatives across the borough

This is a rare opportunity to influence the long-term economic future of a borough that combines strong growth potential with a commitment to sustainable development and high-quality places.

The Organisation

Rushcliffe Borough Council is an award-winning and forward-thinking authority with a reputation for delivering high-quality services and maintaining strong financial stewardship.

The borough is one of the most attractive places to live in the East Midlands, with vibrant communities, successful local businesses and a strong commitment to protecting and enhancing the natural environment.

Our Corporate Strategy sets out a clear vision for the future, focused on:

• Supporting sustainable economic growth
• Delivering high-quality places and communities
• Protecting the environment and tackling climate change
• Maintaining excellent public services and value for money

At Rushcliffe we pride ourselves on being ambitious, collaborative and pragmatic. We are a council where leaders have the opportunity to shape outcomes, build strong partnerships and make a visible difference to the places we serve.

Our modern offices at Rushcliffe Arena in West Bridgford, combined with flexible and hybrid working arrangements, provide an environment that supports collaboration, wellbeing and productivity.

Candidates

We are looking for a strategic, outward-facing and politically astute leader who can operate confidently at the most senior levels of local government.

You will bring:

• A strong track record of leadership within local government or a similarly complex organisation
• Experience leading significant services, budgets and professional teams
• A strong understanding of place-shaping, regeneration, planning, economic growth or property
• The ability to build productive relationships with Members, partners and stakeholders
• Experience of delivering change and improvement in a politically sensitive environment

Above all, you will be a visible and inspiring leader who can bring people together around a shared vision for the borough’s future. You will combine strategic thinking with a pragmatic, delivery-focused mindset and the credibility to influence across organisational and partnership boundaries.

How to Apply

For further information, please visit https://www.rushcliffe.gov.uk//leadership-vacancies

Please download the Job Description and Person Specification.

And for a confidential discussion about the role, please contact our retained consultants at Penna: Pete John on 07701 305617 or Julie Towers on 07764 791736.

Closing date: 30 April 2026

How to Apply

1. Upload your CV under “Please select one of the options below.”
2. Complete the short mandatory fields on the next page.
3. Use ‘Add Attachments’ to upload your Supporting Statement and any other documents.
4. Please ensure that the file name of your CV and supporting statement includes your full name.
5. Ensure both CV and Supporting Statement are uploaded before submitting your application.
6. If you have a long-term health condition or disability and would like your application to be considered in accordance with a Disability Confident Scheme, please email: execapplications@penna.com, to inform the Penna team.