Job Description
Who we are & what we stand for
Do you want to shape Gateshead’s economic future, leading the services that drive business growth, attract investment and regenerate places across the borough?
If that sounds like you, keep reading – we might be the perfect match.
These roles form part of a wider organisational redesign to ensure the Council is structured to deliver high-quality, efficient services for the people of Gateshead. This supports our commitment to putting residents at the heart of everything we do and enabling everyone in our borough to thrive.
At Gateshead Council, we pride ourselves on our ambitious and forward thinking approach to delivering high quality services and improving outcomes for our communities. We believe our employees are the driving force behind our Thrive agenda, and as a senior leader you will be instrumental in shaping the future direction of services across the borough.
You will join a leadership team that values collaboration, innovation and integrity. You’ll have the freedom to influence policy, drive service transformation, and lead large, diverse services that directly contribute to a cleaner, safer and more prosperous Gateshead.
Supporting services that make a difference to our communities
Gateshead has ambitious plans to regenerate the Borough and forms part of NESMA’s urban core Mayoral Development Zone. Delivery has just begun but with some exciting new developers on board and removal of our flyover a once in a lifetime opportunity to transform Gateshead exists. Our Economy, Property & Regeneration Service plays a pivotal role in delivering Gateshead’s economic ambition. From leading business growth and inward investment to developing strategic property assets, delivering major regeneration schemes and securing external funding, this service drives the conditions that create jobs, stimulate development and raise prosperity across the borough.
As Service Director for Economy, Property & Regeneration, you will provide strategic leadership across these vital functions, shaping economic strategy, growing strong business relationships, maximising investment, modernising and transforming services and enabling a major programme of regeneration that supports thriving places and strong communities.
What you will get to do
In this strategic leadership role, you will:
• Contribute to the Council’s strategic direction and the work of the Economy, Innovation & Growth group, supporting the delivery of the Thrive agenda.
• Work across Council services and contribute to wider organisational priorities as part of the senior leadership team.
• Lead economic strategy, business growth and inward investment, influencing national, regional and local policies and programmes.
• Represent Gateshead on external bodies and partnerships, including regional collaborations, to promote the Council’s priorities and secure investment.
• Lead business support functions including business centres, advice services and initiatives that attract, sustain and grow businesses.
• Drive the development and delivery of regeneration, property and infrastructure strategies, ensuring strong alignment with corporate objectives.
• Oversee the modernisation, management and strategic development of Council property assets.
• Ensure robust programme management of regeneration programmes, capital projects and funding portfolios.
• Identify, secure and manage external funding from regional, national and international sources to maximise economic outcomes.
• Build strong partnerships with private sector organisations, developers, funders and key agencies to deliver shared priorities.
• Provide strategic advice and high quality reports to Members, partners and senior stakeholders on economic development, business growth and regeneration.
• Lead workforce, budgets, assets and performance management, including Trade Union engagement, across the service.
• Lead business continuity, risk management, policy development and performance frameworks for all service areas.
• Deputise for the Strategic Director as required.
What you will bring
• A recognised professional qualification relevant to the role, or extensive senior leadership experience at an equivalent level.
• Extensive experience in local economic development, property, regeneration or related fields, with up to date knowledge of national policy.
• Strong strategic leadership skills with the ability to manage complex, multi disciplinary services and drive transformational change.
• Proven ability to secure and manage external funding, deliver major programmes and lead high value capital projects.
• Experience of building strong partnerships with businesses, developers, regional bodies, funders and key stakeholders.
• Strong commercial, influencing and negotiation skills, with an understanding of economic, property and cross boundary issues.
• Excellent communication and political awareness, with experience supporting and advising Elected Members and managing consultative processes.
What’s in it for you
- Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience.
- Outstanding Pension Scheme: We don’t just offer a great salary – we invest in your future too. Find out what benefits a Local Government Pension provides: https://twpf.info
- Generous Annual Leave: Enjoy 28 days of annual leave, rising to 32 days after 5 years (2 of which can be fixed by the Council), plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days.
- Hybrid & Flexible Working: We support a healthy work-life balance with flexible and hybrid working options.
- Learning & Development: Access a wide range of training, development, and progression opportunities to help you grow your career.
- Health & Wellbeing Support: From discounted gym memberships through our partner GLL to mental health resources, we care about your wellbeing.
- Cycle to Work Scheme: Save money and stay active with our tax-efficient cycle to work programme.
- Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme: Get behind the wheel of a brand-new electric or hybrid vehicle through our salary sacrifice car scheme in partnership with NHS Fleet Solutions – a cost-effective, environmentally friendly way to drive (after 12 months service).
- Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice: Through our VIVUP employee benefits platform, enjoy discounts on shopping, travel, and services – plus salary sacrifice options on white goods, electronics, and more, helping you spread the cost of essential purchases (after 6 months service).
Our commitment to you
We are an equal opportunities employer and aim to have a culture and a workplace where our people feel a sense of belonging, are respected and empowered to do their best work. We know that we deliver better services when our workforce reflects the full range of backgrounds and experiences in the society we serve. We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation
How to apply
You can apply online using the apply now button below. Within the form, you’ll be asked for details about you, your career history, skills, experiences and qualifications.
We advise you to be as detailed and specific as possible, paying particular attention to any of the above which are relevant to the role to which you are applying.
If you have any questions about your application, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our recruitment team via recruitment@gateshead.gov.uk
Please note: As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. However, in high-volume recruitment situations, it may not always be practicable to interview every eligible candidate. In such cases, we may need to prioritise those who best meet the essential criteria, based on the information provided in the application.
Additionally, the Council reserves the right to close this vacancy early or adjust the shortlisting criteria, including the pass mark for interview selection, to ensure a fair and manageable recruitment process. We encourage early applications.