Assistant Director Strategy and Policy

Assistant Director of Strategy & Policy

Location: Matlock, Derbyshire/Hybrid

Introduction:

The next three years in Local Government Strategic Planning at Derbyshire County Council will be challenging and rewarding in equal measure. As a council, and along with the Local Government Sector, Derbyshire County Council is reshaping how the council works to improve, modernise and deliver efficiencies, as part of a long-term sustainable strategy for the future. We have ambitious plans and are making significant changes to our overall operating model, to function as a unified ‘one council’ entity.

In addition to our ambitions for how we operate at present, are the changes Central Government is making to the Local Government Sector, which will see Derbyshire County Council and its District & Borough Councils merge into a Unitary Council on 1 Apr 2028. We are required to submit our detailed proposals for what that Unitary Council should look like, to Central Government, on 28 Nov 2025. We have spent some time in the last two years re-engineering how we plan, and these next three years will be a fantastic challenge for someone who is interested in the sector and strategic planning.

We are looking for an enthusiastic, innovative and problem-solving leader, who can lead our Strategic Planning Team through one of the most significant periods of changes in how Derbyshire County Council and the Local Government Sector is organised to deliver services to residents and communities.

If you thrive on complexity and uncertainty and enjoy the large-scale strategic planning challenges that come with charting the best future for a council which spends over a £bn of public money each year, we would love to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities:

• Aligning Council strategies and policies with local and national policies, informed by credible research.
• Leading the Integrated Strategic Planning process, including the delivery plan and budget setting.
• Strengthening the performance management framework with tools, metrics, and technology.
• Developing the Council’s corporate research and information function.
• Horizon scanning at various levels to align strategies with emerging challenges and opportunities.

Qualifications:

• Degree equivalent and/or relevant professional qualification and/or relevant experience.
• Evidence of continuing management and personal development.

Experience:

• Leadership in developing strategy and policy in a large, complex organization.
• Implementing diverse activities and aligning service delivery to strategic priorities.
• Understanding of government developments, legislation, and best practices.
• People management, business planning, and performance management frameworks.
• Managing budgets and resources effectively.

What We Offer:

• 34 days of annual leave, plus bank holidays.
• Flexitime, allowing up to 2 additional days of leave per month.
• Training and development opportunities.
• Generous local government pension scheme.
• Guaranteed incremental annual pay increases.
• Access to a comprehensive wellbeing package.
• Electric and plug-in hybrid vehicle salary sacrifice scheme.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Discounts at selected county leisure centres.

Join us during this period of positive transformation and growth. If you are passionate about strategic leadership and driving change, we’d love to hear from you.

How to Apply: Submit your CV and a cover statement outlining your suitability for the role, including how your experience aligns with the key responsibilities and requirements set out in the Job and Person Profile. CVs submitted without covering statements will not be considered.

If you would like to have an informal chat about this role, please contact Recruitment Manager Chris O’Brien at Chris.O’Brien@derbyshire.gov.uk

Closing date for applications: Sunday 4^th May 2025

Interview Date: Week Commencing 12^th May 2025