Service Director Development & Economy
Job Family: Enabling M - 19
Salary: £95,953 – £106,769 + MRS of up to £13,000 for qualified planners
Hours: 37 per week.
Location: You will be expected to attend a CBC office location as often as needed to carry out your role, which will be no less than twice per month.
Contract Type: Hybrid - Permanent
Closing Date: 8th February 2026
Interview Date: The interview process will consist of a 1st stage technical interview to take place at the end of February 2026 and if successful at this stage candiates will progress to an in person formal interview at Priory House, Shefford in early March 2026. Exact dates will be confirmed as soon as possible.
More about the role
Central Bedfordshire is growing fast. More than 2000 new homes are being delivered each year. We are central in the Ox Cam Corridor and the choices made now will shape the place for decades.
The M1, A1, East Coast Mainline and Midland Mainline giving great connectivity north and south all of which will be bolstered by East West Rail and make the area even more important to growth opportunities – you will play a major role in managing these to the benefit of the area. Universal studios has just received planning permission. We await the government’s announcement on New Towns.
As Service Director – Development & Economy, you will lead the council’s approach to planning, development, and economic growth at a pivotal point. This is a role that sits at the heart of the organisation’s relationship with its future. You will be responsible for shaping how growth happens, where it happens, and how it delivers real benefit for communities.
Overseeing planning and development services that manage complex applications you will have demonstrable successful strategic and operational planning experience. You will work with members, developers, communities, and partners to navigate competing priorities and unlock development that is viable and aligned with the council’s ambitions. Alongside this, you will provide leadership on economic development, helping to support jobs, skills, and investment across a diverse and evolving area.
Central Bedfordshire is not a blank canvas. It is made up of villages, market towns, new settlements and established communities, each with their own concerns and aspirations. This role requires someone who can hold that complexity, who understands that growth is as much about trust and legitimacy as it is about policy and process.
You will need to be politically astute and able to advise Members, contribute to corporate leadership, and represent the council externally.
Central Bedfordshire doesn’t stand still and is focused on modernising and being efficient alongside outstanding service delivery. You will need to be ready to embrace change.
This is a role for someone motivated by shaping real places and long-term outcomes. Central Bedfordshire offers scale, pace, and the opportunity to leave a lasting imprint on a growing authority.
To find out more about Central Bedfordshire Council please follow the links below
Our 2024 - 2027 Strategic Plan
We have a number of rewards and benefits available to our staff, to view these please visit our Rewards and Benefits page
Our aspiration is to be a truly flexible employer. We welcome discussion on location, hours and working pattern as part of the application process.
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You will be expected to demonstrate how you meet the key accountabilities and competencies in this Recruitment Pack.
Our Competency Framework and Qualification Guidance are to be read in conjunction with our Recruitment Pack.
If you would like to arrange a call to discuss this opportunity further please contact recruitment@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk
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To maintain a fair and consistent approach for applicants, it is Central Bedfordshire Council's policy to only consider applications made via our online application system and we therefore thank you for not submitting your application offline.