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- Tasks: Lead the new Corporate Development Department and shape strategic direction for policing.
- Company: Devon & Cornwall Police, committed to public service and community impact.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, generous leave, and wellness support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in policing while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Postgraduate degree or equivalent experience in strategic planning and corporate coordination.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a supportive and dynamic environment.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 84534 £ per year.
Salary: £75,201 rising to £84,534 per annum + Excellent Benefits including Government Pension
Location: Exeter / Hybrid
Hours per week: 37 hours per week. Part-time and flexible working patterns are considered where feasible.
About the role: Devon & Cornwall Police is establishing a new Corporate Development Department and is seeking an experienced and visionary leader to serve as its inaugural head. The senior role will shape the department’s strategic direction, coordinate organisational delivery, and oversee improvement activity across operational and enabling services. The post holder will work closely with the Chief Constable, Deputy Chief Constable, and Executive Team, representing the Force to stakeholders such as HMICFRS, OPCC, and national policing bodies. The role also provides direct strategic support to the Chief Constable, leads the Executive Staff Office, and oversees culture, inclusion, analytics, and business intelligence functions. The successful candidate will guide development and delivery of the Force’s strategic business plan, inform decision-making through evidence and insight, manage inspection and assurance activity, and coordinate learning and continuous improvement. Leadership of governance frameworks and the coordination of corporate services are essential to achieve shared aims. The role is highly influential in reputation, performance, and long-term planning.
About you: Applicants should hold a postgraduate degree or have equivalent experience in a relevant field. They must bring substantial senior-level experience in strategic planning and corporate coordination within a complex organisation, including long-term direction planning and delivery. Strong knowledge of public-sector governance, planning cycles, resource management, and performance measurement is essential. Proven ability to use data and analytics to shape strategic decisions, along with senior business management experience leading multi-disciplinary teams, is required. Senior executive influence, stakeholder engagement, and the capacity to work in a high-paced, regulated, and scrutinised environment are critical. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are mandatory. The post holder must set a clear vision, translate strategic aims into practical plans, and communicate confidently across the organisation and externally. Candidates are only required to evidence 6 of 11 essential criteria; the remaining are tested at assessment day.
What We Offer: This is a rare opportunity to shape the future direction of policing across Devon and Cornwall. We offer a supportive environment, flexible working, a chance to contribute meaningfully to public service, and a negotiable starting salary based on experience and potential to improve service delivery. Relocation allowance will be considered.
Benefits:
- A competitive salary with yearly increments
- 25 days a year leave entitlement, increasing to 30 days after 5 years continuous employment
- Bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time workers)
- Heavily subsidised gym membership and access to police site gyms
- Blue Light Card Scheme discounts (one-off £5 payment)
- Company sick pay
- Job-related equipment as required
- Free onsite parking at many police sites
- Group insurance scheme via salary sacrifice
- Support networks, free Employee Assistance Programme, Occupational Health and wellbeing services
- Development and training opportunities
- Supportive and flexible training plan with regular check-ins during initial period
- Flexitime with ability to undertake hours flexibly and in line with business need
- Hybrid working, with remote work allowed once training plan is signed off
Seniority level: Director
Employment type: Full-time
Job function: Strategy/Planning and Management, Law Enforcement
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Devon and Cornwall Police by 2x.
Want to know more about this role? Please click on the 'Apply' button to be taken to the vacancy on our website for further information, including the role profile. For a conversation regarding the role, once you have viewed the full details on our website, please contact the line manager below.
Hiring Line Manager: Zoe Parnell – Chief Inspector – Chief Officer Group Support
Head of Corporate Development in Exeter employer: Devon and Cornwall Police
Contact Detail:
Devon and Cornwall Police Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Corporate Development in Exeter
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the policing and corporate development sectors. Attend relevant events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation thoroughly. Understand their values, recent initiatives, and challenges they face. This will help us tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in shaping the future of policing in Devon and Cornwall.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Think of specific examples where you've led teams or projects successfully. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. This will help us demonstrate your strategic planning and corporate coordination skills effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows that you’re proactive and serious about the role. Let’s get you in front of the right people!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Corporate Development in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Head of Corporate Development. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: This role is all about leadership, so don’t hold back! Share specific examples of how you've led teams and influenced strategic decisions in your previous roles. We want to see your vision in action!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is key. Keep your language straightforward and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point while still showcasing your personality.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our organisation there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Devon and Cornwall Police
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you thoroughly understand the role of Head of Corporate Development. Familiarise yourself with Devon & Cornwall Police's strategic goals and how this position fits into their vision. Research recent developments in public-sector governance and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your senior-level experience in strategic planning and corporate coordination. Think about times when you've led multi-disciplinary teams or influenced stakeholders. Be ready to discuss how you can translate strategic aims into practical plans, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Data-Driven Decision Making
Since the role requires using data and analytics to inform decisions, come prepared with specific instances where you've successfully used data to shape strategy. This could include performance measurement or resource management. Demonstrating your analytical skills will show you're a perfect fit for the high-paced environment.
✨Communicate with Confidence
Excellent communication is key for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, especially when discussing complex topics. Prepare to engage with the interviewers by asking insightful questions about the department’s direction and how you can contribute to its success.
