At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the creation of vibrant communities and strategic place-shaping initiatives.
- Company: Join Wokingham Borough Council, a forward-thinking local authority.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, pension schemes, gym access, and lifestyle discounts.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic area with excellent transport links and a strong local economy.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on community development and economic growth.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in complex environments and strategic planning.
The predicted salary is between 148609 - 148609 £ per year.
Employer: Wokingham Borough Council
Salary: £148,609 per annum, plus benefits
Location: Wokingham Borough Council, Shute End/Home Working
Contract: Permanent
Working Pattern: Full Time
Hours: 37 hours per week.
DBS Check: No
Closing Date: 20/09/2026 at 23:00
Reference: EDP01
Be an inspirational place shaper for Wokingham. Creating new communities and developing existing communities through new housing, community infrastructure and regeneration. Working across the Council, with our external partners and our residents, help us shape and create new and vibrant communities.
As our Executive Director for Place, you will lead an outward-looking and forward-thinking place-shaping agenda. This is about far more than traditional operational service delivery: it is about strategically leading and shaping a broad and dynamic portfolio of services including planning, climate change, environment services, highways and transport, major projects, culture and economic development. Creating places for all, where people can thrive.
As an exceptional, experienced, strategic leader you will truly create a sense of place ensuring residents, businesses and partners benefit from ambitious, connected, integrated and future-ready services. This includes leading the Council’s contribution to sub-regional and cross-sector working. Securing investment, strengthening partnerships across Berkshire and beyond, and promoting Wokingham as an attractive place to live, work, visit and invest.
Wokingham is an ambitious Borough, fast-growing in population, with a resilient economy, and a strong partnership network. Global businesses such as Microsoft, Oracle and Shinfield Studios, along with the University of Reading are within our place, meaning there are many and significant opportunities for partnership working and for someone who is passionate about place making and shaping.
We are looking for an experienced, resilient and visible senior leader who is able to create a genuine connection to the borough. Someone with a strong track record of operating at strategic level in a complex political environment, and who brings a modern business approach. Someone who can bring teams together behind a shared vision, building a cohesive directorate, and work across businesses, schools and communities. Someone who is inspirational, innovative and embraces change.
If you are passionate about place shaping and creating the conditions for communities and businesses to flourish, we want to hear from you.
Benefits:
- Generous Annual Leave– 31-36 days per annum (depending on local government continuous service), plus Bank Holidays
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- GP Helpline– Available 7 days a week
- Employee Assistance Programme– Including a 24/7 Your Care Helpline
- Free Eye Tests and Flu Vaccines
- Free Onsite Gym– Located at Shute End Offices, Wokingham
- Salary Sacrifice Schemes– Including Car and Cycle to Work schemes
- Local & Lifestyle Discounts– Save on shopping, entertainment, dining out & more
- Move through Menopause Course
- Sports & Social Group Activities– Including running, football, cricket & more
- Learning & Development Opportunities
- Employee Networks
- And more!
Our Area:
Wokingham Borough is set in the heart of Berkshire with excellent transport links to Reading and central London. Our area comprises of a vibrant and historical market town, attractive villages, and miles of beautiful countryside. We’re home to a range of high performing schools, a host of international businesses and an incredible community. The borough has a strong local economy with accelerated growth, a range of excellent public facilities and low levels of crime, offering an exceptional quality of life.
For more information or to arrange an informal discussion, please contact our resourcing team through recruit@wokingham.gov.uk, or Sally Halliwell, Head of HR and OD through sally.halliwell@wokingham.gov.uk (Strictly no agencies).
Closing date: Sunday 20th September 2026, 11pm
Interview date schedule:
- Fireside Chats with Chief Executive, Susan Parsonage MBE – Monday 12th October 2026
- Technical Interviews and Stakeholder Panels – Tuesday 13th to Thursday 15th October 2026
- Final Member’s Panel – Friday 16th October 2026
AI in Applications: We recognise that candidates may choose to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support the preparation of their job applications. When used appropriately, AI can be a helpful aid in structuring responses, checking clarity, and improving presentation. However, applications must reflect your own skills, experience and understanding. If an application appears to rely excessively on AI-generated content, it may not meet the required standard and could be rejected. We encourage all applicants to ensure their submissions are authentic, tailored to the role, and clearly demonstrate their own knowledge, experience and suitability.
If your application is shortlisted for an interview, you will be required to provide proof of your right to work in the UK at that stage. Additionally, successful candidates must present proof upon receiving a job offer. Please note that all offers are conditional and subject to the satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks.
Please be aware that we will be reviewing the applications we receive on a daily basis, and we reserve the right to close the advert early if suitable candidates are identified.
Wokingham Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff, other workers and volunteers to share this commitment. All successful candidates for this role will be subject to relevant employment checks.
Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we regret that we are unable to respond to every applicant individually. If you do not hear from us within 4 weeks of the application closing date, please assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion. We appreciate your interest in joining Wokingham Borough Council and thank you for taking the time to apply.
Wokingham is an equal opportunities employer.
Executive Director for Place in Wokingham employer: Kirklees Metropolitan Council
Kirklees Metropolitan Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and flexible work environment for Childcare Lawyers in Northallerton. With hybrid working options and a strong commitment to employee growth, the council fosters a culture of collaboration and professional development, making it an ideal place for those passionate about making a meaningful impact in children's services.
Contact Details:
Kirklees Metropolitan Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Director for Place in Wokingham
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We think you need these skills to ace Executive Director for Place in Wokingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
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Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
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How to prepare for a job interview at Kirklees Metropolitan Council
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Kirklees Metropolitan Council, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
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The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
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Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Kirklees Metropolitan Council.
