Head of Service – Regeneration and Economy

Sandwell Council’s Place Division is seeking an experienced Head of Service – Regeneration and Economy to join its team on a full time, permanent basis from its Oldbury office.

The role: We are seeking an exceptional and results-driven regeneration leader to take ownership of a £3bn regeneration pipeline, driving forward major programmes that will transform places and deliver sustainable economic growth. Acting as a senior project sponsor, you will lead high-profile, multi-million-pound schemes, ensuring strong governance, effective risk management, and successful delivery at scale. You will play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering ambitious regeneration strategies, working closely with key partners such as the West Midlands Combined Authority, Homes England, developers, and investors to unlock funding and maximise impact. A core focus will be increasing affordable housing supply through strategic partnerships and direct delivery of major housing programmes. With oversight across regeneration and business support functions, you will champion economic growth, attract inward investment, and ensure businesses have access to the right support to thrive. You will also drive policy development to maximise social value, promote inclusive growth, and embed sustainability and high-quality design across all programmes. This role requires strong stakeholder management, the ability to operate at senior regional and national levels, and a proven track record of delivering complex regeneration projects that create lasting economic and community benefits. This is a unique opportunity to lead transformative change and shape the future of a borough undergoing significant growth and investment.

Attributes that you would bring to the role:

• Degree or equivalent qualification in regeneration, planning, economic development, property, or a related field.
• Extensive management experience to include project management, people management, budget management, performance management and best value.
• Significant experience in leading and delivering large-scale regeneration or development projects.
• Proven track record of securing and managing multi-million-pound external funding.
• Experience of working in a complex political environment with multiple stakeholders.
• Demonstrable experience of programme and project management, including use of formal methodologies.
• Leadership evidence in a public sector environment and with change management/transformation skills.
• Experience of overseeing large scale change programmes by being outcome focused.
• Understanding how transformational change underpins the Medium-Term Financial Plan.
• Strong and positive service delivery champion for the service with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Strong understanding of UK regeneration policy, planning processes, and economic development frameworks.
• Knowledge of partnership models, funding structures, and investment appraisal techniques.
• Understanding of the principles of inclusive growth, social value, community engagement, and sustainable place-making.

Why Sandwell Council? At Sandwell Council, our work has a real impact. We are proud to be a values‑led organisation that supports its employees with excellent benefits, a competitive remuneration package, and a strong focus on development. By joining us, you’ll play a key role in delivering services that make a real and lasting difference to thousands of people across the borough.

To find out more, please visit our careers page: We Are Sandwell – We Are Sandwell.

To be considered, please submit a CV and supporting statement to Imran_butt@sandwell.gov.uk.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should a high number of applications be received. Applicants are therefore strongly encouraged to apply as soon as possible. If you are an internal candidate and currently at risk, please let the recruiting manager know.

We place equality, diversity and inclusion at the core of who we are and how we lead, where every voice matters. At Sandwell, we recognise and value the richness that comes from diverse lived experiences, perspectives, backgrounds and identities. This diversity makes us a stronger and more effective council. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to building a workplace where everyone feels they belong, are treated fairly, and have the opportunity to thrive. Creating an environment where colleagues feel respected, supported and able to contribute fully is central to our culture and the way we work. We are committed to ensuring that all applicants and employees have equitable access to opportunities. Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the recruitment process and within the workplace so that everyone has the support they need to perform at their best and succeed in their role. If you wish to apply as Care Leaver, Armed Forces Veteran or a Disability Confident candidate, please make sure to state this when submitting your CV. If you have a disability and require assistance in submitting your CV, would like to request reasonable adjustments to assist you in this process please contact Imran_butt@sandwell.gov.uk.