Head of Strategic Development

This is a senior leadership role responsible for shaping and driving the strategic policy, investment and programme agenda across the Tees Valley Combined Authority. Leading the development of robust policies, investment plans and delivery programmes, you will play a pivotal role in delivering the Tees Valley Local Growth Plan and ensuring the region maintains a strong, investable pipeline of projects. Working across a diverse portfolio, you will align regional priorities with national and devolved funding opportunities, helping to secure significant public and private sector investment that supports long-term economic growth. You will collaborate closely with Directors, Heads of Service and key stakeholders to translate strategic ambitions into deliverable programmes that maximise impact for the region. As a key member of the senior leadership team, you will also deputise for the Director of Infrastructure when required and contribute to the wider strategic leadership and organisational objectives of the Combined Authority. Role requirements We are looking for a strategic and experienced leader with a strong track record of developing and delivering investment, infrastructure, economic growth or regeneration programmes. As proud supporters of the Armed Forces Covenant, we are committed to supporting veterans find and secure employment opportunities. This includes a guaranteed interview to those who meet the minimum criteria for the role.

• Significant experience of leading complex policy, investment or infrastructure programmes.
• A proven ability to develop and manage strategic investment pipelines and secure public and private sector funding.
• Strong knowledge of business case development, governance, assurance frameworks and public sector investment processes.
• Experience of using evidence, data and economic analysis to inform decision-making and investment priorities.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, with experience of influencing senior partners across government, local authorities, business and education sectors.
• Strong financial, risk management and programme delivery expertise.
• Experience of advising senior leaders, elected members or boards within a complex political environment.
• Outstanding leadership, communication and people management skills.
• The ability to represent the organisation at regional, national and international level and act as an ambassador for the Tees Valley.

You will be a collaborative, commercially aware and politically astute leader, capable of translating strategic ambitions into impactful programmes that drive long-term economic growth and investment across the Tees Valley.

• The transformation and upgrades to Darlington, Middlesbrough, Hartlepool, Eaglescliffe and Billingham stations
• The establishment of the South Tees Development Corporation and subsequent creation of Teesworks, the UK's largest industrial zone, home to major clean energy projects
• Bringing Teesside International Airport back into public control
• Establishing a £160million Investment Zone - the UK's only to focus on digital and creative sectors
• Setting up the Hartlepool and Middlesbrough Development Corporations to transform the town centres
• The development of Northern School of Art's new Middlesbrough campus and regeneration of its Hartlepool campus
• Driving education and skills at all levels, including our devolved funding over adult education
• Using our powers as the region's Destination Marketing Organisation to bring big-ticket concerts, events and competitions to Tees Valley
• Numerous infrastructure and place-building projects including Stockton's Waterfront Urban Park, Middlesbrough's Boho Zone, Redcar's Regent Cinema, Hartlepool's Highlight centre and Darlington's Central Park developments.

Tees Valley is where five unique boroughs come together to make one remarkable region - one that harnesses its inventive spirit to get things done. Tees Valley Combined Authority was established in 2016 with devolved powers and funding from central Government transport; infrastructure; education, employment and skills; inward investment and business growth; culture and tourism; and research, innovation and Net Zero. TVCA is led by the Tees Valley Mayor and Cabinet, made up of the Leaders of our five constituent local authorities - Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar & Cleveland and Stockton-on-Tees. Its work is supported by the Tees Valley Business Board, giving local businesses a voice in TVCA's policy and decision-making. The Combined Authority's powers are backed by more than £1.7billion of funding for projects, schemes and programmes to make the region an incredible place to live, work, invest, visit and study. Some major projects led or backed by TVCA over the past decade include:

We're proud of our historical impact across the globe - from being the place that built the world thanks to our rich steel heritage to making it connected through the creation of the first passenger railway. We're now the area which will change the future, thanks to pioneering clean energy and digital innovations. That's reflected in our ten-year Local Growth Plan, which sets out how we are going to capitalise on our key sectors, local strengths, workers' expertise, world-class assets and knowledge-sharing to make sure every investment is joined up and works to turbocharge our economy. We love our diverse region, the five boroughs and their strengths that make Tees Valley greater than the sum of its parts, where the industrial skyline impressively frames rolling green landscapes and beautiful coastlines. A place of cultural and economic growth, where anything is possible.

Competency Framework Leadership & Direction - Communication & Influence - Experience & Technical - Responsibility & Accountability Visions and Values Open > Collaborative > Empathetic > Focused

Our benefits

• Hybrid/Flexible working
• 27 Days annual leave, increasing to 32 days after 5 years service
• Holiday Purchase Scheme
• Local Government Pension Scheme (16.6% employer contribution)
• Access to Private Counselling Sessions
• Access to Physio Therapy Sessions
• Specsavers Eye-Care Vouchers
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Car Lease Scheme
• Free Parking
• On Site Café with staff Discount & more!