Service Director – Economy, Regeneration and Assets
Cornwall Council
Up to £126,884
Cornwall is blessed with world-class natural beauty matched by leading edge innovation and limitless ambition. We see Cornwall as the UK’s fifth nation, proud of our Celtic heritage, shaped by our pioneering history and focused on a bright future for one and all. Cornwall is a thriving cultural destination, home to globally renowned natural and built attractions, a vibrant food scene, growing university sector, and a rich arts offer. Cornwall is also a place that is fast becoming key to the sustainability of the UK economy, with cutting edge technologies being developed across a range of sectors, including renewable energy, critical minerals, defence, agri-food and space.
We want to stimulate ‘good growth’ and unlock the potential of everyone in Cornwall – including future residents that aren’t even born yet. That is why one of our six Cornwall Council priorities is to create a caring place for families where children build a bright future, with lifelong opportunities that stretch beyond their postcode. Our whole workforce of c.5,800 is one of the most passionate you’ll find anywhere, upholding our values and focused every day on doing their best for the people of Cornwall by being bold and empowering to create sustainable change together.
THE ROLE
We have reshaped our approach to economic development so that it can meet this moment – creating a new service area that brings together economy, skills, regeneration, assets and capital programmes under one unified leadership.
We are now looking for the first Service Director for Economy, Regeneration and Assets: a senior and highly visible role at the heart of Cornwall’s ambitions for prosperity, sustainability and place‑shaping.
As structural funding comes to an end, Cornwall is transitioning to an outcome‑based commissioning model – one that uses influence, partnerships, commercial capacity and investment to unlock growth rather than relying on traditional grant dependency. Our £30m revenue base, £1.6bn capital programme and newly created £45–50m evergreen investment fund form a powerful foundation for this shift.
Your leadership will be critical in turning that framework into real delivery. You will shape a modern, joined‑up growth service with the confidence and capability to attract inward investment, support sector expansion, revitalise town centres, drive housing delivery and make best use of land and assets across Cornwall. You will act as the Council’s principal economic adviser and senior client for major programmes, ensuring rigour, accountability and progress in all areas.
We are seeking a senior leader with:
- A strong background in inward investment and physical regeneration
- Experience commissioning for outcomes and managing complex delivery partnerships
- Credibility working across public and commercial sectors
- A collaborative leadership style balanced with clarity, grip and accountability
- The ability to shape a new service and inspire confidence internally and externally.
This is a strategic, visible role at the heart of Cornwall’s growth ambitions. With major programmes on the cusp of delivery and a clear shift in how we drive economic outcomes, the successful candidate will help define Cornwall’s economic future.
INFORMATION
Download the candidate pack and click the useful links below for further details. For more information please contact Sunita Patel (07561 708023 / sunita.patel@starfishsearch.com) or Tim Farr (07756 293292 / tim.farr@starfishsearch.com).
Role ProfileTimeline
Closing date: 3rd May 2026
Longlist meeting: 12th May 2026
Preliminary interviews: w/c 18th or 25th May 2026
Shortlist meeting: w/c 1st June 2026
Final interviews: 15th June 2026
Useful Links
How to apply
To make an application, please click on the apply now button below, with the following prepared:
- Your CV (no more than three sides of A4).
- A supporting statement (no more than three sides of A4) that sets out why you think this role is the right move for you and how you meet the knowledge and experience criteria.
If our client is a member of the Disability Confident Scheme and you would like to apply under the scheme, please state that clearly at the top of your supporting statement, along with any adjustments you require to be made if invited for interview.
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