Strategic Director of Community Services (Full Time)

Newstartmag; England; On-site; GBP 120,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A forward-thinking local government authority in England is seeking a Strategic Director of Community Services. This pivotal role involves leading a diverse portfolio, driving transformation and innovation while shaping the Council's vision. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional leadership and communication skills, engaging with various stakeholders to deliver impactful services. The position offers a competitive salary of £120,536 to £129,500 per annum along with an attractive benefits package, making a lasting impact on the community. Applications are open until January 11, 2026.

Benefits

Annual leave entitlement of 32 days p/a

Discounted Solent ferry travel

Bike to work scheme

Relocation scheme up to £8,000

Travel allowance if commuting from the mainland

Qualifications

• Drive regeneration, transformation, and economic growth.
• Shape sustainable planning and environmental strategies.
• Oversee vital work impacting every part of island life.

Responsibilities

• Lead a diverse portfolio including regeneration and economic development.
• Act as an ambassador for the Island at regional and national forums.
• Translate political priorities into actionable strategies.

Skills

Exceptional leadership

Superb communication skills

Strategic vision

Customer-centric principles

Ability to engage and inspire

Job description

Strategic Director of Community Services

Salary

Grade 20, from £120,536 to £129,500 per annum

At the Isle of Wight Council, we’re passionate about creating thriving communities, protecting our unique environment, and driving sustainable growth.

As a forward-thinking local authority, we put people first and champion innovation, collaboration, and excellence in everything we do.

We are now seeking a Strategic Director of Community Services to shape the future of our communities. Are you ready to join our team and lead with vision and purpose?

This is a rare opportunity to inspire change, champion sustainability and make a lasting impact on lives of thousands

This is your chance to lead at a level where it truly matters.

As a key member of our corporate leadership team, you will:

• Lead a diverse portfolio including regeneration, economic development, environment, planning, highways, waste, commercial services, cultural heritage, leisure, coastal and public realm
• Drive transformation and innovation, embedding customer‑centric principles and delivering services that make a real difference to residents.
• Act as an ambassador for the Island, representing us at regional and national forums and building strategic partnerships that unlock growth and opportunity.
• Shape the Council’s vision, translating political priorities into actionable strategies that deliver best value and measurable outcomes.

As our Strategic Director of Community Services, you’ll drive regeneration, transformation and economic growth, shape sustainable planning and environmental strategies, modernise services and oversee vital work that touches every part of island life, making a lasting impact for generations to come.

To truly embrace this role, you’ll need to be an exceptional leader, with superb communication skills, able to engage, inspire and influence as you build on relationships with our workforce, the public, media and partnership organisations

If you have the drive, resilience, and strategic vision to lead one of the most diverse and impactful portfolios in local government, we want to hear from you.

Join #TeamIWC and you’ll receive our staff benefits package, including:

• Annual leave entitlement of 32 days p/a PLUS public holidays!
• Discounted Solent ferry travel
• Island bus network discount
• Cycle to work scheme
• Discounted island sports & leisure gym membership
• National and local discounts & benefits schemes
• Relocation scheme of up to £8,000 may be available for some roles (subject to criteria)
• Travel allowance may be available if commuting from the mainland (subject to criteria)

Closing date: Sunday 11 January 2026

Interviews: We plan to interview 29 January 2026 with a view to the successful candidate starting in post on or before May 2026

For full details on this vacancy please visit our campaign page.

To apply please click the Apply Now link below.

Apply for Strategic Director of Community Services

This role expires 11/01/2026.

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