Director of Place

What's next?

North Kesteven is a council with a bold vision for the future. We are a forward-thinking authority with a strong record of achievement, an ambitious mindset, and a commitment to delivering real change for our communities. While some councils are struggling, we are thriving-supporting the development of hundreds of new homes, driving economic growth through major regeneration projects, and leading the way in sustainability. We don't just make places better; we create better places, ensuring North Kesteven is a fantastic place to live, work, and visit for generations to come.

At the heart of everything we do is our commitment to sustainability. Our climate ambitions are more than just words; they drive every decision we make. From retrofitting our council homes to integrating climate action into our Local Plan, we are setting a national example for responsible, forward-thinking development. We are also pioneering a preventative approach to health and wellbeing, using partnerships to enhance housing, economic opportunity, leisure, and community resilience.

With a clear vision and a strong foundation in place, we are now looking for a Director of Place to help shape the future of our district and our communities. This is your opportunity to be part of something truly transformational, to help define the council's future, and to leave a lasting impact that will benefit generations to come

About the Role

This is a rare opportunity to take on a leadership role with real breadth, impact, and influence. As Director of Place, you will provide strategic oversight across a wide portfolio, ensuring that North Kesteven continues to thrive as a district that delivers high-quality services, supports economic prosperity, and creates sustainable, vibrant communities. You will be a key member of the Corporate Leadership Team, shaping the council's direction, driving innovation, and ensuring that long-term plans are grounded in strong partnerships and financial sustainability.

Your role will be to bring together multiple service areas, aligning Economic Development, Planning and Housing to deliver the best possible outcomes for residents and businesses. This is not just about overseeing services-it's about championing collaboration, forging strong relationships with stakeholders at all levels, and ensuring that investment, policy, and delivery are fully integrated.

Our communities are at the heart of everything we do, and this role requires a leader who can seamlessly blend strategic vision with hands-on operational delivery. You will need to think big, plan for the future, and drive innovation, while also ensuring that high-quality services are delivered effectively every day. You will work closely with councillors, businesses, community groups, and government agencies to drive forward projects that support growth, enhance quality of life, and future-proof North Kesteven for generations to come.

The scale of opportunity is significant. With major investment programmes, nationally significant infrastructure projects, and a council committed to innovation and sustainability, you will be at the forefront of delivering transformational change. Whether shaping policy, securing funding, or leading service improvements, you will ensure that North Kesteven remains a forward-looking, high-performing authority that continues to meet the evolving needs of its communities.

This is a role for a leader who thrives on strategic thinking, corporate responsibility, and making a tangible difference. It is about bringing together expertise, driving cross-sector collaboration, and ensuring that North Kesteven remains a fantastic place to live, work, and invest

About You

We are looking for a leader who is ready to make their mark. You will need to be strategic, innovative, and passionate about place-making, with the ability to see the bigger picture. Whether your background is in economic development, planning, housing, or asset management, you will have experience of leading complex, high-value programmes and working across multiple disciplines to achieve ambitious outcomes.

Your ability to engage and inspire will be key to your success. This role requires someone who can work with businesses, government agencies, and developers to unlock opportunities, while also ensuring that communities remain at the heart of every decision. You will need to be politically astute, able to navigate change, and confident in influencing at the highest levels.

This is a role for someone who can see the bigger picture, shape long-term plans, and influence policy, but who also understands the importance of strong operational leadership, accountability, and getting things done. Your ability to balance strategic ambition with the practicalities of service delivery will be key to ensuring outstanding outcomes for our residents and communities.

This is an exceptional opportunity for someone who wants to take the next step in their career. This is your chance to drive significant change, work on high-profile projects, and leave a genuine lasting legacy.

So, what's next?

If you're ready to lead, inspire, and drive change, we'd love to hear from you. For more information and to apply, visit . If you'd like a confidential conversation with our retained advisors at Tile Hill, please contact Maud Hollis on or Clare Connor on .

Join us and help shape the future of North Kesteven.

Closing date: 9am Tuesday 25th March 2025

Recruitment Timeline

• Closing date for applications: 9am Tuesday 25th March
• Longlisting meeting (no candidate involvement) : Tuesday 1st April
• Technical interviews with Tile Hill (virtual): w/c 7th and 14th April
• Shortlisting meeting (no candidate involvement) : Thursday 17th April
• Psychometric Assessments: Following the shortlist meeting
• Final member interviews: w/c 21st April (in person in North Kesteven)

To apply:

To apply, please submit an up-to-date copy of your CV (three sides of A4 maximum), along with a supporting statement (three sides of A4 maximum) detailing your experience, and achievements and addressing the key criteria for the role set out on this site and using examples to demonstrate how you meet the requirements. Documents should be uploaded via our website, please include and upload the below information in two documents only. If you experience any issues whilst applying, please contact .

Applications should include:

• Full contact details;
• Names, positions, organisations and contact details for two referees (we will ask your permission before contacting referees);
• Details of your current salary and notice period
• Notification of any dates when you are not available for an interview.

At Tile Hill, we are committed to inclusion and accessibility. We champion and support all individuals to ensure everyone feels valued, listened to and motivated to get the very best out of each recruitment process and that processes are designed to meet the needs of individuals. If you have any specific requests and would like a confidential discussion with the Tile Hill team, then please email .