Head of Corporate Development

Salary

£75,201 rising to £84,534 per annum + Excellent Benefits including Government Pension

Exeter / Hybrid Working

37 hours per week. Part-time and flexible working patterns are considered where feasible.

Devon & Cornwall Police is establishing a new Corporate Development Department and is seeking an experienced and visionary leader to serve as its inaugural head. The senior role will shape the department’s strategic direction, coordinate organisational delivery, and oversee improvement activity across operational and enabling services. The post holder will work closely with the Chief Constable, Deputy Chief Constable, and Executive Team, representing the Force to stakeholders such as HMICFRS, OPCC, and national policing bodies.

The role also provides direct strategic support to the Chief Constable, leads the Executive Staff Office, and oversees culture, inclusion, analytics, and business intelligence functions.

The successful candidate will guide development and delivery of the Force’s strategic business plan, inform decision‑making through evidence and insight, manage inspection and assurance activity, and coordinate learning and continuous improvement. Leadership of governance frameworks and the coordination of corporate services are essential to achieve shared aims. The role is highly influential in reputation, performance, and long‑term planning.

Applicants should hold a postgraduate degree or have equivalent experience in a relevant field. They must bring substantial senior‑level experience in strategic planning and corporate coordination within a complex organisation, including long‑term direction planning and delivery. Strong knowledge of public‑sector governance, planning cycles, resource management, and performance measurement is essential. Proven ability to use data and analytics to shape strategic decisions, along with senior business management experience leading multi‑disciplinary teams, is required.

Senior executive influence, stakeholder engagement, and the capacity to work in a high‑paced, regulated, and scrutinised environment are critical.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are mandatory. The post holder must set a clear vision, translate strategic aims into practical plans, and communicate confidently across the organisation and externally. Candidates are only required to evidence 6 of 11 essential criteria; the remaining are tested at assessment day.

This is a rare opportunity to shape the future direction of policing across Devon and Cornwall. We offer a supportive environment, flexible working, a chance to contribute meaningfully to public service, and a negotiable starting salary based on experience and potential to improve service delivery.

Relocation allowance will be considered.

• A competitive salary with yearly increments
• 25 days a year leave entitlement, increasing to 30 days after 5 years continuous employment
• Bank holidays (pro‑rata for part‑time workers)
• Heavily subsidised gym membership and access to police site gyms
• Blue Light Card Scheme discounts (one‑off £5 payment)
• Company sick pay
• Job‑related equipment as required
• Free onsite parking at many police sites
• Group insurance scheme via salary sacrifice
• Support networks, free Employee Assistance Programme, Occupational Health and wellbeing services
• Development and training opportunities
• Supportive and flexible training plan with regular check‑ins during initial period
• Flexitime with ability to undertake hours flexibly and in line with business need
• Hybrid working, with remote work allowed once training plan is signed off

• Director

• Full‑time

• Strategy/Planning and Management
• Law Enforcement

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Want to know more about this role? Please click on the 'Apply' button to be taken to the vacancy on our website for further information, including the role profile. For a conversation regarding the role, once you have viewed the full details on our website, please contact the line manager below.

Hiring Line Manager: Zoe Parnell – Chief Inspector – Chief Officer Group Support