Director - and Development

Final date to receive applications: 14 September 2026

Department: Growth, Business and Skills

Employment Type: Permanent
- Full Time

Location: Sheffield Head Office

Reporting To: Tom Bousfield

Compensation: £85,038 - £93,310 / year

• Hours: 37 hours per week
• Contract: Permanent
• Salary: Grade 16 £ 85,038 - £93,310
• Location: Sheffield (This is a hybrid role with a minimum of 3 days per week in the office)

This is an exciting senior leadership opportunity to shape and drive economic growth across South Yorkshire. As Director of Growth and Sector Development, you will play a pivotal role in supporting the region's ambitions for business growth, innovation, investment and productivity, working with partners across the public, private and academic sectors.

Working as part of the Growth, Business and Skills leadership team, you will help translate strategic priorities into impactful programmes and initiatives that support businesses, strengthen key sectors and create long-term opportunities for people and communities across South Yorkshire.

Applications must be accompanied by a cover letter to detail how you meet the criteria as detailed within the role profile. (please see role profile attached). Please note, all applications should be made directly via our careers portal.

Please note:

This role is politically restricted under the Local Government and Housing Act 1989. Postholders are prohibited from standing for elected office (except Town or Parish Councils) and from engaging in certain political activities, including canvassing or acting as an officer of a political party.

As Director of Growth and Sector Development, you will provide strategic and operational leadership for a significant portfolio of activity within the Growth, Business and Skills Directorate.

You will lead the development and delivery of strategies that support economic growth, sector development and business engagement, ensuring activity is aligned with organisational priorities and regional ambitions. Working closely with senior leaders, elected members and partners, you will provide expert advice on complex and high-profile issues and support informed decision-making.

The role will involve building and maintaining strong relationships with businesses, universities, government departments, national organisations and other stakeholders. You will oversee governance, risk and performance arrangements, ensuring resources are effectively managed and that programmes deliver measurable impact.

You will also lead organisational development and continuous improvement across your service area, promoting innovation, collaboration and a focus on delivering sustainable outcomes for South Yorkshire.

You are an experienced senior leader with a strong background in economic development, business growth, innovation, investment or sector development. You have a proven track record of delivering strategic programmes and leading high-performing teams within a complex environment.

You will bring:

• Significant experience in economic development and growth-related activities.
• Strong leadership experience within a complex public, private or partnership environment.
• Experience of translating strategic priorities into successful programmes, services and outcomes.
• A strong understanding of governance, risk management and organisational performance.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, with experience influencing senior leaders, businesses, government bodies and strategic partners.
• Strong financial and resource management capability.
• Experience of leading transformation, change and service improvement initiatives.
• The ability to build effective partnerships across business, innovation, research and public sector networks.

You will be a…