Overview
Bradford is at an extraordinary moment of transformation. As one of the largest, youngest, most diverse, and enterprising districts in the country, we are building a modern, responsive Council that truly serves its communities. With major regeneration projects underway, including the Southern Gateway, city centre transformation, and improved transport connections, Bradford is a place where leadership makes a real and lasting difference. We are looking for a Strategic Director, Corporate Services to champion our values-led culture, empower teams to achieve more, and spearhead transformation that redefines public service delivery.
About the Role
As our new Strategic Director, Corporate Services you’ll have every opportunity to make your mark, providing the system leadership that maximises the use of our resources, and drives our One Council approach.
You’ll be the Council’s Chief Financial Officer (Section 151 Officer), leading the Council’s approach to establishing financial resilience and driving transformational change. Together with your colleagues in the Corporate Leadership Team, you\'ll spearhead our improvement journey, working collaboratively to address our priorities of financial sustainability, growth, and improving outcomes for our communities.
You’ll also lead a broad and critical portfolio of corporate services including financial services, HR & OD, legal & governance, IT & Digital and procurement. This is your chance to lead on financial transformation, designing and implementing the Council’s ERP plans, driving forward our digital and AI developments by way of example and across the whole range of corporate services implementing leading edge, high quality, cost effective services that underpin our transformation for the benefit of Bradford’s residents and communities.
Responsibilities
* Lead the Council as Chief Financial Officer (Section 151 Officer), driving financial resilience and transformational change.
* Provide strategic leadership for a broad portfolio of corporate services: financial services, HR & OD, legal & governance, IT & Digital, and procurement.
* Design and implement ERP plans, advance digital and AI developments, and deliver high-quality, cost-effective services that underpin transformation for Bradford’s residents and communities.
Qualifications
We are seeking an experienced and appropriately qualified (CCAB/CIMA) finance professional with a track record in the leadership of local government finance and resources services and functions. You’re ready to make the next step in your career, potentially from a Director of Finance (S151) role in a large Council, or from a role of similar breadth in a smaller authority.
What We're Looking For
Ready to make a lasting impact on Bradford's future, you’ll be someone who thrives on leading change, bringing a fresh perspective and energy to organisation transformation and service improvement. You\'ll understand how to build credibility across our Council and district and engage effectively with decision makers and partners on complex, politically sensitive issues. You\'ll have a track record of bringing teams together, creating joined-up approaches, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. We need a leader who can inspire, develop and empower your teams to reach their full potential; someone who combines strategic vision with practical delivery skills – a leader who can demonstrate personal credibility, resilience, and genuine enthusiasm for the challenges and opportunities ahead. You’ll also have a deep understanding of equality and diversity and be comfortable working in one of the UK\'s most diverse councils and communities. Above all, you\'ll be someone who delivers on promises – straightforward, action-oriented, and focused on making a real difference for Bradford District.
If you\'re excited by the opportunity to help build an outstanding Council in a district with extraordinary potential, we want to hear from you.
How to apply
For further information and to apply, visit www.bradfordontherise.co.uk or contact:
* Mark Bearn 07747 181490
* Dylan Craven 07442 408861
The closing date for applications is midnight on Sunday, 21st September 2025
To apply please click the Apply Now link below.
Apply for Strategic Director, Corporate Services
This role expires 21/09/2025.
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