Head of Corporate Development at Devon & Cornwall Police
Location: Police Headquarters, Exeter
Salary: Grade 12 – starts at £75,201, rising by yearly increments to a maximum of £84,534 per annum (based on a 37‑hour week; part‑time salaries prorated accordingly).
Employment type: Permanent, hybrid worker (flexible mix of remote and onsite).
Hours: 37 hours per week; flexible and part‑time arrangements considered.
About the Role
Devon & Cornwall Police is establishing a new Corporate Development Department and is seeking an experienced and visionary leader to serve as its inaugural head. This senior role will shape the department’s strategic direction, coordinate organisational delivery and oversee improvement activity across both operational and enabling services. The post holder will work closely with the Chief Constable, Deputy Chief Constable and Executive Team, representing the Force with key external partners (HMICFRS, the 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 the development and delivery of the Force’s strategic business plan, ensuring decision‑making is informed by evidence, insight and strategic risk. Responsibilities include managing inspection, audit and assurance activity, coordinating organisational learning and continuous improvement, and providing clear reporting for scrutiny and public accountability. Leadership over governance frameworks, planning, prioritisation and compliance is also required.
About You
• Postgraduate degree level or equivalent experience in a relevant field.
• Substantial senior‑level experience in strategic planning and corporate coordination within a complex organisation.
• Strong knowledge of public sector governance, planning cycles, resource management and performance measurement.
• Proven ability to use data, analytics and performance insight to shape strategic decisions.
• Senior business management experience leading multi‑disciplinary teams, influencing at executive level, building productive relationships and working collaboratively with stakeholders.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, able to set a clear vision, translate strategic aims into practical plans and communicate confidently across the organisation and with external partners.
Candidates are only required to evidence 6 out of 11 essential criteria in their application; remaining criteria will be tested at the assessment day.
What We Offer
* Competitive salary with yearly increments
* 25 days leave per year, increasing to 30 days after 5 years continuous employment, plus bank holidays (pro‑rata for part‑time workers)
* Heavily subsidised gym membership, access to police site gyms throughout the counties
* Blue Light Card Scheme for discounts and services (requires a one‑off payment of £5)
* Company sick pay
* Competitive local government pension scheme
* Job‑related equipment, as required
* Free onsite parking at many police sites throughout the counties
* Access to Group insurance scheme (via salary sacrifice scheme)
* Support networks, free Employees Assistance Programme, Occupational Health and wellbeing services
* Development and training opportunities
* Supportive and flexible training plan, with regular check‑ins during the initial period
* Flexitime, ability to undertake hours flexibly and in line with business need
* Hybrid working – ability to work remotely at times throughout the working week (once signed off the training plan)
Apply
Please visit our website for further information including the Recruitment Brochure and to apply. For additional information or to arrange an informal conversation, contact:
Hiring Line Manager: Zoe Parnell – Chief Inspector, Chief Officer Group Support
Email: zpp@devon-cornwall.police.uk
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