Shape the future of Devon County Council.
We are looking for an exceptional leader to join Devon County Council as our Assistant Director – Performance and Policy. This is a rare opportunity to play a pivotal role in driving strategic performance, policy development, and partnership engagement across one of the UK’s most dynamic local authorities.
This high-profile role is ideal for someone with a passion for public service, a strong strategic mindset, and the ability to lead complex change across a diverse organisation.
This is Devon
Devon County Council delivers a wide range of essential services to over 750,000 residents. From education and social care to highways, public health, and economic development, we are committed to making Devon a great place to live, work, and visit.
We are ambitious for our communities and our workforce. We have a bold vision for a prosperous, resilient, and healthy county. We are tackling the challenges of climate change, population growth, and increasing demand on services with innovation, collaboration, and a focus on outcomes.
Our values—honesty, respect, courage, and a solutions-focused approach—guide how we work. We are proud of our inclusive culture and are always looking for ways to improve and grow.
This is the role
As Assistant Director – Performance and Policy, you will report to the Director of Performance and Partnerships and be a key member of the Council’s Extended Strategic Leadership Team.
You will:
1. Lead the Council’s performance and policy teams to embed a culture of performance and learning across the organisation and influencing key stakeholders
2. Lead the development and implementation of the Council’s corporate performance framework, aligning service delivery with financial performance and risk management.
3. Support the development, implementation and measurement of the Council’s Strategic Plan, Corporate Plan, Directorate Plans and Improvement Plans, establishing effective governance, reporting and monitoring processes.
4. Lead the Council’s data strategy and working cross organisationally to deliver effective tools, systems to underpin the Council’s performance management
5. Lead strategic policy development, ensuring alignment with local and national priorities working cross organisationally and with partners in support of achieving the Council’s priorities.
6. Lead the Council’s data, intelligence, and management information services, supporting evidence-based decision-making and statutory reporting.
7. Drive engagement with key partners including MPs, public sector leaders, businesses, and communities to influence national and local policy.
8. Provide expert advice to senior leaders and elected members on performance, policy, and improvement.
9. Manage a team of five direct reports and 70 FTE staff and a revenue budget of £2 million, with additional oversight of £500,000 in external funding and shared responsibility for £5 million in capital investment.
You will also act as a deputy for the Director of Performance and Partnerships and play a key role in shaping the Council’s future strategy and transformation agenda.
For an informal conversation about this role, please contact Kerri Denton at or Hannah Dixon at
About you:
We are seeking a strategic and collaborative leader who:
10. Has substantial experience in performance, data, intelligence, and policy at a senior level.
11. Can lead complex programmes and manage large budgets in a challenging and changing environment.
12. Is politically astute, commercially aware, and confident working across organisational boundaries.
13. Has excellent communication, influencing, and critical thinking skills.
14. Can inspire and lead multi-disciplinary teams and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
15. Is committed to inclusion, innovation, and delivering public value.
Our offer to you:
We offer flexible working arrangements and a supportive environment that values collaboration and innovation. While we embrace hybrid working, this role requires a strong in-person presence to lead teams, build relationships, and drive strategic change.
We are committed to your wellbeing and professional development, and we offer a range of benefits to support a healthy work-life balance.
If you are ready to make a lasting impact in Devon and help shape the future of local government, we would love to hear from you.
Internal Applicants, please note: If you are an existing DCC employee, please use your iTrent Employee Self Service (ESS) details to log in and apply.
Please click Apply Now to see the Job Description.
16. DCC embraces the positive benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to providing an environment that is inclusive and safe. We welcome applications from people who share our commitment to stop discrimination, challenge inequality and promote diversity across Devon. More information can be found on our.
17. - The Council offers flexible working arrangements in terms of when and where people work hybrid working, part-time, condensed hours etc.
18. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
19. This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.
20. Personal data we collect from you will be processed in accordance with the .
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