Are you a visionary leader with the ambition to transform economic growth and investment in County Durham? Durham County Council’s business growth service, Business Durham, is seeking a dynamic, commercially astute Managing Director to lead the County’s business growth ambitions and deliver bold, measurable impact. As part of the Regeneration, Economy and Growth Directorate, and reporting to the Head of Inclusive Growth and Partnerships, you will provide strategic leadership to position County Durham as a premier destination for business investment, high growth enterprise and innovation. You will shape economic policy and translate it into programmes that attract inward and foreign direct investment, foster innovation within our business base, unlock strategic employment sites and sustainably grow Business Durham’s own commercial property portfolio. This is a high-profile, influential role at the heart of the County’s growth agenda. You will work across council services and with senior stakeholders locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally to ensure Durham is open for business. We’re looking for a leader who can: Set and deliver a bold economic vision aligned with corporate priorities to supercharge the county’s economy. Has a track record in driving investment and innovation across key sectors and in key employment sites to accelerate growth. Lead strategic programmes that enable high-growth businesses to thrive. Forge powerful partnerships that unlock investment and strengthen County Durham’s position on the national and global stage. Deliver measurable impact, ensuring outcomes that enhance resilience, inclusivity, and competitiveness. If you’re ready to lead a transformational economic agenda and make a lasting difference, we want to hear from you. INTERVIEWS Interviews will be take place on 19 January 2026. OUR OFFER TO YOU We offer a competitive rewards package that includes attractive salaries, a generous annual leave entitlement of 27 days (rising to 32 after five years’ continuous local government service), membership of the excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme, and a range of flexible working arrangements including hybrid working (home and office) where applicable. Explore the full range of rewards and benefits on our website (https://www.durham.gov.uk/article/26895/Rewards-and-benefits-if-you-work-for-us) Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions. REMOVAL AND LODGINGS Removal, lodging and separation expenses may be available to the successful candidate if at the time of application for appointment their place of residence is outside the administrative area of County Durham and more than 30 miles in a straight line from their new administrative centre, along with several other criteria for eligibility. EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION We are a proud equal opportunities employer and believe a diverse workforce brings fresh ideas and drives service improvement. We welcome applications from everyone and make employment decisions based on skills and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader, we actively encourage applications from disabled people and offer support throughout the recruitment process. CONNECT WITH US Follow us on Instagram Like us on Facebook Visit our website Important Information for Members of the Local Government Pension Scheme HM Revenue and Customs impose controls on the amount of pension savings you can make without having to pay extra tax. These controls are known as the Annual Allowance and Lump Sum Allowance. The Annual Allowance is the amount by which the value of your pension benefits may increase in any one year without you having to pay a tax charge. You are most likely to be affected by the Annual Allowance if you receive a significant pay increase, and/or you are a high earner. Two lump sum limits were also introduced in April 2024. If the value of all lump sums taken from UK pensions is higher than these limits, you will have to pay tax on any excess at your marginal rate. More information can be found at www.lgpsmember.org/your-pension/the-essentials/tax/ If you are successful in your application for this post and wish to find out more about these controls, please contact the Pension Section at pensions@durham.gov.uk. HOW TO APPLY Please submit a CV and include a ‘Person Specification’ to demonstrate that you have the essential and where possible, desirable experience, skills, and knowledge. Candidates who do not evidence that they meet the essential qualifications and experience listed on the person specification will not be short-listed. To find out more, please contact our retained consultants at Penna: Nick Raper on 07715 690463, or Tom Niven on 07860 657044 for a confidential conversation, or visit the following link for further information Managing Director Business Durham. VPRS/161