Head of Policy and Partnerships
- Multiple Locations
- Full Time
- £56,502 per annum
Shape the future of Devon County Council.
We are looking for an exceptional leader to join Devon County Council as Head of Policy and Partnerships. This is a rare opportunity to play a pivotal role in driving 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 Head of Policy and Partnerships you will report to the Assistant Director of Performance and Policy.
You will:
- Establish key strategies and plans by which the organisation can communicate and deliver its objectives;
- Provide advice and establish responses for senior leaders and politicians, to changing policy and legislation;
- Ensure that the Council meets its statutory obligations, with regard to areas of policy, influencing partners, stakeholders and funders to support our priorities
- Develop and implement a range of engagement and partnership working initiatives, governance and joint working around common goals and priorities.
You will also act as a deputy for the Assistant Director – Performance and Policy and/or the Director of Performance and Partnerships and play a key role in shaping the Council’s future strategy, priorities, improvement and performance agenda.
For an informal conversation about this role, please contact Keri Denton at keri.denton@devon.gov.uk or Hannah Dixon at Hannah.Dixon@devon.gov.uk
About you:
We are seeking a strategic and collaborative leader who:
- Has the ability to analyse, interpret and communicate both qualitative and quantitative information;
- Demonstrates a high level of negotiating and influencing skills and political awareness;
- Thinks and operates strategically and able to translate strategy into practical agendas;
- Has substantial experience in performance, data, intelligence, and policy at a senior level;
- Manages information quickly and accurately, thinks laterally, analyses options and present workable solutions to complex issues;
- Builds purposeful working relationships and partnerships and command trust and confidence of key stakeholders and professional peers;
- Is politically astute, commercially aware, and confident working across organisational boundaries;
- Acts with minimal guidelines, able to set targets and standards for others and self;
- Prioritises, meets deadlines and manages a diverse, challenging workload;
- Works quickly to manage volume and complexity;
- Has a high level of leadership experience and motivational skills;
- Manages, motivates and supports staff and One Council teams delivering council-wide priorities;
- Demonstrates highly developed interpersonal, written and oral presentation skills;
- Can lead complex programmes and manage large budgets in a challenging and changing environment;
- Has excellent communication, influencing, and critical thinking skills;
- Can inspire and lead multi-disciplinary teams and foster a culture of continuous improvement;
- 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.
- 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 Equality and Diversity webpages.
- Happy to Talk Flexible Working- The Council offers flexible working arrangements in terms of when and where people work e.g. hybrid working, part-time, condensed hours etc.
- We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
- This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.
- Personal data we collect from you will be processed in accordance with the Applicant privacy notice.
- For more information about Working for Devon please visit our Working for Devon page.
- We cannot consider visa sponsorship at this time. UK Right to Work is required. For further guidance on right to work in the UK, please visit: Work in the UK - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
Reference: REQ008078