Executive Director - Place, Economy and Environment
Join us. Shape the future. Lead a place where people truly THRIVE.
West Northamptonshire is a place of ambition, momentum and opportunity. As one of the UK’s newest unitary councils, formed in 2021, we are building a modern, high-performing organisation with a clear vision: to make West Northamptonshire a great place to live, work, visit and thrive.
Our area is home to vibrant market towns, beautiful rural communities, major sporting and visitor destinations such as Silverstone, and nationally significant economic and innovation hubs.
With excellent national connectivity and strong partnerships across government, business and education, West Northamptonshire is a place with huge potential - and we are ready to accelerate the next stage of our journey.
Now, we are seeking an exceptional Executive Director of Place, Economy and Environment to help lead that future.
About the role
This is one of the broadest, most influential and exciting leadership roles in local government. As Executive Director, you will shape the long-term future of our towns, communities and economy - translating vision into delivery and creating a place where people and businesses truly thrive.
You will provide strategic leadership across a far-reaching portfolio, including:
- Planning and Growth – including delivery of our Local Plan to 2043
- Regeneration and Major Projects
- Economic Development and Inward Investment
- Highways and Transport
- Waste and Environmental Services
- Property and Facilities Management
You will lead major regeneration programmes, drive inward investment, strengthen the visitor economy, and deliver environmental improvements that are visible, tangible and long-lasting.
This is a role with real impact: transforming places, shaping infrastructure, steering strategic regional partnerships, and ensuring growth that is sustainable, inclusive and aligned with our communities’ needs.
Why join West Northants now?
This moment is a rare and exciting opportunity to:
- lead a high-performing directorate at a young, ambitious council
- shape a fast-growing area with a clear long-term vision and strong political support
- influence nationally and regionally on behalf of a place with global recognition
- work closely with leading UK universities, the Government, major developers, and world-renowned partners including Silverstone
- drive regeneration and investment that redefine our town centres and communities
- play a central role in our devolution journey and wider Oxford–Cambridge regional positioning
You will join a talented Executive Leadership Team that values innovation, collaboration and purposeful delivery,and you’ll have the mandate, backing and freedom to lead with ambition.
Ready to find out more?
Hear more from our current Executive Director, Stuart Timmiss, on the role and West Northamptonshire:
Executive Director for Place, Economy and Environment RecruitmentIf you would like an informal chat about the role, please contact either:
Job description and person specification
Read our candidate information pack
How to apply
Applications are being managed through our recruitment site.
To apply, you will need to provide:
- your CV
- a supporting statement demonstrating how you meet the criteria for the role
- contact details for 2 referees (who will only be approached at the final stage)
Recruitment timeline
- Advert live: 16 April 2026
- Informal candidate discussions: 29 April and 5 May 2026 (virtual)
- Closing date: 10 May 2026
- Technical interviews: week commencing 18 May (virtual)
- Psychometric testing: week commencing 25 May (online)
- Final interview day: 4 June 2026 in Northampton
Ready to shape the future?
If you want to lead somewhere with vision, momentum and room to make your mark, West Northamptonshire is the place. Join us, and help our communities, our economy and our organisation truly THRIVE.
West Northamptonshire Council is working in partnership with OPUS People Solutions.
Last updated 14 April 2026