Service Director - Economy and Infrastructure

We are looking for a driven and ambitious leader to join us as Service Director – Economy and Infrastructure. This is a key senior leadership role at the heart of delivering our adopted Council Plan 2026–2031 and its ambition for a county where people want to live, work, visit and bring up a family. You will lead the work that grows our county’s economy and connects our county, while ensuring that investment also supports and empowers residents, keeps communities safe and protects Lincolnshire’s distinctive landscapes.

Working corporately and with partners across the public and private sectors, you will turn strategic ambition into visible outcomes. You will champion our place, secure investment, influence policy and bring together the programmes, partnerships and delivery capacity required to support inclusive growth and long-term resilience.

About the role

As Service Director, you will provide strategic leadership across a broad economy and infrastructure portfolio. You will advise elected members and the corporate leadership team, lead high-performing services and build trusted relationships with government, the GLCCA, business, investors, local authorities and other key partners.

• Champion Lincolnshire’s strengths and needs locally and nationally, creating the conditions for growth, productivity and good jobs.
• Work with the Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority, government and other partners to secure investment in infrastructure and skills, enabling residents and businesses to benefit from current and future opportunities.
• Set a clear strategic direction for spatial planning, development opportunities, business growth, economic development, environmental policy, infrastructure and investment.
• Lead the development and delivery of major programmes that support growth, productivity, regeneration and connectivity.
• Secure external funding and investment, developing credible propositions and robust delivery partnerships.
• Ensure that economic priorities and environmental priorities are aligned with planning, transport, housing, skills, digital connectivity, energy and environmental objectives.
• Ensure plan-making through the T&CP system and decision-making in the planning system reflects business, community and legislative requirements.
• Ensure that key infrastructure provision in respect of water management, energy supply, connectivity and flood defence is planned for and delivered
• Represent and advocate for the Council with government, regional and national bodies, investors and strategic partners.
• Provide visible, inclusive leadership, developing talented teams and a strong culture of collaboration, commercial awareness and delivery.
• Manage significant resources, programmes and risk with strong governance, financial discipline and a relentless focus on outcomes.

About you

You will be an accomplished senior leader with the credibility, judgement and political awareness to operate effectively in a complex public-service environment. Strategic and outward-looking, you will combine a strong understanding of place and economic growth with the ability to deliver at scale.

You will bring:

• A strong track record of leading complex economy, infrastructure, regeneration or place-based portfolios.
• Experience and evidence of effective programme and project delivery.
• Evidence of translating strategy into deliverable programmes and measurable results.
• Evidence of a problem solving mindset and a customer focused, responsive cultural approach.
• Evidence of effective and successful collaborative working.
• Evidence of the ability to balance conflicting priorities across a wide ranging and complex portfolio of services.
• Experience of securing investment, influencing policy and working across organisational boundaries.
• Commercial acumen and sound financial, programme and risk management.
• Excellent communication, partnership and stakeholder-management skills.
• The ability to inspire confidence, lead through change and create the conditions in which people can perform at their best.
• A commitment to delivering value for money, inclusive growth and excellent outcomes for residents, communities and businesses.

Why join us?

This is a rare opportunity to influence the future of a place with significant potential and ambition. You will work at the heart of strategic decision-making, leading a portfolio with direct impact on economic growth, prosperity, productivity and quality of life. In return, we offer a highly influential role, a supportive and collaborative leadership environment, and the scope to make an enduring contribution.

Applications close on 15 November 2026. Successful candidates will be invited to attend a full Assessment Centre, taking place in person at County Offices, Lincoln, on 30 November 2026.

For a confidential conversation about the role, please contact Andy Gutherson - Executive Director for Place via email Andy.Gutherson@lincolnshire.gov.uk

PLEASE NOTE: It is imperative that your personal statement clearly states why you have applied, how you meet the essential and desirable criteria for the role as set out in the Job Description (attached on LCC jobs Site) and what you feel you can bring to this role, the team and the wider County Council.

Please refer to our Job Information Pack here to support you in your application.

A relocation package may be considered for the successful candidate. More details relating to our Relocation Policy can be found here.

Please be advised that this position may be subject to a criminal record check.

On occasion we receive significantly more applications than expected for some vacancies and under such circumstances we reserve the right to bring forward the closing date of the advertisement. We therefore strongly advise you to apply for the role promptly to avoid disappointment should the closing date be brought forward. Please also note: once an application is submitted it is final and cannot be amended. If you withdraw your application, it cannot be reinstated and you will not be able to submit another application for that vacancy. If you have an issue with your submitted application, please contact recruitment@lincolnshire.gov.uk.

We operate a talent pool scheme whereby candidates who are not successful on this occasion may be considered for a period of up to 3 months for equal positions.

Lincolnshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

A Smarter Working Employer

We have embraced new ways of working and hybrid working will be a feature of this role. You will be given a nominated contractual work base and you will be required to commute to this work base when necessary. Working arrangements regarding hybrid working will be discussed as part of the appointment process.

Our technology platform and equipment is very good enabling you to connect and collaborate remotely. We require that you have in place good connectivity, and we will discuss during the recruitment process if support with this is needed.

Fluency Duty

In accordance with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016 (Fluency Duty), the ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.

Politically Restricted Position

Under The Local Government and Housing Act 1989, as amended by the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009, this post has been identified as 'politically restricted'. Further information on the Council’s Politically Restricted Posts Policy can be viewed here.

Our values – collaborative, adaptable, eco-conscious, supportive, and responsible – guide everything we do. We’re looking for candidates who share these values and bring them to life in their work, helping us build strong teams and make a real difference in the communities we serve.