A unique opportunity to lead large-scale programmes that will shape the future of Hull and East Yorkshire.

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Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority (HEYCA) is seeking an exceptional Executive Director of Strategy, Devolution & Operations to join its Strategic Leadership Team. This pivotal executive role will provide strategic and operational leadership across the Authority’s most significant programmes, translating ambition into delivery and ensuring tangible outcomes for communities, businesses and the regional economy.

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The role

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Reporting to the Chief Executive, you will lead the Strategy, Devolution & Operations Directorate, with executive responsibility for four major portfolios:

• Transport & Connectivity
• Employment, Skills & Healthy Communities
• Housing & Regeneration
• Economy & Investment

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You will oversee operational programme delivery across the Combined Authority, ensuring that strategies are effectively operationalised and that programmes are delivered at pace, to high standards and with strong value for money. Working closely with the Mayor, Members, partners and senior stakeholders, you will ensure that HEYCA’s ambitions are translated into integrated, impactful outcomes.

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Key responsibilities

• Play a central role on the Strategic Leadership Team, shaping organisational strategy and taking accountability for corporate outcomes
• Lead the development and delivery of the Authority’s operational strategy, ensuring alignment with long-term priorities
• Oversee medium and long-term operational planning and programme management, balancing efficiency, effectiveness and value for money
• Provide executive leadership across the four major programmes of work, ensuring alignment and avoiding silo working
• Act as Senior Responsible Officer for major programmes and projects
• Provide expert advice to the Executive Team, Mayor and Executive Board on complex operational and delivery matters
• Build strong, productive relationships with constituent authorities to ensure shared ownership of commissioned programmes
• Represent the Authority at national forums, conferences and events, enhancing HEYCA’s profile and influence
• Ensure compliance with statutory, procurement and governance requirements
• Inspire and lead high-performing, multidisciplinary teams, fostering a culture of collaboration, inclusivity and innovation
• Work across the Strategic Leadership Team to ensure effective contract management and strong supplier relationships
• Deputise for the Chief Executive / Head of Paid Service as required

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About you

You will be a proven executive leader with extensive experience delivering complex, multi-disciplinary programmes at scale, ideally within local government, devolution, infrastructure or a similarly complex public-sector environment. You will bring:

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• Strong strategic and operational leadership capability
• Experience of large-scale programme and portfolio management
• The ability to influence at political, executive and national levels
• A collaborative, outcome-focused leadership style
• A track record of turning strategy into measurable impact

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Why join HEYCA?

This is a rare chance to play a defining role in a new Combined Authority, shaping major programmes that will deliver long-term economic growth, improved connectivity and better life outcomes across Hull and East Yorkshire.

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Please note the closing date for this vacancy is 12th of January 2026.