Be an inspirational place shaper for Wokingham. Creating new communities and developing existing communities through new housing, community infrastructure and regeneration. Working across the Council, with our external partners and our residents, help us shape and create new and vibrant communities.

As our Executive Director for Place, you will lead an outward-looking and forward-thinking place-shaping agenda. This is about far more than traditional operational service delivery: it is about strategically leading and shaping a broad and dynamic portfolio of services including planning, climate change; environment services, highways and transport, major projects, culture and economic development.  Creating places for all, where people can thrive.

As an exceptional, experienced, strategic leader you will truly creating a sense of place ensuring residents, businesses and partners benefit from ambitious, connected, integrated and future-ready services. This includes leading the Council’s contribution to sub-regional and cross-sector working.  Securing investment, strengthening partnerships across Berkshire and beyond, and promoting Wokingham as an attractive place to live, work, visit and invest.

Wokingham is an ambitious Borough, fast-growing in population, with a resilient economy, and a strong partnership network.  Global businesses such as Microsoft, Oracle and Shinfield Studios, along with the University of Reading are within our place, meaning there are many and significant opportunities for partnership working and for someone who is passionate about place making and shaping.

We are looking for an experienced, resilient and visible senior leader who is able to create a genuine connection to the borough.  Someone with a strong track record of operating at strategic level in a complex political environment, and who brings a modern business approach. Someone who can bring teams together behind a shared vision, building a cohesive directorate, and work across businesses, schools and communities . Someone who is inspirational, innovative and embraces change.

If you are passionate about place shaping and creating the conditions for communities and businesses to flourish, we want to hear from you.

Benefits

Not only is this an excellent opportunity, but it’s a fantastic time to join our team. You will receive an extensive range of employee benefits including: 

⭐ Generous Annual Leave - 31-36 days per annum (depending on local government continuous service), plus Bank Holidays

⭐Local Government Pension Scheme 

⭐GP Helpline - Available 7 days a week

⭐Employee Assistance Programme - Including a 24/7 Your Care Helpline

⭐Free Eye Tests and Flu Vaccines

⭐Free Onsite Gym - Located at Shute End Offices, Wokingham

⭐Salary Sacrifice Schemes - Including Car and Cycle to Work schemes

⭐Local & Lifestyle Discounts - Save on shopping, entertainment, dining out & more

⭐Move through Menopause Course

⭐Sports & Social Group Activities – Including running, football, cricket & more

⭐Learning & Development Opportunities

⭐Employee Networks

⭐And more!

Our Area

Wokingham Borough is set in the heart of Berkshire with excellent transport links to Reading and central London. Our area comprises of a vibrant and historical market town, attractive villages, and miles of beautiful countryside. 

We’re home to a range of high performing schools, a host of international businesses and an incredible community. The borough has a strong local economy with accelerated growth, a range of excellent public facilities and low levels of crime, offering an exceptional quality of life. 

Click the link below to apply!

For more information or to arrange an informal discussion, please contact our resourcing team through recruit@wokingham.gov.uk, or Sally Halliwell, Head of HR and OD through sally.halliwell@wokingham.gov.uk (Strictly no agencies).

Closing date: Sunday 20th September 2026, 11pm

Interview date schedule:

Fireside Chats with Chief Executive, Susan Parsonage MBE - Monday 12^th October 2026

Technical Interviews and Stakeholder Panels - Tuesday 13^th to Thursday 15^th October 2026

Final Member’s Panel - Friday 16^th October 2026

AI in Applications:

We recognise that candidates may choose to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support the preparation of their job applications. When used appropriately, AI can be a helpful aid in structuring responses, checking clarity, and improving presentation.

However, applications must reflect your own skills, experience and understanding. If an application appears to rely excessively on AI-generated content, it may not meet the required standard and could be rejected.

We encourage all applicants to ensure their submissions are authentic, tailored to the role, and clearly demonstrate their own knowledge, experience and suitability.

If your application is shortlisted for an interview, you will be required to provide proof of your right to work in the UK at that stage. Additionally, successful candidates must present proof upon receiving a job offer.

Please note that all offers are conditional and subject to the satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks.

Please be aware that we will be reviewing the applications we receive on a daily basis, and we reserve the right to close the advert early if suitable candidates are identified.

Wokingham Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff, other workers and volunteers to share this commitment. All successful candidates for this role will be subject to relevant employment checks.

Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we regret that we are unable to respond to every applicant individually.

If you do not hear from us within 4 weeks of the application closing date, please assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion.

We appreciate your interest in joining Wokingham Borough Council and thank you for taking the time to apply.

Wokingham is an equal opportunities employer.