Welcome from Ian Piper, Chief Executive
Welcome to Ebbsfleet Development Corporation, and thank you for taking an interest in this exciting opportunity.
Set up by the Government in 2015, our role is to drive forward development and add ambition, quality and pace to planned regeneration on brownfield land between Dartford and Gravesend. Recognised as a place to do business, build a family and socialise, Ebbsfleet takes advantage of its city-meets-country location by combining the best of urban and rural living. With the Development Corporation’s leadership, Ebbsfleet is establishing itself as one of the UK’s leading places to live and work – a magnet for economic growth and a destination of choice for wellbeing, investment and innovation.
You will be joining us at a crucial point in the delivery of this vision. In addition to taking forward one of the most ambitious regeneration programmes in recent decades, the Corporation must ensure it operates to the highest standards of financial management, governance, and organisational effectiveness. As our Director of Corporate Services, you will lead on all aspects of our corporate functions – from finance and HR through to ICT, procurement, health & safety, and facilities management – ensuring the Corporation has the resilience, systems and people to deliver for the long term. Your leadership will be vital in supporting both the organisation and the wider programme as we enter this next phase.
Over 5,000 homes have already been built and occupied, so the new Ebbsfleet is really taking shape. Whilst we are proud of what has been achieved so far, we still have much to accomplish, and you will join a team of colleagues committed to making the vision for Ebbsfleet a reality. Supported by Government and guided by a non-executive Board of industry and sector experts, the conditions are in place for success.
This is a rare opportunity to play a central role in creating a great new place, with inclusion, innovation, community and sustainability at its core. We look forward to receiving your application.
Ian Piper
Chief Executive
Director of Corporate Services
Salary : Up to £115,000 per annum
About the Role
As Director of Corporate Services, you will play a pivotal role in enabling the Corporation to deliver on this vision. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive and working closely with the Board, you will lead all corporate service functions, including finance, HR, procurement, ICT, governance, asset and facilities management, and health and safety. It is a broad and strategically significant remit, requiring you to ensure EDC remains financially robust, compliant with public sector standards, and equipped with the systems and processes that underpin success.
You will oversee financial planning, assurance and audit, providing the Chief Executive and Board with clear, accurate, and timely information that inspires confidence and supports decision-making. You will also manage key external relationships, from auditors and government finance officials to outsourced contractors and HR partners, ensuring that every aspect of corporate services is delivered to the highest standards.
But this is not just a back-office role. As part of a small, highly collaborative executive team, you will be expected to roll up your sleeves and get stuck in, contributing to wider organisational priorities and project delivery. You will bring a commercial perspective to the table, helping shape decisions and ensuring EDC can move quickly and confidently in a dynamic funding and delivery environment. You will also provide visible leadership to the Corporate Services team, fostering cohesion and instilling a culture of ambition, innovation, and continuous improvement.
This is a role that combines strategic influence with operational responsibility. You will need to navigate funding allocations and manage risk with confidence. At the same time, you will need to be hands-on in supporting your team and ensuring compliance with government requirements. The breadth of the challenge is matched by the opportunity to make a visible impact across the organisation and the community it serves.
About you
We are looking for an outstanding leader who combines a strong grasp of public service finance and corporate governance with the ability to inspire, motivate and deliver. You will bring demonstrable senior-level experience of managing public money, with a clear understanding of government accounting and audit protocols. You don’t need to be a qualified accountant, what matters is that you bring senior-level experience in corporate services or finance, with a strong understanding of managing public money and working confidently with auditors, sponsor departments, and boards.
You will have a track record of leading diverse teams across corporate functions and delivering high-quality outcomes in complex organisations. Equally important will be your leadership style, collaborative, visible, and able to build confidence across staff, board members and external partners alike. You will be solution-focused, commercially aware, and willing to innovate, but grounded in the assurance and compliance that managing public money requires.
If you are motivated by the chance to drive, influence and deliver within one of the most exciting regeneration projects in the UK, we would be delighted to hear from you.
This is a role for someone who wants to make a tangible difference. It offers the chance to bring together your professional expertise and leadership skills in a small but high-profile organisation, where your contribution will be visible and valued. The role combines real challenge with real opportunity, asking you to provide clear direction, inspire a talented team and ensure the organisation continues to operate with resilience and impact. In return, you will be at the heart of a project that is transforming a community for generations to come, working in an organisation that thrives on teamwork, innovation and ambition.
Contact
To arrange a confidential discussion with our recruitment partner, Tile Hill, please get in touch.