Group Director – Core Business
Help forge our future to achieve our ambition
Dudley is an ambitious, evolving council on a major improvement journey. We are looking for a visionary, values-led executive to join us as Group Director – Core Business, a newly defined strategic role at the heart of our transformation.
This is your opportunity to lead and modernise the essential services that underpin Dudley’s success—from finance and workforce to legal governance, technology and business process led transformation, assurance and customer experience. You will help design and deliver a council that is fit for the future - streamlined, efficient, transparent and focused on people.
THE VACANCY
Group Director – Core Business
Hours: Full time
Contract: Permanent
Salary: Up to £155,000 per annum plus benefits
Location: Dudley
About the role
As a key member of the Corporate Management Team, you will hold corporate and statutory responsibilities across Dudley’s core business functions, including:
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Line management of s151 and Monitoring Officer
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Financial management and oversight
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Procurement, commissioning, revenues and benefits
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Transformation and innovation
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Technology, automation, data, insight and customer channel development
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Workforce, HR, OD and learning
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Legal, compliance, risk and audit
You will lead these major functions as one integrated group - connecting the dots across governance, technology, process, people and performance. You will oversee the Council Improvement Programme, ensuring strong governance, clear accountabilities, and effective performance management aligned to a new operating model.
Key responsibilities:
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Driving organisational transformation and a high-performance culture across all council services.
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Leading a major digital and business modernisation agenda - shifting towards automation, intelligence-led services, and value-for-money delivery.
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Championing good governance, ethical leadership and evidence-based decision-making across the council.
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Shaping and embedding a new financial strategy and operating model that ensures sustainability and innovation.
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Supporting Members, the Chief Executive and senior leaders with trusted, strategic advice on council-wide priorities.
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Building a joined-up corporate core that works across silos and supports service excellence.
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Leading with integrity and transparency, modelling the Nolan Principles of public life.
We are looking for:
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Lead complex, multi-functional teams and systems at a senior level
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Drive modernisation and transformation using technology and data
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Ensure statutory compliance and high-quality governance
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Build inclusive, high-performing cultures across a large workforce
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Balance strategic vision with rigorous financial and performance discipline
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Inspire change through partnership, innovation and purpose
Why Dudley?
We are a vibrant and growing borough with a rich history and a bright future. This is more than a job - it’s your chance to lead lasting transformation, shape modern public services, and leave a legacy.
For an informal discussion about any of the roles please contact Balvinder Heran, Chief Executive via Jo Cook – Joanne.Cook@dudley.gov.uk
Indicative dates for recruitment process:
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Applications close: Thursday 12 June 2025
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to assessment centres and to attend final interviews. Please indicate any periods you are unavailable.