Leaders’ Welcome
Hartlepool is a town full of pride, potential and possibility. At Hartlepool Borough Council, leadership means more than managing services, it’s about shaping the future of a place and the lives of the people who call it home.
We are at a defining moment. With a £160 million regeneration programme underway, a refreshed senior leadership structure, and a bold vision for inclusive growth, this is an extraordinary time to join us.
From new cultural destinations and major infrastructure projects to investment in housing and communities, the scale of transformation is unmatched.
We are looking for leaders who share our ambition and values - leaders who are bold, forward-thinking and committed to making a tangible difference.
Discover Hartlepool
Hartlepool is where history meets opportunity. Located on the beautiful North East coast, it blends the charm of a proud maritime past with the energy of a borough on the rise.
With a population of around 98,000, Hartlepool is small enough to feel connected yet big enough to offer real scale and impact.
The borough is embarking one of the UK’s most ambitious regeneration programmes, with over £160 million of capital investment already reshaping the town for generations to come.
And that’s just the beginning. Over the next decade, Hartlepool is set to play a central role in the UK’s energy future with plans for a £12 billion new nuclear power station - one of the most significant infrastructure projects in the country. This will create thousands of jobs, attract investment, and secure long-term prosperity for the region.
About Hartlepool Borough Council
Hartlepool Borough Council is the unitary authority for the Borough of Hartlepool, serving around 98,000 residents. As one of the town’s largest employers, we play a vital role in shaping local lives and the future of our community. From safeguarding children and supporting families to maintaining roads, parks and public spaces, our work touches every aspect of life in Hartlepool.
We are proud to be a high-performing authority.
- Children’s Services rated Outstanding by Ofsted
- Adult Social Care rated Good by the CQC
- achievements that reflect the dedication of our teams and our commitment to making a real difference every day.
But we are more than a service provider. We are driving transformation through one of the most ambitious regeneration programmes in the UK, including:
- A new Active Wellbeing Hub
- A Film and TV Production Village
- A reimagined town centre
- Major highways improvements
Alongside this, our £20 million Pride in Place programme is strengthening communities and empowering residents.
Hartlepool Borough Council is an organisation with heart, ambition and momentum. For leaders who want to make a tangible impact, this is the moment, and this is the place.
Current leadership vacancies
Chief Executive
Salary: £155,000
Closing Date: Friday 9 January
We’re seeking an exceptional Chief Executive to lead Hartlepool Borough Council through an exciting period of transformation. This is a career-defining opportunity to shape a new organisational structure and empower teams to deliver ambitious priorities.
You’ll work closely with political leaders, partners, and communities to drive regeneration, improve services, and ensure strong governance and financial resilience. Collaboration with developers, investors, and regional stakeholders will be key to unlocking growth and opportunity.
The role demands an inspirational leader who understands the enabling power of local government, champions innovation, and builds a culture of inclusion and performance.
Assistant Director of Housing and Communities
Salary: £85,605 to £92,285
Closing Date: Friday 9 January
This role will play a vital part in shaping the places people call home and strengthening the fabric of community life. Responsible for housing strategy, community wellbeing, employment and skills, the role requires a leader who can champion inclusive, preventative and asset-based services that reflect the lived experiences of residents. It is an opportunity to build resilience, unlock opportunity and ensure support is responsive, modern and grounded in local need.
Assistant Director for Inclusive Growth
Salary: £85,605 to £92,285
Closing Date: Friday 9 January
Regeneration of this scale demands strategic leadership capable of turning investment into lasting economic benefit. This role will ensure local people and businesses feel the true impact of the council’s major projects. From supporting proposals for a £6bn new nuclear project to overseeing the creation of a new £5m culture and leisure destination at the waterfront, this is a position that will shape the borough’s prosperity for decades. It also requires a confident ambassador - someone who can build partnerships, secure further investment and position Hartlepool as a dynamic place to live, work and do business.
Assistant Director of Neighbourhood Services
Salary: £95,623 to £102,304
Closing Date: Friday 9 January
Responsible for highways, transport, planning, environmental services and major capital projects, this post will shape the physical and environmental character of the town. With a new Local Plan about to begin, the successful candidate will help define a long-term blueprint for Hartlepool’s neighbourhoods, infrastructure and future growth. This role calls for strategic leadership, a commitment to high-performing services and a passion for innovation, particularly in using technology to improve how residents experience their local environment.