Our Growth Agenda
Be More Bradford
Bradford is on the rise, driven by bold ambitions and clear plans to bring them to life. Through major regeneration projects and transformative transport links, The Growth Agenda is unlocking the city’s full potential and creating new opportunities for all. Be part of this journey as Bradford builds its future together.
Transport-led Regeneration
Connectivity is at the heart of Bradford’s growth. We’re investing in major projects to put Bradford on the fast track to opportunity:
New City Centre Rail Station – part of the Bradford Rail Programme, bringing high-speed connectivity and cutting journey times across the North.
West Yorkshire Mass Transit – a next-generation system, including trams, to make travel faster, greener, and better connected across the region.
These investments will make Bradford easier to reach, easier to move around, and a magnet for business and talent.
The Southern Gateway
The Southern Gateway is one of the UK’s biggest regeneration opportunities, transforming a key part of the city into a vibrant, connected destination. It will:
• Unlock thousands of new homes
• Create business and education opportunities for young people
• Attract major inward investment
Big City Transformation
Our city centre is undergoing a dramatic transformation through landmark developments:
City Village – creating a vibrant, liveable city neighbourhood in the heart of Bradford
Bradford Live – turning an iconic building into a world-class entertainment venue
Darley Street Market – a modern destination for food, culture, and community
Together, these projects are bringing new life, jobs, and opportunities right into the city centre.
Thriving Towns
The Growth Agenda isn’t just about the city centre. Across Keighley, Shipley, and Bingley, dedicated development frameworks are unlocking potential—delivering new homes, better public spaces, and improved connectivity.
Assistant Director for Economy and Development Services
Location: Bradford City Centre
Salary: £96,350 – £108,925 pa.
The Role
Bradford is a city on the rise. With a massive push on growth, fresh leadership and a progressive, forward-thinking mindset, the council is driving change at scale and pace. As our new Assistant Director for Economy and Development Services, you’ll play a key role in shaping that future, leading a bold regeneration and economic development agenda that delivers real, inclusive benefits across the district.
This is a high-profile leadership post, responsible for implementing major regeneration and economic development programmes that unlock investment, boost productivity, and ensure the benefits of growth reach every community. From city centre masterplans to cultural-led regeneration, this role is about ambition, innovation and delivery.
Bradford is distinctive for its strong civic culture. You’ll need to inspire internally and externally, forging powerful partnerships with businesses, developers, investors, government and community leaders. You’ll bring a strong track record of leadership, a systems approach to place-based development, and the ability to mobilise energy around shared goals.
About You
We are looking for a strategic and inspirational leader. Someone who sees regeneration not just as infrastructure, but as a vehicle for social mobility, sustainable growth and economic inclusion.
You will bring significant experience in economic development and regeneration at a senior level. You’ll have led major capital programmes in complex and political environments, and understand how to deliver change through collaboration, influence and clear direction.
You’ll be a values-led leader who can galvanise people around big ideas, while keeping delivery on track. You will know how to work with elected members, manage multi-agency partnerships, and use the council’s assets creatively to deliver outcomes. A high level of financial acumen, risk awareness and performance management capability is essential.
Most of all, we are looking for someone with passion, pace and purpose, someone who believes in what Bradford can become and has the leadership strength to help us get there.
Why Join Us
Bradford is one of the most exciting places in the UK right now. We are the UK City of Culture 2025, one of the youngest and most diverse cities in Europe, and home to a growing population, strong entrepreneurial spirit and significant capital investment.
The council is ambitious, confident and committed to inclusive growth, with significant delivery already underway. This is a place where great ideas get traction and where you can make a lasting difference.
Apply now and be part of something extraordinary!