West of England Mayoral Combined Authority
Chair - Brabazon and the West Innovation Arc new town
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Job Introduction
Shape the future of one of the UK's most significant emerging New Towns in South Gloucestershire and north Bristol, which can deliver some 40,000 new homes and £20 billion for the economy. Chair the Mayoral Development Zone, driving a nationally important growth opportunity rooted in innovation and community.
Led by Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority invests for the benefit of people living and working in Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol, and South Gloucestershire – with North Somerset in the process of joining.
Together, our aim is to deliver reliable transport that connects our communities, deliver affordable homes in the right places with essential services, and enable pathways into green jobs that power our future economy.
About The Role
This is a unique opportunity to chair the region’s first Mayoral Development Zone (MDZ), tasked with driving forward the proposed Brabazon and West Innovation Arc New Town. This is a nationally significant growth opportunity identified in the West of England Growth Strategy and recognised by the Government's New Towns Taskforce.
As the MDZ’s independent Chair, you will provide strategic leadership, setting the long-term vision for a high-quality, inclusive and sustainable New Town that will become a flagship destination for innovation-led growth, new homes, employment, infrastructure and thriving communities. You will provide overall leadership and oversight to ensure that the MDZ’s ambitions are translated into action, working collaboratively with the two partner organisations and navigating their respective governance and decision-making processes to secure the necessary support, decisions and accountability. You will ensure the MDZ operates with strong governance, clear oversight and effective partnership working, helping to align priorities and drive progress across a programme that will shape the future of the West of England for generations – in particular in South Gloucestershire and north Bristol.
You will lead across organisational boundaries, bringing together partners from central government, the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, South Gloucestershire Council, Bristol City Council, Homes England, investors, developers and local communities behind a shared vision.
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As the public face and senior ambassador for the programme, you will represent the New Town regionally and nationally, championing investment, innovation and sustainable growth while ensuring the ambitions of government are balanced with the priorities of local communities.
About You
You will be an exceptional strategic leader with experience operating at board or executive level within complex, high-profile environments. You will bring credibility across the public and private sectors, with a track record of leading large-scale regeneration, infrastructure, place-making or economic development programmes that have delivered transformational outcomes.
You will have significant experience chairing boards or governing bodies, ensuring robust governance, effective scrutiny and high standards of accountability. Comfortable operating in a politically accountable environment, you will understand how to work successfully across multiple organisations with differing priorities, using influence, collaboration and sound judgement to build consensus and drive progress.
Your communication and stakeholder leadership skills will be outstanding. You will be confident representing the programme with ministers, government departments, local authority leaders, investors, businesses and communities, acting as a trusted advocate who can inspire confidence and attract long-term support.
You will bring knowledge of the Brabazon and West Innovation Arc area and/or the wider West of England.
Most importantly, you will share our ambition for the West of England. You will bring the vision, leadership and integrity required to help deliver a nationally significant New Town that creates homes, opportunities and sustainable growth, while leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.
If you’d like an information conversation or to apply, please contact our retained consultants:
- Andrew Timlin
- Andrew.timlin@hays.com
- 07887 777 735
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
- Simon Winspear
- simon.winspear@hays.com
- 07525 466 357
The closing date for this role is Sunday 6th September 2026.
Panel interviews are currently planned for Tuesday 15th September 2026, although this may be subject to change.
Please be aware that we are partnering with Hays, therefore should you apply you are agreeing for your information to be shared, for recruitment purposes, between Hays and the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority.
About The Company
Our Offer
We are based in a new bright and airy office, with all the latest technology, close to Bristol Temple Meads Train Station.
Fair and Inclusive Recruitment
We make sure all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment and we particularly welcome applications from under-represented groups without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or citizenship status.
Reasonable Adjustments
If you have an accessibility need, disability, condition or need any additional support that means you might require changes to the application or recruitment process (for example, you might need to submit your application in a different format), please get in touch with our contacts at Hays either Andrew.timlin@hays.com or simon.winspear@hays.com. We are here to assist and accommodate your needs.
Using Artificial Intelligence (AI)
We want to understand the real person behind each application. While we recognise that some applicants may use AI tools, these should support your writing rather than replace your own voice. AI can be a helpful aid, but your personal insight and individuality are what matter most to us.
Closing Dates
Our roles close at midnight on the closing date. Please note this vacancy may close early or be extended depending on the number of applications so please don’t wait to apply. If you have started your application, we’ll give you notice of the new closing date by email.
Attached Documents
- Chair – Brabazon & West Innovation Arc new town JD.pdf
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