Welcome to another edition of our North East Jobs Thursday Spotlight page.

Spotlight is your weekly focus of some of the fantastic positions available across our region.

Each week, we highlight some of the best and most interesting new vacancies listed on our site, and also speak to people from different local councils and public sector organisations from around the North East to find out more about what it's like to work in the public sector.

This week we're taking a look at some incredible roles from in the Tees Valley with Tees Valley Combined Authority.

THIS WEEK'S SPOTLIGHT

The Tees Valley is where five unique boroughs - Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar & Cleveland and Stockton-on-Tees.- come together to make one remarkable region - one that harnesses its inventive spirit to get things done.

Tees Valley Combined Authority was established in 2016 with devolved powers and funding from central Government transport; infrastructure; education, employment and skills; inward investment and business growth; culture and tourism; and research, innovation and Net Zero.

The Tees Valley region is very diverse region, where the industrial skyline impressively frames rolling green landscapes and beautiful coastlines. It is a place of cultural and economic growth, where anything is possible - and with these roles below you can be part of that future:

Head of Workforce Development
Salary: £85,312 • Closing date: 27th September 2026

TVCA are looking for an experienced Head of Workforce Development to lead skills, careers and employment programmes that help people progress and help businesses find the talent they need. 

You’ll lead major funding programmes, including the Adult Skills Fund, Connect to Work, Youth Trailblazer and future devolved skills and employment programmes. Your focus will be on matching skills investment with employer demand and the region’s growth plans. 

Working with employers, education providers, government, councils and partners, you’ll help build a workforce system that supports people into work, helps them progress and gives businesses the skills they need to grow.

Head of Business Growth
Salary: £85,312 • Closing date: 27th September 2026

This is a senior role with real influence. You’ll be part of a new leadership team working together to shape the Tees Valley’s economic future and make the region a stronger place to do business. 

The Head of Business Growth will help more businesses start, grow and invest in the Tees Valley. You’ll lead practical programmes, build strong partnerships and turn regional plans into results. 

You’ll work with businesses, investors, government, councils, education providers and employers to create the right support for growth. Your focus will be on delivering the new Business Tees Valley support system, attracting investment, developing new investment funds, improving productivity and making sure public funding delivers clear value for businesses, communities and residents.

Head of Strategic Development
Salary: £95,387 • Closing date: 20th September

This is a senior leadership role responsible for shaping and driving the strategic policy, investment and programme agenda across the Tees Valley Combined Authority. Leading the development of robust policies, investment plans and delivery programmes, you will play a pivotal role in delivering the Tees Valley Local Growth Plan and ensuring the region maintains a strong, investable pipeline of projects.

Working across a diverse portfolio, you will align regional priorities with national and devolved funding opportunities, helping to secure significant public and private sector investment that supports long-term economic growth. You will collaborate closely with Directors, Heads of Service and key stakeholders to translate strategic ambitions into deliverable programmes that maximise impact for the region.

Head of Creative and Digital Sector Growth 
Salary: £95,387 • Closing date: 27th September

You’ll lead programmes and partnerships that support business growth, new ideas and investment, helping to grow the Tees Valley’s creative, cultural and digital economy.

As Programme Director for the £160m Tees Valley Investment Zone, you'll help to make Tees Valley a competitive place for creative production, digital innovation and long-term growth.

Working with government, investors, industry leaders, cultural organisations, education providers and local partners, you’ll help turn opportunities into practical projects that benefit businesses, communities and residents.

Find out more about all of the roles from the links below: