Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) was established in 2019 by Stockport Council and the Greater Manchester Mayor to spearhead the regeneration of 130 acres in Stockport Town Centre. Our ambitious goals include delivering 4,000 homes, 1 million sq. ft. of workspace, and creating 5,300 jobs by 2035. With significant progress already made through projects like Stockport Exchange, the Interchange, and Weir Mill, we are now poised to expand our remit to an additional 280 acres, doubling our housing target to 8,000 homes,, making this one of the largest town centre regeneration projects in the UK.

The Role

As the Chair of Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation, you will lead the Board, oversee its strategic direction and governance, and represent SMDC at the highest level. Your role will involve promoting SMDC opportunities, establishing partnerships with local, regional, and national bodies and securing sustainable investment. You will provide insight, advice, and challenge to the organisation, ensuring its strategic goals are met.

The role offers a unique opportunity to shape and influence the future of urban regeneration in Stockport. You will be part of a dynamic and forward-thinking organisation, contributing to the development of the Corporation’s priorities and strategy to deliver. Your efforts will help realise the objectives of ‘One Stockport, One Future’ – the fifteen year vision to make the borough the best place to live happy and healthy lives.

Key Responsibilities

You will guide SMDC’s vision, values, and strategy, acting as an ambassador to build strategic partnerships. Ensuring effective operations and performance oversight will be crucial, as will promoting high standards of ethics and governance. Your leadership will ensure that Board members use their expertise for the organisation’s benefit.

About you

The ideal candidate will be a highly respected and credible leader with significant experience in strategic leadership roles. You will have a proven track record in leading the development and delivery of major regeneration, property, or development programmes within relevant public sector and commercially-focused environments. Previous non-executive Board level or Chair experience in a growth-oriented and customer-focused organisation is essential.

You should possess excellent skills in chairing meetings and bringing matters to a satisfactory conclusion. Senior experience or exposure to relevant areas of business and service delivery models is crucial. The candidate must demonstrate effective stakeholder relationship management and the ability to leverage networks for business gain. A deep understanding of governance and the environment in which SMDC operates is also required.

As a person, you will be articulate, dynamic, energetic, and delivery-focused. You will be self-motivated, committed, and enthusiastic, with a relentless pursuit of delivering results. The ideal candidate will be inclusive, willing to share expertise, and committed to driving physical, social, and economic regeneration. You will be innovative, capable of thinking outside traditional boundaries, and able to translate broad objectives into real outcomes. A highly persuasive communicator, you will be able to effectively represent SMDC in public speaking engagements and as an ambassador for the organisation.

Role Commitment

The role requires a commitment of approximately two days per month, supported by the dedicated SMDC team, including the Managing Director, Development Managers, and other staff.

Terms & Conditions

The position offers a competitive market rate remuneration, with expenses reimbursed. The initial appointment is for three years, made by the Greater Manchester Mayor. Meetings will be held in Stockport Town Centre, with occasional requirements to attend events outside Stockport.

Diversity

SMDC is committed to ensuring equality of opportunity and welcomes applications from diverse backgrounds. We strive to promote fairness, openness, and objectivity in all our processes.

Conflicts of Interest

Candidates must declare any interests that might cause conflicts with SMDC’s business. This includes relevant business interests, shareholdings, and other connections with commercial, public, or voluntary bodies.

For an informal conversation on the role, please contact:

Marek Dobrowolski

Marek.dobrowolski@berwickpartners.co.uk

+ 44 7793 529 576

Lisa Henry

Lisa.Henry@berwickpartners.co.uk

+44 (0) 121 654 5974