Welcome to Plymouth City Council

I am really pleased that you are interested in finding out more about joining our team and working for Britain’s Ocean City. I am proud of the work we do to make Plymouth one of Europe’s most vibrant waterfront cities, where everyone has an outstanding quality of life.

Plymouth is a springboard for innovation and creativity across the UK - we are a place where great ideas are born and legacies are made. Our city is rooted in marine engineering, cultural industry, health and social care. We are home to the UK’s first National Marine Park, ‘The Box’ - an outstanding new regional £47m museum and have recently secured Freeport status for our thriving maritime industries.

We are a fast-growing city and are on a course to increase our population in the coming years.

But in Plymouth, growth isn’t just about new jobs or new investment. It’s about creating a city where every child can see a future for themselves in world‑leading sectors, from defence and STEM to marine, construction and digital innovation. And that journey starts early: by raising aspiration, boosting achievement, and ensuring families are supported from the very beginning.

Children’s Services sits right at the heart of this vision. Our schools, Early Help teams and Family Hubs are pivotal in sparking ambition, nurturing talent and connecting children and young people to the pathways that will shape Plymouth’s future workforce. They also play a vital role in ensuring the benefits of growth are felt by those who need it most, especially families facing disadvantage.

As Service Director for Education, Participation and Skills, you will lead the charge - driving Plymouth’s strategy for learning, SEND, skills and employability. You will work hand‑in‑hand with schools, colleges, training providers and industry leaders to build powerful, inclusive pathways that open doors for young people and align with the city’s growth sectors.

Alongside this, the Service Director for Quality Assurance, Safeguarding and Partnerships will ensure that rising economic opportunity goes hand‑in‑hand with safety, high‑quality practice and exceptional multi‑agency working. This role safeguards the conditions children and families need to thrive, ensuring improved life chances are grounded in strong, protective systems.

Together, these two roles form the backbone of a bold, city‑wide mission: to make sure Plymouth’s future is not only prosperous, but shared; where every child, in every community, can grow up with confidence, aspiration and the skills to succeed.

If you are passionate, energetic, and creative and have what it takes to inspire people and a place that continues the outstanding legacy Plymouth has built, then step forward and take your place. 

Dream big, work hard, and be part of the legacy. If you share our vision, a brilliant career is waiting for you.

Yours sincerely,

Tracey Lee

Chief Executive
Plymouth City Council

Meet our Chief Executive, Tracey Lee