Introduction
Finding jobs in Derby Derbyshire means entering one of the most dynamic employment markets in the East Midlands. This region combines a proud industrial heritage with modern innovation, creating opportunities across manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, technology and professional services. Whether you are seeking your first role, looking to change careers or aiming for senior positions, Derby and Derbyshire offer a breadth of opportunities that few other UK regions can match.
The area’s strategic location at the heart of England, excellent transport links and concentration of world-leading employers make it an attractive destination for job seekers. From the aerospace excellence of Rolls-Royce to the automotive manufacturing at Toyota, from expanding logistics hubs to growing digital businesses, the employment landscape here is both diverse and resilient.
This guide examines the current state of jobs in Derby Derbyshire, exploring which sectors are hiring, what employers are looking for and how you can position yourself for success in this competitive but opportunity-rich market.
Why Derby and Derbyshire Offer Strong Employment Prospects
Derby and Derbyshire benefit from an employment profile that differs significantly from the national picture. According to the Derbyshire Observatory, the county is home to over 29,700 businesses employing around 293,000 people. Manufacturing remains a cornerstone sector, accounting for nearly a fifth of all employment, more than double the national rate.
The region’s employment rate has consistently remained above the national average. Data from the Office for National Statistics shows that employment in areas such as the Derbyshire Dales has increased compared with previous years, with an employment rate of 80.5% among those aged 16 to 64 in the year ending December 2023.
Derby’s economy alone is worth approximately £7.5 billion, contributing roughly half of the wider regional economy valued at over £15 billion. The city has attracted £3.8 billion of investment over the past decade, with a further £1.6 billion in the pipeline, according to The Prestbury Advisory.
This sustained investment translates directly into job creation and career progression opportunities. The concentration of high-value manufacturing, coupled with growing service sectors, means that jobs in Derby Derbyshire span the full spectrum from entry-level positions to highly skilled technical and professional roles.
Manufacturing and Engineering: The Industrial Backbone
Manufacturing and engineering form the bedrock of employment in Derby and Derbyshire. The region has established itself as a world leader in aerospace, rail and automotive technologies, creating not just direct employment but entire ecosystems of suppliers, training programmes and professional services.
Rolls-Royce, headquartered in Derby, is the region’s largest private sector employer. The company designs, manufactures and services advanced engineering products, particularly aircraft engines. According to Companies House data, Rolls-Royce’s Derby operations reported turnover exceeding £3 billion and employed over 5,000 people directly. The company recently announced a £150 million investment, including £90 million for a new test bed facility, securing 7,000 jobs for the next five years.
Bombardier Transportation’s Derby plant is another major employer, with turnover of £874 million and employing over 2,300 people. The facility is a global centre for vehicle design and the only site in the UK able to design, develop, manufacture and test trains. Derby has delivered more than 60% of the UK’s modern era rail fleet.
Toyota Motor Manufacturing operates its Burnaston plant in Derby, where pressing, welding, painting and assembly of vehicles takes place. The plant employs nearly 3,000 people and produced 180,000 cars last year, with turnover exceeding £2.8 billion.
These anchor employers create demand for engineering technicians, project managers, quality assurance specialists, supply chain analysts and skilled trades workers. The sector offers strong salaries, comprehensive training and clear progression pathways, making it an attractive option for those seeking stable, long-term careers.
Healthcare and Social Care Opportunities
Healthcare represents one of the fastest-growing employment sectors in Derby and Derbyshire. The NHS is a major employer across the region, offering roles in hospitals, clinics, community health services and administrative functions.
Healthcare assistants, nurses, allied health professionals and support workers are in consistent demand. These roles offer stability, structured training and career progression opportunities. The sector particularly suits individuals who are compassionate, patient and committed to supporting vulnerable people.
Social care roles, including care workers in residential homes and domiciliary care, also provide significant employment opportunities. While these positions can be challenging, they offer flexible working patterns and the chance to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
The healthcare sector in Derby and Derbyshire benefits from ongoing investment in facilities and services, ensuring continued demand for workers at all levels of experience and qualification.
Logistics, Warehousing and Distribution
Derby’s strategic location in the East Midlands, with direct connectivity to major motorways, rail lines and airports, has made it a key logistics hub. This has attracted warehouses, distribution centres and supply chain companies, creating thousands of jobs.
Warehouse operatives, delivery drivers, forklift operators, inventory managers and supply chain analysts are all in high demand. These roles often offer flexible shift patterns, including night shifts and weekend work, which can suit those seeking non-traditional working hours or additional income through overtime.
The growth of e-commerce has further accelerated demand in this sector. Major retailers and logistics companies maintain significant operations in the area, providing consistent employment opportunities for those willing to work in active, fast-paced environments.
Entry-level positions in logistics and warehousing typically require no formal qualifications, making them accessible to a wide range of job seekers. Many employers offer on-the-job training and opportunities to progress into supervisory and management roles.
Retail, Hospitality and Customer Service Roles
The service sector continues to expand across Derby and Derbyshire, driven by the region’s growing population and developing urban centres. Retail assistants, customer service advisors, hospitality staff and sales professionals are consistently in demand.
Derby’s commercial districts host supermarkets, clothing stores, electronics shops and speciality retailers, all requiring staff at various levels. These roles are particularly suitable for those seeking part-time work, students or individuals entering the job market for the first time.
Customer service roles span call centres, retail environments, financial services, utilities and telecommunications. These positions value strong communication skills, empathy and problem-solving abilities. Many offer progression into team leader or customer experience management positions.
The hospitality sector, including restaurants, hotels, cafes and event venues, provides opportunities for front-of-house staff, kitchen workers and management roles. While the work can be demanding, it builds valuable customer service experience and offers flexible working arrangements.
Technology and Digital Sector Growth
Derby and Derbyshire’s continued investment in innovation and digital transformation has encouraged technology startups and IT service firms to establish operations in the region. Software developers, cybersecurity specialists, data analysts and digital marketing professionals are increasingly in demand.
The region’s business base includes more than 6,000 small and medium enterprises, many operating in emerging high-tech fields including medical technology, green technology and composite manufacturing, according to The Prestbury Advisory.
Technology roles typically offer competitive salaries, opportunities for remote or hybrid working and strong long-term career prospects. Employers seek candidates with skills in programming languages such as Python and JavaScript, cloud technologies, data analysis and cybersecurity.
The growth of the digital sector in Derby and Derbyshire reflects broader trends in the UK economy, where technology skills are increasingly valued across all industries. This creates opportunities not just in dedicated technology companies but also in traditional sectors undergoing digital transformation.
Public Sector and Education Employment
Derby City Council and Derbyshire County Council are significant employers, offering roles across administration, social services, planning, environmental health, trading standards and community services. Public sector positions typically offer job security, structured career progression and comprehensive benefits packages.
The education sector provides opportunities for teachers, teaching assistants, support staff and administrative roles across primary schools, secondary schools, colleges and the University of Derby. Teaching assistants are particularly in demand, supporting classroom teachers and helping students with learning needs.
These roles suit individuals who enjoy working with children and young people and want to contribute to educational outcomes. While some positions require specific qualifications, many teaching assistant roles are accessible to those with relevant experience and a commitment to education.
Construction and Skilled Trades
The construction sector in Derby and Derbyshire remains active, driven by ongoing residential development, commercial projects and infrastructure investment. Electricians, plumbers, carpenters, bricklayers, site managers and quantity surveyors all find consistent employment opportunities.
Bowmer & Kirkland, a major construction and engineering group headquartered in Heage, employs over 1,200 people and reported turnover exceeding £848 million, according to Derbyshire Live. The company operates across the UK and internationally, offering opportunities for skilled trades workers and construction professionals.
Skilled trades offer strong earning potential, particularly for those who become self-employed or establish their own businesses. Apprenticeships provide an accessible route into these careers, combining practical training with formal qualifications.
Understanding the Local Labour Market
Understanding the dynamics of the local labour market helps job seekers make informed decisions about their career paths. According to ONS data, unemployment in Derbyshire has remained lower than the national average, though it has risen slightly in recent periods.
The unemployment rate in the Derbyshire Dales was 3.0% in the year ending December 2023, compared with 3.7% across the East Midlands. This relatively low unemployment rate indicates a healthy labour market but also means competition for the best positions can be intense.
Economic inactivity, which includes people who are retired, studying, caring for family or unable to work due to illness, stood at 19.5% in the Derbyshire Dales, slightly lower than the regional average of 21.6%.
The Claimant Count, which measures people claiming unemployment-related benefits, was 2.0% in Derby and Derbyshire in March 2024, a slight increase from the previous year but still below many other UK regions.
These statistics paint a picture of a labour market that is generally healthy but not without challenges. Job seekers need to be prepared, skilled and strategic in their approach to securing employment.
Major Employers in Derby and Derbyshire
Beyond the manufacturing giants already mentioned, Derby and Derbyshire host a diverse range of major employers across multiple sectors.
Bloor Investments, led by chairman John Bloor, comprises three businesses with combined annual turnover exceeding £1.1 billion. The group includes Bloor Homes, which builds more than 2,400 homes annually, Pickerings plant hire company and Triumph motorcycles.
Motorpoint, the used car retailer headquartered in Derby, employs over 800 people across its UK operations and reported turnover of £729 million. The company recently invested seven figures in a new call centre in Chester Green, creating 100 additional jobs.
Greencore Food to Go, based in Barlborough, is one of the world’s largest makers of pre-packed sandwiches, delivering more than 600 million products each year with turnover exceeding £621 million.
These employers, alongside numerous small and medium enterprises, create a diverse employment ecosystem that offers opportunities across skill levels and career stages.
Salary Expectations Across Key Sectors
Salary levels in Derby and Derbyshire are among the highest outside London. Average salaries in Derby are competitive, and residents rank in the UK’s top 10 for disposable income, according to The Prestbury Advisory.
Manufacturing and engineering roles typically offer strong salaries, particularly for skilled technicians and engineers. Entry-level engineering technicians might expect salaries starting around £22,000 to £28,000, rising to £35,000 to £50,000 or more for experienced engineers and specialists.
Healthcare assistants typically earn between £20,000 and £24,000, while registered nurses can expect salaries from £28,000 to £40,000 depending on experience and specialisation.
Warehouse operatives and logistics workers typically earn between £20,000 and £26,000, with opportunities for additional income through shift allowances and overtime.
Retail and customer service roles often start at or slightly above the National Living Wage, with progression to supervisory roles bringing salaries of £24,000 to £30,000.
Technology professionals, particularly software developers and cybersecurity specialists, can command salaries from £30,000 for junior roles to £60,000 or more for senior positions.
These figures provide general guidance, but actual salaries vary based on employer, experience, qualifications and specific role requirements.
Remote and Hybrid Working in Derbyshire
The shift towards remote and hybrid working has transformed employment opportunities in Derby and Derbyshire. According to Derbyshire Times, around 28% of working adults in the UK were engaged in hybrid working in 2025, with approximately 14% working fully remotely.
This means over 40% of workers have part of their week that is not tied to a commute. For Derbyshire, which has always felt the contrast between urbanised areas and rural communities, this matters significantly. Remote work expands where jobs can be done and who can access them.
People living in villages such as Tideswell or Bakewell, previously limited to jobs within commuting distance, can now access professional and technical roles that were once available mainly in cities. Equally, employers in Derby and Chesterfield can recruit specialist skills from across the UK without geographic constraints.
This flexibility reduces commuting costs, improves work-life balance and makes living in rural or semi-rural locations financially viable while accessing well-paid opportunities. However, not all roles can be performed remotely. Hospitality, construction and care sector roles all require physical presence.
How to Find Jobs in Derby Derbyshire
Successfully finding jobs in Derby Derbyshire requires a strategic approach combining online resources, direct applications and networking.
Major job boards including Indeed, Reed, TotalJobs and CV-Library list hundreds of vacancies across the region daily. Setting up job alerts for relevant keywords ensures you are notified immediately when suitable positions become available.
Applying directly through employer websites often yields better results than using job boards alone. Companies such as Rolls-Royce, NHS Derby and Derbyshire, Derby City Council, Toyota and Bombardier regularly update their career pages with new opportunities.
The Derby Jobs, Skills and Employment Hub provides a city-level employment resource with a weekly newsletter, recruitment events and listings of local vacancies.
Networking remains a powerful tool. Attending career fairs, such as the Derby Careers Fair scheduled for February 2026, allows you to meet employers face-to-face and apply directly for positions.
Recruitment agencies specialising in particular sectors can also provide access to opportunities not advertised publicly. Building relationships with recruiters who understand your skills and career goals can open doors to hidden opportunities.
Apprenticeships and Skills Development
Apprenticeships provide an excellent route into employment, particularly in manufacturing, engineering, construction and healthcare. They combine practical work experience with formal qualifications, allowing you to earn while you learn.
Derby City Council and major employers across the region offer apprenticeship programmes at various levels, from intermediate to degree apprenticeships. These programmes are particularly valuable in sectors such as engineering, where hands-on experience is essential.
For those already in employment or seeking to change careers, skills development through short courses can enhance employability. Free online learning platforms and local colleges offer courses in IT, logistics, customer service, healthcare fundamentals and engineering basics.
Employers increasingly value candidates who demonstrate commitment to continuous learning and professional development. Highlighting relevant training and certifications on your CV can differentiate you from other applicants.
Challenges Facing Job Seekers
Despite the generally positive employment picture, job seekers in Derby and Derbyshire face several challenges. Competition for the most desirable positions can be intense, particularly for roles with major employers offering strong salaries and benefits.
Some sectors, particularly manufacturing and engineering, require specific technical skills and qualifications that take time to acquire. This can create barriers for those seeking to enter these industries without prior experience.
Transport links, while generally good in urban areas, can be more limited in rural parts of Derbyshire. This can restrict access to opportunities for those without private transport, particularly for shift-based roles in logistics and manufacturing.
The shift towards automation and digital technologies means some traditional roles are declining, requiring workers to adapt and acquire new skills. This can be challenging for those in mid to late career who may need to retrain.
Economic uncertainty, including the ongoing impacts of Brexit on manufacturing and trade, creates some instability in sectors heavily reliant on European markets. However, major employers have continued to invest in the region, demonstrating confidence in its long-term prospects.
Support and Resources for Job Hunters
Several organisations provide support for job seekers in Derby and Derbyshire. The National Careers Service offers free, impartial advice and guidance to adults over 18, helping with career planning, CV writing and job search strategies.
Derby City Council’s jobs and careers section provides information on council vacancies, apprenticeships and careers advice for adults and young people.
Local libraries often host job clubs and provide free access to computers and the internet for job searching and application writing.
For those facing barriers to employment, including long-term unemployment, health conditions or caring responsibilities, specialist employment support services can provide tailored assistance.
The Derbyshire Observatory publishes regular labour market data and analysis, helping job seekers understand trends and opportunities in the local economy.
Conclusion
Jobs in Derby Derbyshire span a remarkable range of sectors, skill levels and career paths. The region’s industrial heritage continues to drive employment in world-leading manufacturing and engineering companies, while growing service sectors, logistics operations and digital businesses create diverse opportunities.
The employment rate remains above the national average, major employers continue to invest and the region’s strategic location and excellent connectivity make it an attractive destination for both businesses and workers. From entry-level positions to highly skilled technical roles, from traditional industries to emerging technologies, Derby and Derbyshire offer genuine prospects for those willing to prepare thoroughly and approach their job search strategically.
Understanding which sectors are hiring, what employers value and how to present your skills effectively will significantly improve your chances of securing meaningful employment. Whether you are starting your career, seeking progression or considering a change, the jobs market in Derby and Derbyshire provides opportunities worth exploring.
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