Cumberland is a special place – with the beauty of the lakes, combined with an amazing coastline, a thriving city, bustling towns and a strong economy. Cumberland offers an exceptional quality of life alongside ambitious opportunities for growth and transformation.
Since our creation in 2023, we have established strong foundations and delivered significant improvements for our residents. We are proud that Cumberland is one of the safest places in the North of England and that we are an award-winning Council with 94% of primary schools being good or outstanding. We are now looking for an exceptional Chief Executive to help lead the next chapter of our journey.
This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of a modern and ambitious unitary Council, serving diverse communities across a unique and nationally significant place, working with elected Members, partners and colleagues to further improve outcomes for residents and create lasting positive change across Cumberland.
If you are motivated by public service, collaborative leadership and the opportunity to make a genuine difference at scale, we would like to hear from you.
About Cumberland Council
Formed in April 2023 through Local Government Reorganisation, Cumberland Council serves a diverse geography comprising urban, rural and coastal communities across north-west England. We are ambitious for our residents, businesses and partners and are committed to creating positive health and wellbeing outcomes, supporting economic prosperity and delivering high-quality public services.
About The Role
Working closely with elected Members, Officers and key partners, you will provide corporate and strategic leadership to the Council, setting and delivering a clear, sustainable and outcome-focused vision for Cumberland and its residents.
You will ensure the Council remains financially resilient, high-performing and well-governed and focused on delivering statutory responsibilities alongside place-based ambitions.
You will lead a strong and established senior leadership team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, innovation and continuous improvement.
Operating within a complex and evolving local government landscape, characterised by increasing financial pressures and rising demand for services, you will provide strong leadership and maintain delivery of sustainable, high-quality outcomes for residents and communities across Cumberland.
You will play a central role in the continued development and maturity of the Council, ensuring the organisation operates as a financially resilient, well governed and high performing authority that delivers modern, agile, inclusive and customer focused services.
Who We’re Looking For
We are looking for an experienced and inspirational senior leader who will match that ambition with vision, energy and integrity to play a central role in delivering our plan for Cumberland—ensuring inclusive growth, supporting our communities, and improving outcomes for all.
You will be innovative, collaborative, a leading force in change management and have a strong track record in developing and maintaining partnerships.
We welcome applications from both serving Chief Executives and experienced senior leaders who are ready to take the next step in their career.
You will bring positive strategic vision, political awareness and a track record of delivering meaningful organisational and service improvement within a complex environment. Equally important will be your ability to build trust, inspire others and work collaboratively with Members, staff, communities and partners.
We are looking for a leader who is visible, authentic and values driven – someone who can balance ambition with pragmatism and who shares our commitment to improving outcomes for residents.
You will embody the highest standards of professional and political impartiality, as required of this politically restricted post.
Please refer to the full Post Specification for detailed information regarding the role, responsibilities and essential criteria. Candidates may also wish to review relevant Council strategies, policies and documents available through Cumberland Council’s website: Cumberland Council documents and policies.
Important Information
- This post is politically restricted under the Local Government and Housing Act 1989. The postholder will be required to maintain political neutrality and will be subject to restrictions on political activity. The successful candidate must comply with the statutory requirements relating to politically restricted posts.
- The postholder will be appointed as the Council’s Returning Officer and Electoral Registration Officer (ERO), subject to statutory designation. This is a personal statutory role, independent of the Council, carrying responsibility for the lawful conduct of elections and the maintenance of the electoral register.
- The successful candidate will be required to undertake an Enhanced DBS check. This will be facilitated by Cumberland Council during the appointment process.
- Applicants must declare any relationships with elected Members or officers and disclose the nature of their relationship(s) in writing as part of their application.
- Applications received after the closing date cannot be accepted.
Timeline
Closing date: 14th August 2026
Longlisting: 18th August 2026
Technical Interview: 24th & 25th August 2026 (online)
Shortlisting: 2nd September 2026
Psychometric Assessment: Between 3rd – 9th September 2026 (online)
Assessment Centre: 10th & 11th September 2026 (In-person, Carlisle)
How To Apply
If you are excited by the opportunity to lead Cumberland Council through the next stage of its development and believe you have the experience, ambition and values we are looking for, we encourage you to apply.
Please submit your application consisting of CV and cover letter (making sure to declare required relationships) to our recruitment partners at: Starfish Search
If you are seeking further information about the role or the Council, please contact Tim Farr on 07756 293292 or tim.farr@starfishsearch.com
