Darlington Borough Council is seeking an inspiring and dynamic leader to join as Chief Executive. As the Council’s Head of Paid Service, you will work closely with the Leader and elected members to drive our strategic vision, ensure high-quality service delivery, and represent the needs of our communities and businesses.
This is a fantastic opportunity for an inspiring leader to guide a forward-thinking organisation through an exciting period of growth and development. We are looking for a strategic thinker with the ability to inspire and support our dedicated workforce, empowering them to continue delivering excellent services. With a positive, solutions-focused approach, you will nurture a culture where innovation flourishes and staff feel valued, motivated, and engaged. While we acknowledge the challenges faced in local government, from financial pressures to growing demands on services, this is a unique opportunity to drive meaningful change, address inequalities across our communities and make a lasting impact on our Borough.
You will work closely with key partners, including other local authorities, government bodies, and the Tees Valley Combined Authority, to advocate for Darlington on regional and national levels. With excellent communication and relationship-building skills, you will maintain and strengthen our partnerships to help achieve the Council’s ambitious goals. Partnership working is essential to this role, and the successful candidate will need to draw upon these relationships to grow the local economy, driving progress and providing opportunities for all.
The ideal candidate will be an astute leader with a strong understanding of finance. You will have a proven track record of delivering cultural change and leading through complex transitions. You will also need to demonstrate a deep commitment to supporting and advising elected members, ensuring they have the tools and insights needed to drive policy decisions and maintain a strong and cohesive vision for the borough.
In return, we offer the opportunity to lead an agile, collaborative organisation with a dedicated and supportive team of senior officers. As Chief Executive, you will be at the heart of decision-making, working to ensure Darlington continues to be a great place to live, work, and thrive.
If you are a forward-thinking, solutions-focused leader with the ability to inspire and innovate, we would love to hear from you. This is your chance to make a real impact on the future of Darlington and its people.
If you’re ready to shape our future, visit www.recruit-darlington.co.uk to find out more and apply. Or, for a conversation please contact Maud Hollis (07444 696659) or Clare Connor (0161 4080703).
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