Chief Executive Officer Full Time

Are you a visionary leader ready to drive change and transformation at a critical time for local government?

We’re looking for an ambitious and strategic Chief Executive who can shape the future of West Berkshire Council and ensure our services truly put residents first.

About the role:

This is a high-impact leadership position where you’ll work closely with elected members, executive directors, and external partners to deliver an ambitious Council Strategy. You’ll lead the Council’s transformation agenda, ensuring that we continue to adapt, innovate, and meet the needs of our diverse community.

As Chief Executive, you’ll be responsible for driving financial sustainability, ensuring high service standards, and fostering a culture of performance, customer focus, and continuous improvement.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the Council’s transformation programme, driving change while ensuring stability and compliance with statutory responsibilities.
• Shaping strategic priorities that align with the needs of our residents and communities.
• Building strong partnerships regionally and nationally, identifying best practices to deliver innovation.
• Overseeing the performance management and development of the executive team to achieve outstanding results.
• Acting as Returning Officer for local and European elections.

About you:

You’ll be a leader who thrives in transformation, with the ability to navigate the complexities of public sector governance while pushing for innovation.

You’ll have:

• Significant experience in managing large, multi-service organisations, especially through periods of change.
• A strong understanding of the public sector, with a track record of delivering financial and organisational strategies.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders.
• The gravitas and political acumen to command respect and inspire confidence at all levels.
• A customer-first approach, ensuring that services are designed around the needs of residents.

If you’re ready to lead and inspire, ensuring West Berkshire Council remains a forward-thinking, efficient, and effective authority, we want to hear from you.

For an informal discussion with Jeff Brooks, Leader of West Berkshire Council please contact Rachel Elliott, Senior Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive & Leader of the Council on (01635) 519619 | Ext: 9619 or email rachel.elliott1@westberks.gov.uk

For a candidate information pack please email Samantha.hodson1@westberks.gov.uk

Advert Closing Date: Thursday 3rd April

Interviews will take place on 24th & 25th April in person at Shaw House in Newbury.

We regret that we will not be able to accept applications from candidates who are unable to attend both days.

Please note that the closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

This post is a Sensitive Post for the purpose of the Local Government Housing Act 1989 and the post-holder is therefore restricted from engaging in any prescribed political activities. In summary, this means that you are prohibited from holding political office and from involvement in any political activity within or outside the workplace. Full details of the restrictions can be found in the Council’s Policy and Guidance on Politically Restricted Posts.

Equal Opportunities
The Council supports Equal Opportunity of employment and positively encourages applications from people who fall within any of the nine protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010.

How to apply
Please now complete a short online application form. You will then be able to upload your CV.

This role has been identified as public facing in accordance with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016; the requirement to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence in English applies.

This privacy notice applies to job applicants applying for vacancies with West Berkshire Council https://info.westberks.gov.uk/pnapplications

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