Chief Operating Officer Full Time

The LGA is the national membership body representing local authorities, working to support, promote, and improve local government. As a politically-led, cross-party organisation, we represent councils to ensure a strong, unified voice with national government, aiming to influence policy and advocate for local solutions to national issues.

Our membership includes 315 of the 317 councils in England, covering district, county, metropolitan, and unitary authorities, as well as London boroughs and the City of London. Welsh unitary councils are represented through the Welsh Local Government Association.

While guided by elected representatives from various political parties, we strive to reach a common, cross-party stance on key issues. We also engage with individual political parties through dedicated group offices.

About the role

As Chief Operating Officer (COO) at the Local Government Association (LGA), you will play a crucial role in driving our mission to be a modern, innovative, and high-performing membership organisation. You will lead efforts to transform the LGA into a hub of excellence, developing and executing strategies that ensure long-term financial sustainability, a strong commercial approach, and exceptional asset management. Your leadership will also be key in fostering a talented, engaged workforce and harnessing the power of technology to achieve outstanding outcomes.

In this role, you will be responsible for shaping and implementing a streamlined, efficient operational approach that enhances the LGA’s ability to support councils effectively. You will lead cross-functional teams with a collaborative, inclusive leadership style that inspires individuals and drives team success.

Lead initiatives to optimise processes, boost operational agility, and elevate the overall performance of the LGA as a progressive, responsive organisation.

About you

We would love to hear from you if you have:

• Demonstrable experience in a senior leadership role within a progressive organisation, focused on driving impactful results within a political/ change management environment.

• Ability to create a culture of innovation and enterprise based on trust, fairness and openness.

• Proven track record of successfully developing and implementing strategic initiatives that drive organisational transformation and performance.

• An understanding of the challenges and opportunities within local government, with the ability to anticipate the needs of local authorities and effectively translate them into practical solutions and impactful outcomes.

• Ability to negotiate with and influence a wide range of stakeholders

• Managerial experience in successful resource management, including detailed management of large and complex budgets, and the delivery and measurement of cost effective, qualitative services within constrained resources.

You must have the right to work in the UK, the LGA are unfortunately unable to offer sponsorship visas. Evidence for the right to work in the UK will be requested at the interview stage.

To apply

To find out more about this role and how to apply, please click the following link to review the candidate pack: Recruitment Pack – LGA – Chief Operating Officer

The closing date for applications is Monday 18th November at 23.59hrs

If you would like to discuss the role before applying, please feel free to contact Emmanuel from Diversifying Group at Emmanuel@diversifying.com