Chief Executive

Local Government South East; Eastleigh; On-site; GBP 135,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

31 days annual leave

Flexi leave up to two days/month

Defined Benefit Pension Scheme

30% off Places Leisure Eastleigh

Employee Advice and Support Programme

Job summary

Eastleigh Borough Council is seeking an experienced Chief Executive to provide strategic leadership and shape public services for the borough. The role is permanent and full-time, with a Band 17 salary up to £150,000 per year. Closing date for applications is 15 November 2026, with interview on 16 December 2026.

The successful candidate will work closely with councillors, inspire staff, and drive delivery across housing, regeneration and frontline services.

Qualifications

• Proven track record of delivering results.
• Clear strategic leadership and ability to inspire staff.
• Strong financial and commercial judgement with partnership-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide clear strategic leadership for the council.
• Inspire and support staff and work with elected members.
• Bring fresh ideas and challenge constructively.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Financial acumen

Stakeholder engagement

Job description

• Full Time
• Eastleigh
• Posted 4 days ago
• Band 17, Salary circa £150,000 £ / Year
• Closes: 15 November 2026

Website Eastleigh Borough Council

Chief Executive

Band 17, Salary up to £150,000

Permanent, full-time

At Eastleigh, we’re turning ambition into action.

We’re an ambitious Council with a proud track record of doing things differently. Our ‘can do’ culture is built on finding solutions, investing in our communities and getting things done.

From delivering the everyday services residents rely on to major investments in housing, leisure, the environment and regeneration, we’re focused on making a real difference to life in the Borough.

We’re particularly proud of our bold housing and commercial growth agenda. Through eastbrooke homes, we’re directly delivering much-needed housing, including our flagship One Horton Heath development, where a new 2,500-home community is taking shape.

And our ambitions continue to grow. Eastleigh is one of just three councils nationally selected as a Strategic Partner by Homes England, securing £154.4 million to help deliver more than 1,000 social and affordable homes across the Borough over the next decade.

We’re proud of what we’ve achieved, but there’s plenty more to do.

We embrace the opportunities presented by reorganisation and devolution across the region, while recognising the challenges and uncertainties facing local government. Our next Chief Executive will play a vital role in leading the organisation through change, building on our achievements and helping shape the future of public services across our area.

We’re looking for an experienced, inclusive and inspiring Chief Executive who shares our ambitions and is committed to the highest standards of public service.

You’ll provide clear strategic leadership, inspire and support our talented staff, and work closely and constructively with elected members. You’ll bring sound financial and commercial judgement, strong influencing and partnership-building skills, and a proven track record of delivering results.

You’ll also have the confidence to bring fresh ideas, provide honest advice and challenge constructively, while embodying the culture and values that make Eastleigh a great place to work.

In return, you’ll join an organisation with committed councillors, talented people, a supportive culture and a genuine appetite to make things happen.

Our Benefits Include

• 31 days annual leave
• Ability to accrue up to two additional days of flexi leave per month
• Defined Benefit Pension Scheme
• 30% off full membership at Places Leisure Eastleigh
• Confidential Employee Advice and Support Programme

Closing date: 15 November 2026

Interview date: 16 December 2026

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