Chief Executive and Head of Paid Service for HEY Combined Authority

Hull City Council; Hull and East Yorkshire; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional leadership authority in Hull is seeking a dynamic Chief Executive to guide the Hull and East Riding Combined Authority. This role requires strategic vision and effective leadership to transform policy into action and establish strong partnerships. The ideal candidate is a values-led leader with a track record in delivering complex transformations. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of the region.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a senior strategic leader in complex environments.
• Track record of delivering organisational transformation.
• Strong influencing skills across sectors and government levels.

Responsibilities

• Lead the organisation through its formative years and establish strategic direction.
• Build a high-performing, collaborative organisation.
• Forge strong partnerships with various sectors and represent HEYCA.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Collaboration and relationship building

Political acumen

Emotional intelligence

Strong commercial awareness

Education

Degree level education or equivalent experience

Job description

Overview

This is a career-defining opportunity to become the inaugural Chief Executive and Head of Paid Service of the Hull and East Riding Combined Authority (HEYCA). You will be the most senior officer of the Authority, reporting directly to the Mayor and the HEYCA Board, and responsible for turning vision into reality.

You will lead the organisation through its formative years, establishing its strategic direction, operational effectiveness, and a values-led culture. You will be the Mayor’s principal adviser, helping to shape policy and delivery across all devolved functions, and acting as the key interface with central government under the “devolution by default” principle.

Key Responsibilities

Your leadership will be instrumental in:

• designing and scaling HEYCA’s teams, systems, and services
• building a high-performing, collaborative organisation
• driving innovation in areas such as new clean energy production and energy security
• driving innovation in areas such as AI and digital transformation
• driving innovation in areas such as place-based delivery
• forging strong partnerships with government
• forging strong partnerships with business
• forging strong partnerships with education
• forging strong partnerships with the third sector
• forging strong partnerships with local people
• representing HEYCA at regional, national, and international levels

This role demands strategic vision, political acumen, and a deep commitment to public service. You will be responsible for embedding robust governance, financial stewardship, and a culture of continuous improvement.

About the Candidate

We are seeking a dynamic and visionary leader who can bring credibility, energy, and strategic insight to this once-in-a-generation opportunity. You will be a values-led individual with a passion for place-based leadership and a track record of delivering transformation in complex environments.

We are genuinely open to, and actively interested in, candidates from a wide range of professional backgrounds. Whether your experience is rooted in public service, the commercial sector, or spans both, what matters most is your ability to lead with purpose, navigate complexity, and deliver lasting impact for the region.

• a strategic thinker with the ability to translate long‑term regional ambitions into practical delivery plans
• a collaborative leader who can build trust and alignment across diverse stakeholders
• politically astute and personally credible, able to navigate sensitive environments with integrity
• resilient and emotionally intelligent, with the ability to lead through ambiguity and change
• committed to inclusive leadership, equity, and public service excellence

Essential Skills and Experience

We are looking for proven experience as a senior strategic leader in a complex political and stakeholder environment, including:

• experience working within or alongside strategic authorities, combined authorities and central government departments involved in devolution policy
• track record of delivering organisational transformation and managing public services at scale
• deep understanding of place-based leadership and the levers of economic growth
• strong commercial awareness and financial management capabilities
• exceptional partnership working and influencing skills across sectors and government levels

Knowledge and Qualifications

Deep understanding of the Hull and East Yorkshire region, including its opportunities and challenges, along with:

• being educated to degree level or equivalent relevant experience
• evidence of continuing professional development
• membership of a relevant professional body is desirable

The role is politically restricted under the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 (as amended) and will be based full-time in Hull City Centre.

Contact for Confidential Discussion

Marek Dobrowolski, Partner
telephone - 0121 654 5912
mobile - 07793 529 576
email - [e-mail]

Corinne Attwood, Senior Researcher
telephone - 0121 654 5954
email - [e-mail]

Ruth Hernandez Turner, Principal Researcher
telephone - 0121 654 5936
email - [e-mail]

Application Details

Closing date for applications is Sunday 31 August 2025.

To apply, visit http://www.berwickpartners.co.uk / 94266.

Please also refer to the candidate document for further details.