Chief Executive Officer

Newton Abbot Town Council; Devon and Torbay; On-site; GBP 77,000 - 92,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Local Government Pension Scheme

25 days annual leave

Employee Assistance Programme

Professional development support

Job summary

Newton Abbot Town Council is seeking a transformative Chief Executive Officer to be its Proper Officer and strategic leader. You will guide an officer team, support 18 councillors and steer an organisation that delivers services, assets, and cultural programmes across the town.

You will navigate political environments, strengthen governance and financial oversight of a significant budget, and build capacity to meet future challenges as the town grows through regeneration and partnerships.

Qualifications

• Experience in senior leadership, governance and financial oversight of a significant budget.
• Ability to navigate political environments and build trust with partners, staff and residents.
• Calm, collaborative leadership with good judgement and people management.

Responsibilities

• Lead the officer team and support 18 councillors.
• Steer an organisation that delivers services, manages assets, runs cultural programmes and civic events.
• Represent the Council and strengthen partnerships while preparing for future local government changes.

Skills

Senior leadership experience

Governance experience

Financial oversight

Job description

Chief Executive Officer

Location: Newton Abbot, TQ12 1JQ

Salary: £76,911 - £92,021 (SCP 55-62) + Local Government Pension Scheme

Vacancy Type: Permanent, 37 hours per week (with evening and weekend working)

Closing date: 5pm, Tuesday 29th September 2026

Interview date: In person week commencing 19th October (Stage 1) 20th October (stage 2)

A town with momentum - and a leadership role with real influence.

Newton Abbot is a place with energy, identity and ambition. A historic market town with a proud civic tradition, a lively events programme and major regeneration underway. With new councillors joining in 2027, assets transferring from the District Council and wider changes across Devon, this is a rare chance to help shape a town's future at a defining moment.

About the role

This is a high-impact leadership role at the heart of a community that values its council. You'll be the Council's Proper Officer, but also its strategic leader, the person who helps Newton Abbot navigate change, strengthen partnerships and turn ambition into outcomes. You will lead a committed officer team, support 18 councillors, and steer an organisation that delivers services, manages assets, runs cultural programmes, supports events and plays a visible role in civic life.

You’ll work across everything that makes a town feel alive: public spaces, heritage and the museum, events, cultural identity, community organisations and relationships with Teignbridge, Devon and the voluntary sector.

And as the Council takes on new responsibilities and prepares for wider changes in local government, you’ll play a central role in building organisational capacity - strengthening systems, developing staff and ensuring the organisation is ready for the future.

You’ll represent Newton Abbot confidently within the evolving local government landscape, including the Local Government Review and future Unitary arrangements. This is a role with breadth, influence and visibility, one where your leadership will be felt across the town.

About you

You’ll have experience in senior leadership, governance, and financial oversight of a significant budget, bringing the confidence to steward public funds responsibly while building the organisational capacity needed for an ambitious council. You’ll be comfortable navigating political environments and building trust with partners, staff and residents.

You’ll bring a leadership style that is calm, collaborative and grounded in good judgement - someone who can advise councillors with clarity and balance, motivate a small team, and strengthen systems as the Council takes on new responsibilities.

If you’re motivated by improving outcomes for residents and want a role where your leadership is visible and valued, this is the right place.

What do we offer

• Competitive salary: £74,454 - £89,081 (SCP 55-62)
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• 25 days annual leave (rising to 28 after five years)
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Support for professional development
• A welcoming, committed team and a community that values its council