Chief Executive Officer

Hampshire County Council; Winchester; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An established public authority is seeking a visionary Chief Executive to lead Hampshire County Council during a transformative period. This pivotal role requires a dynamic leader capable of navigating complex challenges while ensuring the sustainability of high-quality services. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional leadership skills, a strong background in public service, and the ability to manage substantial budgets effectively. With upcoming mayoral elections and significant changes in local government, this is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of Hampshire and enhance outcomes for its diverse residents. If you're ready to make a difference, this role is for you.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in leading high-performing organizations through transformative change.
• Strong ability to manage substantial budgets and navigate financial pressures.

Responsibilities

• Guide the County Council through major changes and ensure quality service delivery.
• Work closely with political administration and partners to shape future public service.

Skills

Leadership

Change Management

Public Service Delivery

Budget Management

Strategic Planning

Education

Master's Degree in Public Administration or related field

Professional Leadership Qualification

Job description

Hampshire is a fantastic county, home to an increasingly diverse population with justifiably high expectations of their political leaders and public servants. The County Council has consistently been one of the top performing authorities in the Country in all key areas of service delivery across all externally validated measures. It is a well-led organisation with an eye to the future and an enduring commitment to delivering vital services to the residents of Hampshire.

The County Council is hugely ambitious for the future but also retains a dedicated focus on the importance of upholding quality service delivery for today. Those responsibilities as a public health authority, strengthening partnerships with the NHS, supporting climate change mitigation, continuing to explore appropriate commercial opportunities, and further building on a strong track record of inclusivity for our service users and staff all serve to reinforce the importance of effective leadership as the Council embarks on the next phase of its evolution.

Devolution and local government reorganisation present a unique opportunity for Hampshire to influence and shape those changes and the exciting transformation ahead to secure the best possible outcomes for Hampshire’s residents.

This means a dynamic, forward-thinking and outward-looking Chief Executive is essential to guide the County Council and its staff as it navigates these major changes. As Chief Executive, you will ensure the quality and sustainability of Hampshire’s high-performing core services while addressing the challenging financial landscape brought about by service pressures. You will work closely with the political administration and partners within and beyond the County as Local Government transforms in Hampshire to ensure a public service system that is fit for future purpose. With mayoral elections scheduled for May 2026, there is much to be accomplished; you will have the appetite and focus to move with purpose and pace and the capacity to lead across a broad range, beyond organisational and professional boundaries.

You will bring the exceptional ability to lead high-performing organisations through periods of transformative change, leveraging the strengths of a talented team while effectively managing a substantial budget amidst evolving challenges and financial pressures within the sector and system.

Irrespective of where you are now, you will be a visionary leader with the foresight, experience and leadership attributes to guide Hampshire County Council through these challenging, exciting and transformative times. You will be widely experienced with the ability to surmount challenges and seize opportunities to enhance the delivery of high-quality services and optimal outcomes for residents.

This is pivotal role at a critical moment to shape the future of Hampshire.

To find out more about this exceptional role, please speak with our advisors at Berwick Partners – Jonathan Clark on [phone] [e-mail]

For further information and to apply, please visitwww.berwickpartners.co.uk/93771

Closing date for applications:5:00pm BST Wednesday 21^stMay 2025

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