Chief Executive Officer, AD WARRIOR

Guardian Jobs; Chorleywood; On-site; GBP 54,000 - 61,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Local Government Pension Scheme

CiLCA support and professional dev.

Free on-site parking

Job summary

The Parish Council is seeking a Chief Executive Officer (Clerk) to provide strategic leadership and authoritative guidance to councillors in Chorleywood, Hertfordshire. You will steer delivery of strategic action plans, ensure lawful decisions, and manage a dedicated team across services and assets including the Common, cemetery, allotments and village halls.

With competitive salary, London fringe allowance, and pension benefits, you will drive engagement and community wellbeing and oversee

Qualifications

• Strong leadership experience guiding staff and council operations.
• Sound governance, political awareness and regulatory understanding.
• Excellent communication to build trusted relationships and present clear advice.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and proper officer governance to councillors.
• Oversee budgets, audits, risk, contracts and long-term financial planning.
• Lead a team delivering parish services and assets with engagement across generations.

Skills

Leadership experience

Governance

Communication skills

Staff development

Strategic planning

Education

CiLCA preferable

Job description

Chief Executive Officer (Clerk)

Salary: SCP 43–48 (£54,495 – £61,198) + £1,045 London Fringe Allowance + £1,239 Casual Car User Allowance

Hours: Full‑time, 37 hours per week, with requirement for evening and weekend working as required to support council meetings and events

Location: Chorleywood, Hertfordshire

Lead a high‑performing council at a pivotal moment

Chorleywood is one of Hertfordshire’s most distinctive and desirable parishes, defined by its landscape, strong community identity and high‑quality environment. With an 87‑hectare Common designated as a Local Nature Reserve, vibrant village life and excellent transport links, the parish is proud of its heritage and ambitious for its future.

The Council has made significant progress over the past four years, strengthening transparency, culture and delivery. Resident satisfaction is high, and the organisation is well‑regarded for its governance, financial stewardship and commitment to community wellbeing. As Hertfordshire prepares for Local Government Reorganisation in 2027, and as pressures on the green belt continue to grow, this is a rare opportunity to help shape the next chapter for a confident, forward‑looking council.

What You’ll Be Doing

As their most senior officer and Proper Officer, you will provide strategic leadership, strong governance and clear professional advice to councillors. You will guide delivery of the Council’s new strategic action plan and Annual Objectives, ensuring decisions are informed, lawful and aligned with the needs of the community.

You will lead a committed team delivering a wide range of services and assets, including the Common, the lawn cemetery, allotments, village halls (operated under a Charitable Scheme), community events and day‑to‑day parish operations. Working closely with the Responsible Financial Officer, you will oversee budgets, audits, risk, contracts and long‑term financial planning.

A key part of the role will be expanding the Council’s reach, deepening engagement across generations, strengthening partnerships and exploring what residents want next as the parish evolves.

What They’re Looking For

• Strong leadership experience, with the ability to motivate and develop staff
• Sound judgement, political awareness and the ability to navigate differing viewpoints
• Confidence in governance, statutory duties and regulatory frameworks
• Experience managing budgets, risk, audits and organisational performance
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to build trusted relationships
• A values‑driven, resilient and solutions‑focused approach

Local government experience and CiLCA are preferable but not essential — they will support the right candidate to achieve CiLCA within 18 months.

What They Offer

The Parish Council offers a supportive, professional and community‑focused environment where your leadership will make a visible impact. You will join a dedicated team, benefit from strong councillor support and have the opportunity to shape the future of a parish that is proud of its identity and ambitious for its next chapter.

They offer:

• A competitive salary + allowances
• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme
• Professional development and training, including CiLCA support
• Free on‑site parking
• A role with genuine influence and community impact

Closing date: 5pm, Wednesday 8th April 2026

Interviews: w/c 20th April 2026

The Parish Council is an Equal Opportunities Employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.