Chief Executive Officer - Local Gov

Panoramic Associates Limted; England; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A key public sector organization in the United Kingdom is seeking a transformative Chief Executive Officer to lead the establishment of a new Mayoral Combined County Authority. The role involves strategic leadership, driving devolution, and championing inclusive growth while navigating complex stakeholder landscapes. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in public sector transformation and the ability to influence at both regional and national levels. This is a legacy-defining opportunity to create lasting public value.

Qualifications

• Direct experience as a current or former Chief Executive in local government.
• Inspirational leadership in setup or turnaround phases of complex organisations.
• Track record of delivering high-impact programmes.

Responsibilities

• Shape the Authority’s identity, values, and structure.
• Lead the operational rollout of devolved powers.
• Champion inclusive growth, reducing inequalities.
• Build trust with elected leaders and stakeholders.
• Represent the Authority to secure investment and policy wins.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Stakeholder trust building

Financial stewardship

Public impact advocacy

Political navigation

Job description

Are you a visionary leader ready to shape the future of local governance?

In a pivotal moment for public service reform, we’re seeking an exceptional Chief Executive Officer to spearhead the establishment of a groundbreaking Mayoral Combined County Authority. This is your chance to drive devolution forward, unlocking powers and funding to transform transport, housing, economic growth, and community empowerment. As the architect of this new era, you’ll build an agile, inclusive organisation that delivers real impact for residents fostering collaboration, innovation, and sustainable change at pace.

Why This Role?

This isn’t just a leadership position, it’s a legacy defining opportunity to translate bold devolution ambitions into a high performing authority. You’ll provide strategic oversight during the critical setup phase, advising key stakeholders, forging system-wide partnerships, and embedding a culture of public value. With a focus on inclusive growth and evidence-based delivery, you’ll position the Authority as a beacon of local control and national influence.

Key Accountability’s

• Strategic Leadership & Vision: Shape the Authority’s identity, values, and structure; build a high-performing executive team and foster collaborative, transparent leadership across the region.
• Devolution Delivery: Lead the operational roll out of devolved powers, translating ambitions into tailored programmes that drive economic opportunity and service reform.
• Public Impact: Champion inclusive growth, reduce inequalities, and ensure decisions prioritise community needs and measurable outcomes.
• Political & System Navigation: Build trust with elected leaders, councils, and stakeholders; provide impartial advice in complex environments while balancing ambition with pragmatism.
• National Advocacy: Represent the Authority at senior levels to secure investment, alliances, and policy wins that benefit local communities.
• Financial & Governance Excellence: Establish robust systems for budgeting, compliance, and accountability, preparing for seamless transition to permanent leadership.
• People & Culture: Cultivate a values-driven workplace that attracts top talent, embeds inclusive behaviours, and navigates change with empathy and purpose.
• Statutory Stewardship: Fulfil Head of Paid Service duties, ensuring lawful operations, transparency, and readiness for future governance under an elected Mayor.

The Ideal Candidate: Your Essential Edge

We need a proven trailblazer with:

• Direct experience as a current or former Chief Executive in local government or, Executive/Corporate Director with strong transformation experience- someone who has thrived in the heart of public sector transformation, leading through complexity with political acuity and unshakeable integrity. Beyond this cornerstone, you’ll bring:
• Inspirational leadership in setup or turnaround phases of complex organisations.
• Expertise in place-based governance, multi-agency alignment, and devolution dynamics.
• A track record of building stakeholder trust, delivering high-impact programmes, and influencing at regional/national levels.
• Deep knowledge of financial stewardship, workforce planning, regulatory frameworks, and authentic communication.
• A commitment to inclusion, public service, and evidence-led decision-making that drives equitable outcomes.

If you’re a strategic thinker with the gravitas to unite diverse voices, the resilience to deliver under pressure, and the passion to empower communities, this is your call to action. Join us to redefine local leadership and create lasting public value.