Deputy Chief Executive – Corporate & Communities

South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse district councils; England; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

An opportunity exists at two regional councils in the United Kingdom for a Deputy Chief Executive. The role involves guiding cultural transformation, managing competing priorities, and providing strategic advice to senior leaders in a politically sensitive environment. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in change management and excellent people skills. This position offers a competitive salary and the chance to shape the future of local government while working collaboratively with a senior team committed to innovation and legacy.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Hybrid working with flexibility

Autonomy in decision-making

Qualifications

• Proven track record in service areas and corporate transformation.
• Experience in complex, politically sensitive environments.
• Exceptional people skills and ability to influence at high levels.

Responsibilities

• Guide cultural transition and manage corporate services.
• Provide strategic advice to Cabinets and senior leaders.
• Represent councils in high-profile discussions.

Skills

Change management

People leadership

Cultural awareness

Strategic vision

Influencing skills

Job description

Shaping Culture, Building Legacy

South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils are entering an exciting period of change. With Local Government Reorganisation and Devolution on the horizon, we are committed to delivering excellent services while preparing for the future. This is a unique opportunity to join us at a pivotal time and help shape and steer the next chapter for our communities.

As Deputy Chief Executive – Corporate & Communities, you will guide cultural transition, manage competing priorities, and ensure resilience across corporate services and community functions. Reporting to the Chief Executive, you will work closely with senior officers and elected members, acting as a trusted advisor and strategic leader. You will have the autonomy to make decisions and influence outcomes in a complex, politically sensitive environment.

This role is about leading transformation and cultural change across the two councils and wider regional area, while providing strategic advice to both Cabinets and senior leaders. You will represent the councils in high-profile discussions from planning inspectors to government officials and oversee emergency planning and safeguarding responsibilities. Every day will bring new challenges and opportunities, requiring empathy, resilience, and strategic vision.

We are looking for a credible, confident leader with a proven track record in a broad portfolio of service areas, change management, people leadership, and corporate transformation. Experience of working in complex, politically sensitive environments, ideally within local government, is essential, along with exceptional people skills, cultural awareness, and the ability to influence at the highest level. You will combine strategic vision with the resilience to deliver under pressure.

In return, we offer a competitive salary, hybrid working with flexibility and autonomy, and the chance to work with a collaborative ambitious senior team committed to innovation and legacy. This is an opportunity to shape the future of local government and make a real impact.

This is a role for someone who wants to shape the future for an entire region. If you thrive on complexity, influence, and transformation, this is your moment.

For a confidential conversation about the role, please contact our executive search partners GatenbySanderson:

Kembi Coakelin [e-mail] &

Alex Hayes [e-mail]