Executive Director of Resources

Halton Borough Council; Widnes; On-site; GBP 119,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

Halton Borough Council is seeking an Executive Director Resources to lead corporate transformation and provide strategic leadership across HR, Corporate Affairs, Change & Improvement, Legal and Monitoring Officer functions. The role includes Finance (S151) and ICT, with a focus on financial resilience and digital capacity.

The post reports to the Chief Executive as part of the Corporate Management Team, guiding horizon scanning, risk management and partnership work to secure a sustainable future

Qualifications

• Experience leading corporate transformation across a broad portfolio.
• Ability to drive change with credibility and resilience.
• Strong governance, risk management and stakeholder engagement.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership across the Resources directorate (HR, Corporate Affairs, Change & Improvement, Legal, Monitoring Officer).
• Oversee Finance (S151) and ICT, ensuring financial resilience and digital capacity.
• Lead the Council's financial recovery plan and horizon scan for policy and tech changes.
• Collaborate with Corporate Management Team to plan and manage risk and opportunities.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic vision

Change management

Corporate governance

Financial management

Job description

Reference: 115435Posted: 2026-11-05Closing date: 2026-11-29Location: WidnesSalary: 131671
For a complete understanding of this opportunity, and what will be required to be a successful applicant, read on.

• 151462/yearType: Full timeEmployer: Halton Borough CouncilHalton Borough Council is entering the next phase of its journey, with a leadership team being built around a clear commitment to modernise the organisation and improve how it delivers for residents across Widnes, Runcorn and the surrounding communitiesHalton Borough Council is entering the next phase of its journey, with a leadership team being built around a clear commitment to modernise the organisation and improve how it delivers for residents across Widnes, Runcorn and the surrounding communitiesHalton Borough Council is entering the next phase of its journey, with a leadership team being built around a clear commitment to modernise the organisation and improve how it delivers for residents across Widnes, Runcorn and the surrounding communitiesThe Council is now looking for an Executive Director Resources to lead the corporate transformation that will shape its future, in a role that offers real scope to influence how the organisation developsThe RoleReporting to the Chief Executive and as a member of the Corporate Management Team, the Executive director resources provides strategic leadership across the Council’s enabling and corporate services, covering Human Resources and Corporate Affairs, Change and Improvement, Legal and the Monitoring Officer function, Finance and the Section 151 Officer function, and ICT.
  

The directorate is responsible for ensuring the Council has the capability, governance, people, financial resilience and digital capacity to deliver its priorities.The Council is looking for someone with experience of leading corporate transformation, who can bring the credibility and resilience to drive change across the organisation and work closely with colleagues on the Corporate Management Team to deliver it.
The financial position is challenging, and the Executive Director will take a leading role in delivering the Council’s financial recovery plan, working alongside an improvement board, while putting in place the foundations for a more sustainable organisation.Horizon scanning will be an important part of the role, keeping the Council ahead of national policy, financial and technological change and assessing what is coming from Government and other bodies and what it means for Halton.
That insight will help Members and the Corporate Management Team plan with confidence and respond early to emerging risks and opportunities.We welcome candidates from any corporate or enabling services background, including those from outside local government, provided you bring a strong corporate mindset, the breadth to lead a wide-ranging portfolio and a commitment to Halton.