Executive Director of Transformation & Resources (Statutory S151 Officer)

Penna Executive Search; North East; On-site; GBP 166,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government council is seeking an exceptional leader as Director of Transformation & Resources. This pivotal role involves leading transformation initiatives, ensuring financial governance, and delivering vital services to the community. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in senior management, financial acumen, and strong partnership-building skills. Join a forward-thinking environment focused on improving outcomes for residents while enjoying generous benefits including annual leave and health support.

Benefits

Generous annual leave

Local government pension scheme

Leadership Coaching

Employee Wellbeing support

Discounted gym membership

Qualifications

• Proven track record in transformation and resource management at a senior level.
• Experience managing complex budgets and statutory responsibilities.
• Commitment to equality and fostering an inclusive culture.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for transformation and resource management across the Council.
• Act as the Council’s principal financial adviser and Section 151 Officer.
• Lead major change programmes embracing digital innovation.

Skills

Leadership

Financial acumen

Strategic thinking

Collaboration

Influencing and negotiating

Job description

Salary:£165,728 (Senior officer salaries are appointed to a specific spot point within the salary band, with no automatic incremental progression)

Lead transformation. Deliver sustainability. Shape the future of Northumberland as a Land of Great Opportunity.

Northumberland County Council is committed to being a Council that works for everyone. We are seeking an exceptional leader to join our Executive Management Team as Director of Transformation & Resources and statutory Section 151 Officer. This is a pivotal role in driving organisational change, ensuring financial resilience, and delivering services that make a real difference to our communities.

About the Role

As a key member of the Senior Management Team, you will:

Provide strategic leadership for transformation and resource management across the Council. Act as the Council’s principal financial adviser and statutory S151 Officer, ensuring robust governance and compliance. Lead and be responsible for major change programmes that embrace digital innovation and deliver sustainable, value-for-money services. Work collaboratively with local, regional, and national partners to maximise resources and deliver shared priorities. Champion a culture of inclusion, collaboration, and continuous improvement across the organisation. Deputise for the Chief Executive as part of the Executive rota.

What We’re Looking For

A visionary leader with a proven track record in transformation and resource management at a senior level. Strong financial acumen and experience in managing complex budgets and statutory responsibilities. Exceptional ability to influence, negotiate, and build partnerships across multiple stakeholders. Commitment to equality, diversity, and fostering an inclusive organisational culture. Strategic thinker with the ability to deliver innovative solutions in a challenging and evolving environment.

Why Join Us?

Northumberland County Council is on an extensive change journey and as a key member of the Executive Team, this is an opportunity to lead and be a part of something special that will not only improve outcomes for our residents but also enhance experience for customers and staff.

You’ll work in a collaborative, supportive and forward-thinking environment where your leadership will have a lasting impact.

Northumberland is a land of opportunities – stunning landscapes, rich in heritage, diverse in communities, and ambitious for the future.

Attractive benefits including, generous annual leave, local government pension scheme, Leadership Coaching, Employee Wellbeing support for mental and Physical Health, discounted gym membership.

For a confidential discussion please contact our retained consultants at Penna: Nick Raper on 07715 690463, Andrew Tromans on 07805 226301, or Kelly Ridley on 07709 512415.

Please download the Candidate Briefing Pack for further information.

Closing date:Midnight 5 January 2026

Technical Assessment:Week commencing 12 January 2026

Assessments Centre date:21 January 2026