Interim Chief Executive Officer

Matchtech; City Of London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A public sector organization in London is seeking a visionary leader to drive transformation in the highways industry. The Head of Paid Service will oversee strategic leadership, focusing on devolution and inclusive economic growth within the community. Candidates should demonstrate strong leadership abilities, political awareness, and a commitment to public service. This role offers an opportunity to influence significant change within the local governance framework.

Qualifications

• Strong track record in public sector leadership.
• Commitment to inclusion, integrity, and public service.
• Experience managing media and political relationships.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership to shape direction and values.
• Lead operational delivery of devolution deals.
• Champion inclusive economic growth and public service reform.

Skills

Inspirational leadership style

Strong political awareness

Expert knowledge in relevant area

Stakeholder trust-building

Job description

This transformation will see powers and funding transferred from central government to a new Mayoral Combined County Authority, enhancing local control over key areas such as transport, housing, and economic development.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leadership & Vision: Provide confident, strategic leadership to shape the identity, values, and long-term direction. Establish a high-performing executive team and organisational structure aligned to future delivery priorities. Foster a culture of collaborative, inclusive, and transparent leadership.
• Devolution Leadership: Lead the operational delivery of the devolution deal, assuming devolved powers and responsibilities. Develop impactful programmes tailored to the clients needs and opportunities. Increase internal capacity and governance for long-term devolution success.
• Public Impact & Inclusive Growth: Champion inclusive economic growth, public service reform, and improved outcomes for residents. Ensure programmes reflect community priorities and reduce inequalities. Embed evidence-based decision-making and a focus on public value.
• Political Acumen & System Leadership: Navigate complex political environments with credibility and tact. Build trust across the system and enable shared ownership of the Authority's mission. Provide impartial strategic advice to decision makers.
• Strategic Advocacy & National Influence: Represent the Authority at regional, national, and ministerial levels. Build strategic alliances with government departments, business leaders, and civic organisations.
• Financial Management & Governance: Establish robust financial systems, controls, and reporting mechanisms. Lead budget development and resource planning for the initial phase. Ensure compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements.
• People Management & Culture: Lead the change transformation process to embed values, behaviours, and employee engagement. Role model core values and behaviours ensuring all senior leaders do the same. Set the tone for an inclusive workplace culture that attracts and retains top talent.
• Statutory Duties: Fulfil the statutory responsibilities of the Head of Paid Service. Prepare the organisation for future statutory functions under the elected Mayor and permanent leadership.

Job Requirements:

• Strong track record of professional development and expert knowledge in a relevant area.
• Inspirational leadership style with a commitment to inclusion, integrity, and public service.
• Experience in senior executive leadership within complex public sector organisations.
• Proven ability to lead across complex systems, aligning functions across councils and regional partners.
• Deep understanding of devolution, place-based leadership, and multi-agency governance.
• Strong political awareness and ability to build trust across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Track record of delivering strategic programmes with measurable public impact.
• Experience managing media, political relationships, and public-facing roles.
• Proven ability to shape public narrative and build stakeholder trust through clear communication.
• Knowledge of statutory duties, regulatory frameworks, and public accountability requirements.

If you are a visionary leader with a deep understanding of devolution and the public sector, ready to drive significant transformation within the highways industry, we would love to hear from you. Apply now to join our client's transformative journey.