Interim Executive Director of Place

Starfish Search; Manchester; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A local council in the North of England is seeking an Interim Executive Director of Place for a 6-month contract. This role requires strong leadership across various sectors, including regeneration and planning, to drive economic growth and deliver high-quality services. Ideal candidates will have a proven track record in local government, excellent stakeholder management skills, and the ability to lead transformation in a complex political environment.

Qualifications

• Strong track record operating at Executive Director or equivalent level within a local authority.
• Significant experience leading complex Place‑based portfolios.
• Proven ability to lead transformation and service improvement.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership across the Place directorate.
• Work closely with the Chief Executive and Corporate Leadership Team.
• Drive inclusive growth and regeneration.

Skills

Leadership in local government

Stakeholder management

Regeneration and economic development

Risk management

Job description

Starfish Search are working with a Council in the North of England who are seeking an Interim Executive Director of Place to provide strong, visible leadership across a broad Place portfolio. This is a high‑profile role, central to driving economic growth, regeneration, and high-quality place‑based services for residents and communities.

This is a 6 month contract.

You Will :

• Provide strategic leadership across the Place directorate, including regeneration, planning, housing, transport, environmental services, and economic development.
• Work closely with the Chief Executive, Cabinet Members, and Corporate Leadership Team to shape and deliver the council’s place strategy and long‑term vision.
• Drive inclusive growth, regeneration and investment, ensuring outcomes deliver tangible benefits for residents and local businesses.
• Provide clear leadership to senior officers, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and high performance.
• Build strong partnerships with external stakeholders including government bodies, neighbouring authorities, developers, and the voluntary and private sectors.
• Ensure effective governance, risk management, and financial control across the directorate.

You Will Have :

• A strong track record operating at Executive Director, Director, or equivalent level within a local authority.
• Significant experience leading large, complex Place‑based portfolios within local government.
• Proven ability to lead transformation, regeneration, and service improvement in a politically sensitive environment.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the credibility to work effectively with elected Members and senior partners.
• A pragmatic and resilient leadership style, able to balance strategic direction with hands‑on problem solving when required.

Due to a high volume of applications, we may not be able to respond to every applicant individually.