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Council HR and Governance Support; Highweek; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Newton Abbot, a historic market town in Devon, seeks a high‑impact Chief Officer. You will be the Council’s Proper Officer and strategic leader, guiding 18 councillors, steering services, assets, culture and events.

A role with breadth, influence and civic visibility, shaping the town’s future as local government evolves and the Council takes on new responsibilities and prepares for wider changes in local government.

Job description

A town with momentum — and a leadership role with real influence.

Newton Abbot is a place with energy, identity and ambition. A historic market town with a proud civic tradition, a lively events programme and major regeneration underway. With new councillors joining in 2027, assets transferring from the District Council and wider changes across Devon, this is a rare chance to help shape a town’s future at a defining moment.

About the role

This is a high impact leadership role at the heart of a community that values its council. You’ll be the Council’s Proper Officer, but also its strategic leader, the person who helps Newton Abbot navigate change, strengthen partnerships and turn ambition into outcomes. You will lead a committed officer team, support 18 councillors, and steer an organisation that delivers services, manages assets, runs cultural programmes, supports events and plays a visible role in civic life.

You’ll work across everything that makes a town feel alive: public spaces, heritage

and the museum, events, cultural identity, community organisations and relationships with Teignbridge, Devon and the voluntary sector.

And as the Council takes on new responsibilities and prepares for wider changes in local government, you’ll play a central role in building organisational capacity — strengthening systems, developing staff and ensuring the organisation is ready for the future.

You’ll represent Newton Abbot confidently within the evolving local government landscape, including the Local Government Review and future Unitary arrangements.

This is a role with breadth, influence and visibility, one where your leadership will be felt across the town.