Service Director for Finance

4Recruitment Services; Devon and Torbay; Hybrid; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Part time

Job summary

A recruitment agency seeks a Service Director for Finance on an interim basis in Plymouth. The role requires strategic oversight, fulfilling statutory duties, and strong financial governance. Ideal candidates will have proven experience as a Section 151 Officer and must excel in financial leadership and stakeholder management. Flexibility around office presence is offered, with the role initially for 3-6 months.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Section 151 Officer (S151) within a unitary authority.
• Strong financial leadership skills with the ability to advise at Chief Executive and Member level.
• Demonstrable experience in managing complex budgets and financial strategy.

Responsibilities

• Fulfill the statutory duties of the Section 151 Officer.
• Ensure robust financial governance.
• Maintain high standards of transparency and accountability.

Skills

Financial leadership

Stakeholder management

Communication

Strategic advising

Job description

Location

Location: Plymouth (Hybrid / Flexible On-Site Presence)

Day Rate

Day Rate: Please state requirement when submitting

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Service Director for Finance on an interim basis. This is a pivotal leadership role responsible for fulfilling the statutory duties of the Section 151 Officer, ensuring robust financial governance, and maintaining the highest standards of transparency and accountability across the authority.

Key Requirements

• Proven experience as a Section 151 Officer (S151) within a unitary authority.
• Strong financial leadership skills with the ability to advise at Chief Executive and Member level.
• Demonstrable experience in managing complex budgets, financial strategy, and statutory reporting.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at senior levels.

Commitment

We offer flexibility regarding office presence — however, please state the candidate's proposed on‑site commitment in Plymouth (e.g. 2 or 3 days per week) when submitting CVs.

Additional Information

The role will initially be offered on a 3-6 month basis, with flexibility depending on the progress of permanent recruitment.

We are seeking someone available to transition smoothly into the Section 151 responsibilities without the need for internal delegation.

Start and end dates are indicative and can be discussed with the Chief Executive during initial conversations.

To Apply

Please submit your CV, proposed on‑site availability, and day rate expectations for consideration.