At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the council with strategic vision and ensure effective service delivery.
- Company: Stroud Town Council, known for its creativity and community engagement.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a vibrant town with a strong sense of identity.
- Qualifications: Experienced leader with a commitment to public service and strong governance skills.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and shape the future of Stroud.
The predicted salary is between 64374 - 72307 £ per year.
Salary: SCP 50–54 (£64,374 – £72,307 per annum)
Location: Stroud, Gloucestershire GL5
Contract: Full-time, permanent
Hours: 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday with occasional evening, weekends and Bank Holidays
Stroud is a distinctive, creative and proudly independent town with a strong sense of identity and an active, engaged community. Known for its culture, activism and environmental leadership, it is a place where people care deeply about their town and expect their council to reflect those values. With a new five-year Strategy shaped by extensive community engagement, this is an exciting moment to join a council with ambition, purpose and momentum.
What you’ll be doing
As CEO, you will provide strategic leadership, clear governance and confident professional advice to councillors. You will guide delivery of the Council’s priorities, strengthen organisational capability and ensure services remain effective, modern and well managed. A key part of the role will be fostering a positive, collaborative and engaged organisational culture, while ensuring the Council’s broad range of services and community assets are well managed, responsive and aligned to local priorities. You will support staff, encourage open communication and bring a leadership style that provides clarity, consistency and confidence across the organisation.
What they’re looking for
They are seeking an experienced, grounded and values driven leader who can balance strategic vision with practical delivery. You will bring sound judgement, political awareness and the ability to navigate complexity with calmness and clarity. You will be collaborative, compassionate and committed to public service, with the ability to motivate and empower teams and build strong relationships across the town and region. You will understand the importance of good governance, financial stewardship and transparent decision-making. You will be comfortable leading through change, modernising systems and strengthening organisational culture. While local government experience and CiLCA are preferred, they also welcome strong leadership backgrounds from other regulated environments. Ultimately, they are looking for leadership, integrity and the ability to guide a growing organisation through opportunity and change.
What they offer
The Town Council offers a supportive, progressive and community-focused environment where your leadership will make a visible impact. You will join a dedicated team, benefit from strong councillor support and have the opportunity to shape the next chapter of a town that is ambitious for its future.
- A competitive salary (SCP 50–54)
- Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme
- Generous annual leave and wellbeing support
- Professional development and support to achieve CiLCA
To Apply
If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for The Town Council, please click apply to receive the full candidate pack and application form.
Closing date: 5pm, Sunday 1st March 2026
Interviews: Week commencing 9th March (First Stage) and week commencing 16th March (Second Stage)
Chief Executive Officer (Town Clerk) employer: Ad Warrior
Contact Detail:
Ad Warrior Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Executive Officer (Town Clerk)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the local government scene. Attend community events, engage on social media, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current or former council members. Building relationships can open doors that applications alone can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for the community! When you get the chance to chat with decision-makers, make sure to express your commitment to Stroud's values and vision. Share your ideas on how you can contribute to the town’s growth and well-being—this will set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by knowing your stuff! Research the council’s recent initiatives and challenges. Be ready to discuss how your leadership style aligns with their goals and how you can help navigate the complexities of local governance. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way, so take advantage of the resources we offer to help you land that CEO role!
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Executive Officer (Town Clerk)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through. We want to see how much you care about Stroud and its community, so share your thoughts on how you can contribute to our values and vision.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the CEO role. Highlight your leadership experience and how it aligns with our goals, especially in fostering a positive organisational culture and effective governance.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your key achievements and experiences are easy to understand. This will help us see your potential impact right away!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application via our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and gives you access to the full candidate pack. We’re excited to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ad Warrior
✨Know Your Community
Before the interview, take some time to research Stroud and its community values. Understand the local issues, culture, and what makes the town unique. This will help you demonstrate your commitment to the community and how your vision aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be prepared to discuss your leadership approach and how it fosters collaboration and engagement. Share specific examples of how you've motivated teams and navigated challenges in previous roles, especially in public service or regulated environments.
✨Understand Governance and Financial Stewardship
Brush up on good governance practices and financial management principles relevant to local government. Be ready to discuss how you would ensure transparency and accountability in decision-making, as these are crucial for the role of CEO.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to handle complex situations and lead through change. Think of scenarios where you've successfully managed organisational culture or implemented new systems, and be ready to explain your thought process and outcomes.