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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic initiatives in planning, regeneration, and economic growth for communities.
- Company: Cheshire East Council, a dynamic local government organisation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and the chance to make a lasting impact.
- Why this job: Shape the future of communities and drive sustainable growth at a senior level.
- Qualifications: Extensive leadership experience in local government and strong commercial acumen.
- Other info: Join a collaborative executive team focused on equality and innovation.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Location: Cheshire East (Hybrid working available)
Salary: Executive Grade (CX) - Competitive package
Reporting to: Chief Executive
Cheshire East Council is looking for an exceptional Executive Director - Place to join their Executive Leadership Team at a pivotal point in their journey. This is a rare opportunity to play a defining role in shaping the future of place, growth and communities across the borough.
This role offers genuine strategic influence, visibility at the highest level, and the chance to leave a lasting legacy across planning, regeneration, housing, infrastructure and economic growth.
The Opportunity
As Executive Director - Place, you will provide collective leadership across the Council, working closely with elected Members, senior officers, partners and stakeholders to deliver ambitious outcomes for residents, businesses and communities.
You will lead the development and delivery of a new spatial framework, bringing together planning, regeneration, transport, housing and infrastructure to unlock sustainable growth and investment. Alongside this, you will drive economic development strategies that support long-term financial resilience and inclusive prosperity. This is a role for a confident, visible leader who can balance strategic vision with operational grip, while championing collaboration, innovation and high performance.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead a broad portfolio including planning, regeneration, housing, infrastructure, transport and economic development.
- Shape and deliver the Council's spatial framework to support sustainable growth and thriving communities.
- Drive economic growth strategies to secure investment, regeneration and revenue generation.
- Act as the Council's senior lead in engagement with developers, businesses, partners and statutory bodies.
- Ensure the Council meets all statutory responsibilities relating to housing, homelessness and planning.
- Provide strong corporate leadership as a member of the Executive Leadership Team, contributing to cross-cutting priorities and organisational change.
- Lead large, complex services and budgets, ensuring value for money, strong governance and effective risk management.
- Champion equality, diversity and inclusion across service delivery and workforce leadership.
About You
We are keen to speak with senior leaders who can demonstrate:
- Substantial leadership experience at a senior level within local government or a similarly complex organisation.
- A strong track record of leading large, multi-disciplinary services with significant budgets and resources.
- Deep understanding of the local government landscape, including political, legal and financial frameworks.
- Proven experience of partnership working with Members, senior stakeholders, developers and external agencies.
- Strong commercial acumen, with experience identifying growth opportunities and delivering value for money.
- The ability to inspire, engage and empower teams while driving transformation and continuous improvement.
- A clear commitment to equality, diversity and inclusive leadership.
- A relevant professional qualification (or equivalent senior-level experience) and evidence of continued professional development are essential.
Why Apply?
This is a genuinely influential executive role with the scope to shape place-making at scale. If you are looking for your next strategic leadership challenge - one where you can combine vision, delivery and purpose - this role should be firmly on your radar.
Executive Director - Place employer: Carrington West
Contact Detail:
Carrington West Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Director - Place
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in your industry! Attend local events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that you didn’t even know existed.
✨Show Up Prepared
When you land an interview, do your homework! Know the company inside out, understand their challenges, and come armed with ideas on how you can make a difference. This shows you’re not just another candidate; you’re someone who’s ready to hit the ground running.
✨Follow Up Like a Boss
After your interview, don’t just sit back and wait. Send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role. It’s a simple gesture that can keep you top of mind!
✨Apply Through Our Website
We’ve got some fantastic opportunities waiting for you on our website. Make sure to apply directly through there to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy to navigate!
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Director - Place
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Executive Director - Place role. Highlight your leadership experience and how it aligns with the Council's goals for growth and community development.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements in previous roles. Use concrete examples that demonstrate your ability to lead large, multi-disciplinary services and drive economic growth strategies.
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. We want to see your passion for place-making and community engagement. Authenticity can set you apart from other candidates!
Apply Through Our Website: For a smooth application process, make sure to apply through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves and reaches the right people.
How to prepare for a job interview at Carrington West
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you thoroughly understand the role of Executive Director - Place. Familiarise yourself with Cheshire East Council's current projects, challenges, and strategic goals. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show how your experience aligns with their vision.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership approach and how it has driven success in previous roles. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've led large teams, managed complex budgets, and fostered collaboration among diverse stakeholders. This is your chance to shine as a confident leader!
✨Engage with Their Vision
During the interview, express your enthusiasm for shaping sustainable growth and thriving communities. Discuss how you would contribute to the development of the spatial framework and economic growth strategies. Showing genuine interest in their mission can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Have a few insightful questions ready to ask at the end of the interview. This could be about their current initiatives or how they measure success in this role. Asking thoughtful questions not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if this is the right fit for you.
