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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic initiatives in planning, regeneration, and economic growth for vibrant communities.
- Company: Cheshire East Council, a forward-thinking local government committed to community development.
- 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 leadership level.
- Qualifications: Extensive leadership experience in local government and strong partnership skills.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on equality, diversity, and transformative change.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 84000 £ 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
- 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 in London employer: Carrington West
Contact Detail:
Carrington West Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Director - Place in London
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend local government events, workshops, or community meetings. The more you engage with others, the better your chances of hearing about opportunities that might not be advertised.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
When you get the chance to meet potential employers or stakeholders, make sure to highlight your leadership experience. Share specific examples of how you've driven change and delivered results in previous roles. This will help you stand out as a confident leader.
✨Be Visible Online
Make sure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date and reflects your expertise in local government and community development. Engage with relevant content and share your insights to position yourself as a thought leader in the field.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to check out our website for the latest job openings! Applying directly through our platform can give you an edge, as we often prioritise candidates who show genuine interest in our organisation and its mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Director - Place in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with the Executive Director - Place role. We want to see how your background fits into our vision for shaping communities and driving growth.
Showcase Your Leadership Style: In your application, let us know about your leadership approach and how you've successfully led large teams or projects in the past. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and empower others while managing complex services.
Highlight Your Strategic Vision: Demonstrate your understanding of strategic planning and economic development in your written application. Share examples of how you've driven growth and innovation in previous roles, as this is key to the position.
Be Authentic and Engaging: We love a bit of personality! Make sure your application reflects who you are. Use a conversational tone while remaining professional, and don’t hesitate to share your passion for community development and inclusive leadership.
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 needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership approach and how it has driven successful outcomes 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.
✨Engage with Their Vision
Research the Council's vision for sustainable growth and community development. Think about how you can contribute to this vision and be prepared to discuss innovative ideas that could enhance their spatial framework and economic strategies.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your understanding of the role and the organisation. Inquire about their current initiatives, challenges they face, and how they measure success in this position. This shows your genuine interest and strategic thinking.
