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- Tasks: Lead the Council, advising on governance and managing community projects.
- Company: Join a dynamic council dedicated to serving a diverse community.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, and professional development support.
- Other info: Flexible hours with some evening and weekend work required.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in governance and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 48226 - 55632 £ per year.
Location: Cambourne, Cambridge, CB23 6GW
Salary: £48,226 – £55,632 (SCP 37–43) plus Local Government Pension Scheme
Contract: Permanent, 37 hours per week (with some evening and weekend work).
About the Role
The Chief Officer will be the Council’s senior adviser, organisational lead and the person who ensures we operate with professionalism, transparency and confidence. You will work closely with councillors, staff, partners and residents to keep services running smoothly, support good decision making and help the Council respond to the needs of a growing, diverse community.
Responsibilities
- Advising councillors on governance and policy matters.
- Supporting committees or boards with clear, well‑reasoned advice.
- Managing staff and juggling competing priorities.
- Working with partners across the public, voluntary or community sectors on service delivery and infrastructure projects.
- Helping shape projects that improve community facilities and public spaces.
Qualifications
- Experience in a governance‑led or regulated environment.
- Confidence in supporting committees or boards.
- Strong understanding of good governance, sound financial awareness, relationships and communication.
- Calm, organised, politically aware and motivated by public service.
- A Certificate in Local Council Administration or a Certificate of Higher Education in Community Governance is desirable; training will be supported if not already completed.
Benefits
- Membership to the Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Generous annual leave.
- Access to an Employee Assistance Programme.
- Free car park and support for professional development.
Chief Officer employer: Council HR and Governance Support
Contact Detail:
Council HR and Governance Support Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, attend local events, and connect with councillors or community leaders. Building relationships can open doors that you didn’t even know existed.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the Council’s recent projects and initiatives. Show us that you’re not just interested in the role but also in making a real impact in the community.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the responsibilities of the Chief Officer role. We want to hear how you can support good decision-making and manage competing priorities.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Chief Officer. We want to see how you can bring professionalism and transparency to our team, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant skills!
Showcase Your Governance Experience: Since this role involves advising councillors and supporting committees, it’s crucial to emphasise your experience in governance-led environments. Share specific examples that demonstrate your ability to provide clear, well-reasoned advice.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key points stand out. This will help us quickly see why you’re the right fit for the Chief Officer position.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Council HR and Governance Support
✨Know Your Governance Inside Out
As a Chief Officer, you'll need to demonstrate a strong understanding of governance and policy matters. Brush up on relevant legislation and local council operations. Be ready to discuss how you've navigated complex governance issues in the past.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role involves managing staff and juggling priorities, so be prepared to share examples of your leadership experience. Think about times when you successfully led a team or project, and how you handled competing demands while keeping everyone motivated.
✨Engage with Community Needs
The Council is focused on serving a diverse community, so show your awareness of local issues. Research current community projects and be ready to discuss how you would approach improving community facilities and public spaces based on residents' needs.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so come armed with insightful questions for your interviewers. Ask about their vision for the Council's future or how they measure success in this role. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.