At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the creation of a new council focused on community and service delivery.
- Company: West Surrey Council, a new unitary authority serving over 650,000 residents.
- Benefits: Opportunity to shape local governance and make a lasting impact.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team committed to innovation and community-focused solutions.
- Why this job: Be part of a transformative journey in local government with significant challenges and rewards.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in complex environments and strong financial acumen.
The predicted salary is between 168750 - 206250 £ per year.
In April 2027, West Surrey Council will become one of England's largest new unitary authorities, serving more than 650,000 residents and delivering services that shape people's lives every day. This is an opportunity to create something different, to build a council that combines scale with genuine localism, where decisions remain close to communities, defined by accountability, ambition and delivery.
West Surrey begins with tremendous strengths: internationally recognised businesses, thriving towns, outstanding natural environments, ambitious communities and significant economic potential. However, it also faces complex challenges in local government, inheriting significant financial pressures, including substantial legacy debt. Demand for services continues to grow, particularly in areas such as adult social care, children's services, housing and support for vulnerable residents.
We are looking for a Chief Executive who embraces this reality. You will help create both a new organisation and its culture, working closely with the Leader, Members, staff and partners. Financial credibility will be essential, as you navigate complexity, engage confidently with central government and establish a sustainable platform for the future.
This role requires courage, judgement and resilience. You will need to work effectively within a politically-led environment, building strong relationships with Members across all parties while providing clear and independent professional advice. You will be visible, collaborative and authentic; capable of inspiring a workforce through significant change and creating a culture built on trust, accountability and high performance.
Most importantly, we are looking for a leader who wants to build something lasting, not a short-term turnaround specialist or caretaker. If successful, you will help create an organisation that could become a model for modern local government: financially sustainable, community-focused and ambitious for the people it serves. The challenges are substantial, the scrutiny will be intense, and the opportunity is extraordinary.
About Local Government Reorganisation: Local government in Surrey is changing to make services simpler, more connected and better able to respond to local needs. From April 2027, Surrey County Council and the existing district and borough councils will be replaced by two new unitary authorities: East Surrey and West Surrey. West Surrey Council will bring together responsibility for essential local services including children's services, adult social care, housing, planning, highways, public health, environmental services, leisure and community services.
Recruitment Timetable:
- Closing date: Sunday 16th August 2026
- Long listing: Thursday 20th August 2026
- Preliminary interviews: Monday 24th and/or Tuesday 25th August 2026
- Short listing: Thursday 27th August 2026
- Final assessment day: Thursday 3rd September 2026
Chief Executive, West Surrey Council | London, UK employer: GatenbySanderson
GatenbySanderson is an exceptional employer that champions innovation and inclusivity within the digital services sector. With a strong commitment to employee development, we offer robust growth opportunities and a collaborative work culture that values diverse perspectives. Located at the heart of national strategy initiatives, our team enjoys the unique advantage of influencing impactful public services while working in a supportive environment that prioritises user-centric solutions.
