At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead transformation and improve governance in a dynamic local government environment.
- Company: Join a pivotal local authority during a time of organisational change.
- Benefits: High-impact role with the chance to shape strategic direction and leave a legacy.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in governance and financial sustainability while leading a talented team.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified accountant with senior leadership experience in local government.
- Other info: Opportunity for influential leadership and collaboration across diverse stakeholders.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
We are working on behalf of a local authority seeking an experienced Interim Chief Operating Officer (COO) to join its Corporate Leadership Team at a pivotal time of organisational transformation and improvement.
This critical senior leadership appointment provides strategic oversight across key corporate services, including:
- Finance / Section 151 functions
- Legal & Democratic Services / Monitoring Officer functions
- People Services (HR & OD)
- Audit, Risk & Assurance
- Health & Safety
The successful interim will play a central role in ensuring robust statutory governance, financial resilience, operational delivery, and organisational performance while leading complex change programmes and embedding a high-performance culture.
The Role
Reporting directly to the Chief Executive, you will be a core member of the Corporate Leadership Team with responsibility for shaping strategic direction and driving delivery across corporate resources.
Key Responsibilities
- Providing visible leadership across large multidisciplinary directorates with significant revenue and capital budgets.
- Ensuring effective discharge of statutory responsibilities, including oversight of Section 151, Monitoring Officer, Audit and Risk Management, and Health & Safety functions.
- Strengthening governance frameworks to ensure compliance, transparency, ethical decision‐making and effective scrutiny.
- Driving transformation programmes to improve service efficiency, productivity, digital delivery and value for money.
- Leading organisational culture change fostering collaboration, empowerment, inclusion and continuous improvement.
- Building strong working relationships across political leadership, external stakeholders, partner organisations and trade unions.
- Translating political priorities into safe, deliverable operational programmes.
- Supporting financial recovery and long‐term sustainability planning.
This role requires a confident, credible leader with the judgement and diplomacy to operate within complex political environments and maintain momentum during periods of change.
Candidate Profile
Applicants will be experienced senior leaders from local government or complex public sector environments, with a proven record of managing large corporate portfolios and leading organisational transformation.
Essential Criteria
- Qualified accountant with membership of a recognised professional body (e.g. CIPFA, ACCA, ICAEW or equivalent).
- Proven track record operating at Director or Executive Director level within local government or similar public sector organisations.
- Significant experience covering corporate resources including finance, governance, legal/democratic services and people functions.
- Strong understanding of statutory governance responsibilities including Section 151 Officer duties, Monitoring Officer functions, Audit, risk and assurance frameworks and Health & Safety compliance.
- Successful delivery of large‐scale transformation or improvement programmes.
- Experience working with elected members and navigating political governance structures.
- Strong strategic planning, financial management and commercial skills.
- Demonstrable ability to create high‐performing cultures and lead multi‐disciplinary senior teams.
- Degree qualified with evidence of continuous professional development.
Personal Attributes
- Influential, collaborative leadership style with excellent stakeholder management skills.
- Calm, resilient and adaptable, with experience operating during organisational change.
- Politically astute with strong negotiation and communication capability.
- Delivery‐focused, pragmatic and commercially minded.
Why This Role?
This opportunity offers the chance to step into a high‐impact interim Executive position and play a key role in shaping governance, financial sustainability, and performance across a large and complex organisation. You will influence strategic direction, deliver meaningful change, and leave a lasting legacy.
How to Apply
If you are an experienced interim senior leader seeking a challenging and rewarding assignment, please apply via this advert or contact us for a confidential discussion.
Interim COO And S151 Officer - Local Government in Sheffield employer: Integris Financial Recruitment Ltd
Contact Detail:
Integris Financial Recruitment Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim COO And S151 Officer - Local Government in Sheffield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in local government or related sectors. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an interim COO role!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of statutory governance and financial management. Be ready to discuss how you've led transformation programmes in the past. We want you to showcase your experience and how it aligns with the role!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on roles that excite you! Use our website to find positions that match your skills and aspirations. Tailor your approach to each opportunity, highlighting your relevant experience in local government.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. Share any additional thoughts you have about the role or how you can contribute to their goals. Let’s make sure they remember you!
We think you need these skills to ace Interim COO And S151 Officer - Local Government in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in local government and transformation programmes. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Interim COO and S151 Officer, so don’t hold back!
Showcase Your Leadership Style: We’re looking for someone with a collaborative and influential leadership style. Use your application to demonstrate how you've successfully led teams through change and built high-performing cultures in previous roles.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Be specific about your experience with statutory governance responsibilities and financial management. Mention any relevant qualifications, like being a qualified accountant, as this is crucial for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get you on board for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Integris Financial Recruitment Ltd
✨Know Your Governance Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your understanding of statutory governance responsibilities, especially the Section 151 Officer duties. Be ready to discuss how you've ensured compliance and transparency in previous roles, as this will show your expertise in navigating complex political environments.
✨Showcase Your Transformation Experience
Prepare specific examples of large-scale transformation programmes you've led. Highlight the challenges you faced, the strategies you implemented, and the outcomes achieved. This will demonstrate your ability to drive change and improve service efficiency, which is crucial for this role.
✨Build Rapport with Stakeholders
Think about how you can establish strong working relationships with various stakeholders, including elected members and trade unions. During the interview, share instances where you've successfully collaborated with diverse groups to achieve common goals, showcasing your influential leadership style.
✨Be Ready for Strategic Discussions
Since this role involves shaping strategic direction, prepare to discuss your approach to strategic planning and financial management. Bring examples of how you've translated political priorities into operational programmes, demonstrating your delivery-focused mindset and commercial acumen.