At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead Croydon into a new era of delivery and visible improvement.
- Company: Croydon Council, London's largest borough with vibrant communities.
- Benefits: Competitive salary of c£275,000 and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on recovery, renewal, and community trust.
- Why this job: Shape the future of Croydon and drive meaningful change in local governance.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in large, complex organisations.
Croydon: London’s largest borough. London’s most important leadership role. Croydon is changing. We are a borough with immense assets: proud and vibrant communities, a dynamic economy, and the scale to shape London’s future and its place within it. But we are also honest about our challenges. Following an unprecedented financial crisis, we have been on a determined journey of recovery: stabilising finances; strengthening governance; and rebuilding trust with residents and communities. Now, we are ready for the next phase, where you will lead Croydon into a new era of delivery and visible improvement. We will not be defined just by recovery, but by renewal, aspiration and delivery, guided by a clear Business Plan and strong early momentum from our 100-day plan.
Working in partnership with our Executive Mayor, you will translate a bold political mandate into lasting outcomes: financially sustainable services, improved quality of life for residents, stronger more resilient communities, and a Council that is confident, high-performing and trusted. You will inherit firm foundations: improving inspection outcomes, a stabilised financial position, and a transformation programme already underway. However, there is much more to do. We will look to you to lead a whole-system transformation of how the Council works – reshaping services, driving cultural change, and building an organisation that consistently delivers at scale, making a visible difference across the borough.
This role demands visible, resilient, values-driven and outward-facing leadership. You will:
- Lead Croydon’s continued financial recovery and ensure long-term sustainability.
- Drive a step-change in performance, productivity and resident experience.
- Harness a high-performing, unified corporate leadership team.
- Strengthen partnerships across London and nationally, positioning Croydon as a confident and influential borough.
- Rebuild trust with residents and communities through openness, delivery and accountability.
We are looking for a proven Chief Executive or an exceptional senior leader who has led large, complex organisations through transformation and turnaround. You will bring political acumen, commercial insight, the ability to inspire confidence at every level, and experience of building strong and trusted relationships across Members, officers, and partners. Most of all, you will share our belief that Croydon’s future can be stronger than its past. This is one of the most important leadership challenges in local government – and one of the most rewarding.
For a confidential discussion, contact our search partner at GatenbySanderson: Frazer Thouard or Duncan Collins.
Chief Executive (Full Time) in London employer: New Start
New Start is an exceptional employer located in Chelmsford, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With 27 days of holiday and participation in the Local Government Pension Scheme, we provide our team with valuable benefits while fostering an environment that encourages mentorship and collaboration among ecologists. Join us to make a meaningful impact on complex development projects in a dynamic and rewarding setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Executive (Full Time) in London
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We think you need these skills to ace Chief Executive (Full Time) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Us Your Leadership Skills:In the corporate leadership and management field, it's essential to highlight your leadership experience. Use your CV to flesh out examples of how you've led teams to success or managed significant projects. We want to see specific instances where your actions made a tangible difference in your previous roles!
Quantify Your Achievements:Numbers talk, especially in management! When detailing your achievements in your CV or cover letter, don’t just say you improved team performance. Instead, say you boosted productivity by 30% over six months through effective strategy implementation. This makes your application pop and shows us what you can bring to New Start.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to narrate your professional journey. We’re looking for motivation and a clear understanding of what corporate leadership means to you. Dive into your aspirations and how they align with the values and vision of New Start. Make it personal – we want to get to know you!
Tailor Your CV for Management Roles:Ensure your CV reflects the management skills that are essential for this role. Focus on competencies like strategic planning, team building, and problem-solving. Use a clean layout, and don’t forget to align your experiences with those keywords mentioned in the job listing. This will help you stand out from the crowd!
How to prepare for a job interview at New Start
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
You’ll want to thoroughly convey your unique approach to leadership. During the interview with New Start, be ready to share real-life examples of how you've inspired and motivated teams in the past. Think about specific achievements that illustrate your strategic thinking and your ability to drive results.
✨Brush Up on Management Theories
Expect some technical questions related to management theories and practices. Brush up on concepts like transformational leadership, servant leadership, or situational leadership. Be prepared to discuss how you would apply these theories to the role at New Start, especially in the specific context of the challenges they’re currently facing.
✨Craft Your Vision for the Company
Since this is a full-time leadership role, spending time thinking about your vision for New Start could really set you apart. Consider potential strategies for growth and how you would lead teams towards achieving them. This shows not just enthusiasm, but also strategic foresight that they’ll likely be looking for in a candidate.
✨Emphasise Team Dynamics and Culture
In corporate leadership, team dynamics and organisational culture are everything. Be ready to discuss how you've fostered a positive work environment in previous roles. Bring up examples of how you've managed diverse teams effectively—this will resonate well at New Start as they’re likely seeking a candidate who can enhance their workplace culture.
