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- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and corporate leadership for Sefton Council.
- Company: Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council, a vibrant community with stunning coastlines.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, permanent contract, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to diversity and equal opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of Sefton while leading a talented team in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with senior leadership experience and a track record of transformational change.
The predicted salary is between 135407 - 135407 £ per year.
Executive Director – Resources (S151 Officer)
- Employer: Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council
- Salary: HAY 1 – £135,407 per annum
- Location: Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council, Magdalen House/Agile
- Contract: Permanent
- Working Pattern: Full Time
- Hours: 36 hours per week.
- DBS Check: No
- Closing Date: 28/09/2025 at 23:59
- Reference: CR/25/321967
Lead with Ambition. Shape Strategy. Enable Change.
Sefton is a borough that surprises. With 22 miles of stunning coastline, the UK’s largest dune system, thriving communities, and iconic events like The Grand National and The Open, it is a place of real variety and richness. From Victorian seaside towns to vibrant urban centres, Sefton is full of contrasts and full of opportunity. For our people, our communities, and our Council, this is a place where ambition can take root and grow.
We are now seeking an exceptional finance leader to join our Executive Leadership Team as Executive Director Resources & S151 Officer. This pivotal role provides the financial stewardship and corporate leadership needed to take Sefton into the next stage of its journey.
As our statutory S151 Officer, you’ll be responsible for ensuring the financial sustainability of the Council, overseeing effective financial planning, and setting and maintaining high standards across services. But this role is much more than finance. You’ll provide strategic leadership across a broad portfolio including Legal and Democratic Services, Procurement and Contracts, Health and Safety, Strategic Support, ICT and Digital, Human Resources, and Finance. You’ll lead a talented team of Assistant Directors and Heads of Service, empowering them to deliver while setting a strong corporate centre.
We are looking for a leader who can do more than balance the books. You’ll have the resilience and creativity to navigate financial pressures while spotting opportunities to generate value and maximise the potential of our assets. You’ll be ambitious for the Council, pragmatic in your problem solving, and focused on outcomes rather than processes. You’ll know how to set high corporate standards, while also getting alongside services and supporting them to deliver.
You’ll be a qualified accountant (CCAB) with a proven track record of senior leadership and delivering transformational change. Credibility to provide strong financial advice, vision to shape future plans, and personal presence to build trusted relationships with Members, colleagues, and partners are essential. You’ll thrive in a political environment, be comfortable challenging and supporting in equal measure, and be motivated by the chance to make a lasting impact.
If you are ready to shape Sefton’s future, and lead with vision, ambition, and purpose, this is your moment.
To apply or find out more, contact our retained consultants at Tile Hill: Mark Bearn on 07747 181490 or Ella Milward-Hamylton on 07866 963 207.
Recruitment Timetable
Closing date: Midnight on Sunday 28th September
Preliminary Interviews (virtual): Monday 13th October
Final Member Interviews (in Sefton): Tuesday 21st October
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
Sefton Council strives to ensure that our workforce is inclusive and representative of our communities. A diverse workforce is important to us, our staff bring with them a wide range of experiences, views, ideas, and innovations, and we are committed to providing an environment that recognises, respects, and values everybody’s identity, where individual differences are strengths and where everyone can thrive and maximise their potential.We are always open to learning and growing as an organisation, and we welcome new ideas and initiatives that promote equality, diversity and inclusion.
We are an Equal Opportunities Employer; all candidates will receive equal treatment. Our decision to appoint will be based upon whether an individual’s skills, experience, qualifications, and abilities make them the most suitable candidate for the role.
Please note that all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for these jobs (as given in the Person Specification) and who want to apply under the Disability Confident Scheme will be invited to interview.
If you are currently in care or have previously been in care, we provide a guaranteed interview scheme for care experienced people if you meet the essential requirements for the role.
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Executive Director - Resources (S151 Officer) employer: Sefton Council
Contact Detail:
Sefton Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Director - Resources (S151 Officer)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and public sector. Attend local events or webinars where you can meet people who might know about opportunities at Sefton Council. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research Sefton Council’s recent projects and challenges. Think about how your experience as a finance leader can help them navigate their financial landscape. Show them you’re not just a number cruncher but a strategic thinker.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You’ll want to convey your vision and leadership style clearly. Get comfortable talking about your past successes and how they relate to the role of Executive Director Resources. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly. Let’s make this happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Director - Resources (S151 Officer)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Executive Director - Resources role. Highlight your experience in financial stewardship and strategic leadership, as these are key aspects of the job.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: We want to see how you’ve led teams and driven transformational change in your previous roles. Use examples that demonstrate your ability to empower others and achieve outcomes, especially in a political environment.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to convey your qualifications and experiences, making it easy for us to see why you’re the right fit for this pivotal role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! This ensures that your application is processed correctly and gives you the best chance of being considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sefton Council
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Executive Director Resources, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've managed budgets or improved financial processes in previous roles.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
This role requires strong leadership across various departments. Prepare examples of how you've led teams through change, empowered others, and fostered collaboration. Highlight your ability to navigate complex political environments.
✨Understand Sefton's Vision
Familiarise yourself with Sefton’s strategic goals and challenges. Be prepared to discuss how your vision aligns with the Council's ambitions and how you can contribute to its future success.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and resilience. Think of scenarios where you've had to make tough decisions or innovate under pressure, and be ready to share those experiences.