At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the council with strategic vision and foster a positive organisational culture.
- Company: Stroud Town Council, known for its creativity and community engagement.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, generous leave, and professional development support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a vibrant town with ambitious goals and strong community values.
- Qualifications: Experienced leader with a commitment to public service and strong governance skills.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and shape the future of Stroud.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 60000 £ per year.
Hours: 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday with occasional evening, weekends and Bank Holidays.
Stroud is a distinctive, creative and proudly independent town with a strong sense of identity and an active, engaged community. Known for its culture, activism and environmental leadership, it is a place where people care deeply about their town and expect their council to reflect those values. With a new five‑year strategy shaped by extensive community engagement, this is an exciting moment to join a council with ambition, purpose and momentum.
What you’ll be doing
As CEO, you will provide strategic leadership, clear governance and confident professional advice to councillors. You will lead a committed officer team, support strong financial stewardship and help the Council prepare for the opportunities presented by Local Government Reorganisation. A key part of the role will be fostering a positive, collaborative and engaged organisational culture, while ensuring the Council’s broad range of services and community assets are well managed, responsive and aligned to local priorities. You will support staff, encourage open communication and bring a leadership style that provides clarity, consistency and confidence across the organisation.
What we’re looking for
We are seeking an experienced, grounded and values-driven leader who can balance strategic vision with practical delivery. You will bring sound judgement, political awareness and the ability to navigate complexity with calmness and clarity. You will be collaborative, compassionate and committed to public service, with the ability to motivate and empower teams and build strong relationships across the town and region. You will understand the importance of good governance, financial stewardship and transparent decision‑making. You will be comfortable leading through change, modernising systems and strengthening organisational culture. While local government experience and CiLCA are preferred, we also welcome strong leadership backgrounds from other regulated environments. Ultimately, we are looking for leadership, integrity and the ability to guide a growing organisation through opportunity and change.
What we offer
Stroud Town Council offers a supportive, progressive and community‑focused environment where your leadership will make a visible impact. You will join a dedicated team, benefit from strong councillor support and have the opportunity to shape the next chapter of a town that is ambitious for its future. We offer:
- A competitive salary (SCP 50–54)
- Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme
- Generous annual leave and wellbeing support
- Professional development and support to achieve CiLCA
- A role with genuine influence and community impact
Interviews: Week commencing 9 March (First Stage) and week commencing 16 March (Second Stage)
Chief Executive Officer (Town Clerk) in Stroud employer: Society of Local Council Clerks
Contact Detail:
Society of Local Council Clerks Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Executive Officer (Town Clerk) in Stroud
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, attend local events, and connect with community leaders. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the council's recent initiatives and community projects. Show us you’re not just interested in the role, but also in making a real impact in Stroud.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership pitch! Be ready to discuss how your values align with ours and how you can foster a positive culture within the council. We want to see your passion for public service!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Executive Officer (Town Clerk) in Stroud
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Community: When writing your application, let your love for community shine through! We want to see how you connect with Stroud's values and culture. Share any experiences that highlight your commitment to public service and community engagement.
Be Clear and Concise: We appreciate clarity in applications. Make sure your points are straightforward and easy to understand. Use bullet points if it helps convey your experience and skills effectively. Remember, less is often more!
Highlight Leadership Experience: As a potential CEO, we’re keen to see your leadership journey. Share specific examples of how you've led teams, navigated challenges, and fostered collaboration. This is your chance to showcase your strategic vision and practical delivery!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Society of Local Council Clerks
✨Know Your Community
Before the interview, take some time to research Stroud and its community values. Understand the local culture, activism, and environmental initiatives. This will help you demonstrate your alignment with the town's identity and show that you genuinely care about the community.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be prepared to discuss your leadership approach and how it aligns with fostering a positive organisational culture. Share specific examples of how you've motivated teams, encouraged open communication, and navigated change in previous roles. This will highlight your suitability for the CEO position.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Since financial stewardship is crucial for this role, come equipped with examples of how you've managed budgets or resources effectively in the past. Be ready to discuss your understanding of good governance and transparent decision-making, as these are key aspects of the job.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your ability to handle complex situations. Think about challenges you've faced in leadership roles and how you resolved them. Practising your responses will help you convey calmness and clarity during the interview.