At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead transformative change and shape strategic direction for two councils.
- Company: Join Broadland District Council and South Norfolk Council, making a real impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, competitive holidays, wellbeing initiatives, and employee discounts.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of local government transformation and drive positive community outcomes.
- Qualifications: Proven senior leadership experience and exceptional relationship-building skills required.
- Other info: Join a supportive organisation committed to community welfare and employee development.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 100000 £ per year.
We are delighted to offer a rare and highly influential opportunity to join Broadland District Council and South Norfolk Council as Chief of Staff, playing a defining role in guiding both councils through a landmark period of change, including our ambitious work on Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). This is a pivotal moment for councils across the country, and we are seeking an experienced leader who can bring clarity, confidence and momentum as we prepare for, and deliver a fundamentally transformed future. Working at the heart of the organisation, you will help shape strategic direction, strengthen partnerships and ensure we continue to deliver exceptional outcomes for our residents, businesses and communities.
About the Role
As Chief of Staff, you will lead a diverse and high-performing portfolio of services including:
- Human Resources and Organisation Development
- Communications and Marketing
- Governance, including Electoral and Committee Services
- Local Government Reorganisation
Working closely with the Managing Director, Directors, elected Members and partners, you will ensure that our services continue to operate with excellence while also shaping the long-term strategic and operational frameworks that will guide us through the next two years and beyond. This includes playing a key role in the planning and implementation of LGR activity at local and countywide levels, representing both councils with authority and credibility in complex political environments.
You will champion a collaborative, high-performance culture, ensuring our workforce is inspired, supported and empowered to deliver results that benefit our communities. Your leadership will help maintain our strong reputation for quality, innovation and customer focus, ensuring that even during organisational change, our commitment to excellent service remains unwavering.
About You
We are looking for an experienced and resilient leader who brings:
- A strong track record of senior-level leadership.
- The confidence and capability to operate at pace in a highly complex, sensitive and changing environment.
- Experience of managing organisational transformation or large-scale change programmes, ideally within local government.
- Exceptional relationship-building skills, with an ability to negotiate, influence and work collaboratively across organisational and system boundaries.
- Proven ability to lead high-performing teams and drive continuous improvement.
- A confident, strategic mindset with the ability to translate vision into action.
- A commitment to our One Team values, including being collaborative, respectful, customer-focused and ambitious in our thinking.
Closing Date: Sunday 29th March 2026
Interview Dates: Stage 1 Tuesday 14th April 2026; Stage 2 Friday 17th April 2026
Why Join Us?
We offer flexible working hours for most office-based roles, allowing for a healthy work-life balance. As part of our team, you will enjoy a range of employee benefits, including free onsite parking, employee discounts, a competitive holiday allowance, wellbeing initiatives, and the opportunity to join the Local Government Pension Scheme. You will be joining a progressive and supportive organisation that is committed to making a positive impact on the communities we serve.
The Councils reserve the right to close any and all vacancies at any time if there is judged to be a sufficient number of applications received. South Norfolk and Broadland Councils are committed to promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and all applicants must be willing to undergo appropriate checks for the position, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Chief of Staff in London employer: South Norfolk and Broadland Council
Contact Detail:
South Norfolk and Broadland Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief of Staff in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in local government or related fields. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. The more people know you’re on the hunt, the better your chances of landing that Chief of Staff role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the councils thoroughly. Understand their current challenges and successes, especially around Local Government Reorganisation. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've led teams through change or transformation. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and make them impactful.
✨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. Good luck!
We think you need these skills to ace Chief of Staff in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the Chief of Staff role. Highlight your leadership experience and how it relates to managing organisational change, as this is key for us.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share your successes! Use concrete examples to demonstrate how you've led high-performing teams or driven transformation in previous roles. We love seeing results!
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who embodies our One Team values, so don’t hesitate to express your collaborative spirit and customer-focused mindset.
Apply Through Our Website: For a smooth application process, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at South Norfolk and Broadland Council
✨Understand the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the Chief of Staff role and its responsibilities. Familiarise yourself with the councils' current initiatives, especially around Local Government Reorganisation. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Prepare specific examples that highlight your senior-level leadership skills and experience in managing organisational transformation. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully led teams through change and how you can apply those lessons to the councils' ambitious goals.
✨Demonstrate Relationship-Building Skills
Given the importance of collaboration in this role, think of instances where you've built strong relationships across different teams or organisations. Be prepared to share how you’ve influenced stakeholders and navigated complex political environments.
✨Emphasise Your Strategic Mindset
The councils are looking for someone who can translate vision into action. Prepare to discuss your strategic thinking process and how you've implemented successful strategies in previous roles. Highlight your ability to maintain focus on customer service and quality outcomes during times of change.