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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and drive economic growth and regeneration for communities.
- Company: A forward-thinking Council in the North of England.
- Benefits: 6-month contract with impactful leadership experience.
- Why this job: Shape the future of local services and make a real difference.
- Qualifications: Experience at an executive level in local government required.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities to build strong partnerships.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 84000 £ per year.
Starfish Search are working with a Council in the North of England who are seeking an Interim Executive Director of Place to provide strong, visible leadership across a broad Place portfolio. This is a high‑profile role, central to driving economic growth, regeneration, and high-quality place‑based services for residents and communities. This is a 6 month contract.
You Will:
- Provide strategic leadership across the Place directorate, including regeneration, planning, housing, transport, environmental services, and economic development.
- Work closely with the Chief Executive, Cabinet Members, and Corporate Leadership Team to shape and deliver the council’s place strategy and long‑term vision.
- Drive inclusive growth, regeneration and investment, ensuring outcomes deliver tangible benefits for residents and local businesses.
- Provide clear leadership to senior officers, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and high performance.
- Build strong partnerships with external stakeholders including government bodies, neighbouring authorities, developers, and the voluntary and private sectors.
- Ensure effective governance, risk management, and financial control across the directorate.
You Will Have:
- A strong track record operating at Executive Director, Director, or equivalent level within a local authority.
- Significant experience leading large, complex Place‑based portfolios within local government.
- Proven ability to lead transformation, regeneration, and service improvement in a politically sensitive environment.
- Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the credibility to work effectively with elected Members and senior partners.
- A pragmatic and resilient leadership style, able to balance strategic direction with hands‑on problem solving when required.
Due to a high volume of applications, we may not be able to respond to every applicant individually.
Interim Executive Director of Place in Leeds employer: Starfish Search
Contact Detail:
Starfish Search Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Executive Director of Place in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in local government or related sectors. Attend events, join forums, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself to key players. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership style! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, highlight your experience in driving transformation and regeneration. Share specific examples of how you've fostered collaboration and accountability in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to appear. Reach out directly to councils or organisations you’re interested in. Express your enthusiasm for their work and ask if they have any upcoming opportunities that might suit your skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find roles that match your expertise. Plus, applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other candidates. So, don’t hesitate – check us out and get your application in!
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Executive Director of Place in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in leading complex Place-based portfolios. We want to see how your background aligns with the role's requirements, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Style: We’re looking for someone with a pragmatic and resilient leadership style. In your application, share examples of how you've fostered accountability and collaboration in previous roles. This will help us understand how you can drive our vision forward.
Highlight Stakeholder Management Skills: Since this role involves building strong partnerships, make sure to emphasise your experience in stakeholder management. We want to know how you've effectively worked with elected Members and senior partners in the past.
Apply Through Our Website: To ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, please apply through our website. It’s the best way for us to keep track of all applications and makes the process smoother for everyone involved!
How to prepare for a job interview at Starfish Search
✨Know Your Place
Familiarise yourself with the council's current place strategy and any recent initiatives. Understanding their goals for economic growth and regeneration will help you align your vision with theirs during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, especially in politically sensitive environments. Be ready to discuss how you've fostered collaboration and accountability among teams, as this role requires strong leadership across various departments.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you would build partnerships with external stakeholders. Bring specific examples of how you've successfully managed relationships with government bodies or private sectors in the past, as this will demonstrate your ability to drive inclusive growth.
✨Be Ready for Problem Solving
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Prepare to discuss situations where you've had to balance strategic direction with hands-on solutions, showcasing your pragmatic approach to leadership in complex scenarios.
