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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and drive economic growth and regeneration for local communities.
- Company: A forward-thinking Council in the North of England.
- Benefits: 6-month contract with a chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Shape the future of local services and enhance community well-being.
- Qualifications: Experience at an executive level in local government is essential.
- Other info: Collaborate with key stakeholders and foster a culture of high performance.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ 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 Manchester 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 Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in local government or related sectors. Attend events, webinars, or even casual meet-ups to get your name out there and learn about opportunities that might not be advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership style! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share specific examples of how you've driven transformation and regeneration in previous roles. Make it clear how your hands-on approach can benefit their council.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to pop up. Reach out directly to councils or organisations you’re interested in. Express your interest in the Interim Executive Director of Place role and ask if they have any upcoming opportunities.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find and apply for roles that match your skills. Plus, we’re here to support you throughout the process, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you need any help!
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Executive Director of Place in Manchester
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 a pragmatic and resilient leader, so be sure to illustrate your leadership style in your application. Share examples of how you've fostered accountability and collaboration in previous roles, as this will resonate well with us.
Highlight Stakeholder Management Skills: Since building strong partnerships is key, make it clear how you’ve successfully managed relationships with various stakeholders. We want to know about your experiences working with elected Members and external partners, so include specific examples!
Apply Through Our Website: To ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, please apply through our website. This helps us keep everything organised and makes it easier for us to review your application thoroughly. We can’t wait to hear from you!
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 experience with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership approach, especially in politically sensitive environments. Be ready to discuss how you've fostered collaboration and accountability in previous roles.
✨Stakeholder Savvy
Think about the key stakeholders you'll be working with and prepare to discuss how you've successfully managed relationships with similar groups. Highlight your ability to build partnerships across sectors.
✨Be Ready for Real-World Scenarios
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Prepare to share specific instances where you've led transformation or service improvement, focusing on tangible outcomes for communities.
