Chief Officer

Chief Officer

Full-Time 48226 - 55632 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
TipTopJob

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead Cambourne's growth, ensuring smooth operations and community engagement.
  • Company: Join a dynamic council in a vibrant, young town.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, pension scheme, and professional development support.
  • Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a supportive and engaged environment.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a community that values leadership and public service.
  • Qualifications: Experience in governance, strong communication skills, and a passion for community work.

The predicted salary is between 48226 - 55632 £ per year.

Location: Cambourne, Cambridge, CB23 6GW

Salary: A GBP 48,226 : A GBP 55,632 (SCP 37:43) plus Local Government Pension Scheme

Contract: Permanent, 37 hours per week (with some evening and weekend work).

Overview

Help Guide Cambourne's Next Chapter. Cambourne is a young, fast growing and highly active town, now moving into a new phase of maturity. As the community expands and expectations rise, the Council is strengthening its governance, modernising how it works and preparing for the next stage of growth. This creates a rare and rewarding opportunity for someone who understands governance, enjoys working with people and can bring steady, practical leadership to help shape a council and a town at an important moment in its development.

Role description

As our Chief Officer you will be the Council’s senior adviser, organisational lead and the person who ensures we operate with professionalism, transparency and confidence. You’ll work closely with councillors, staff, partners and residents to keep services running smoothly, support good decision-making and help the Council respond to the needs of a growing, diverse community. This is a role for someone who enjoys breadth: one day you may be supporting councillors on governance or policy, the next working with staff on service delivery, meeting with partners about local infrastructure, or helping shape projects that improve community facilities and public spaces.

What we’re looking for

You will bring experience of working in a governance-led or regulated environment, with confidence and experience of supporting committees or boards, and providing clear, well-reasoned advice. You’ll be confident managing people, juggling competing priorities and working with partners across the public, voluntary or community sectors. You’ll understand the importance of good governance, sound financial awareness, strong relationships and clear communication. Above all, you’ll be someone who is calm, organised, politically aware and motivated by public service. Holding a Certificate in Local Council Administration or Certificate of Higher Education in Community Governance is desirable, but if you don’t have it yet, we’ll support you to achieve it.

Benefits

Cambourne is one of South Cambridgeshire’s most dynamic places, young, diverse, energetic and full of community life. You’ll join a committed team, a supportive council and a community that values its services, facilities and public spaces. This is a role where your leadership will be visible, meaningful and genuinely appreciated. We provide membership to the Local Government Pension Scheme, generous annual leave, access to an Employee Assistance Programme, free car park and support for professional development. Most importantly, you will join a committed organisation with a strong sense of community pride and the opportunity to make meaningful impact.

How to apply

Please click apply for a candidate information pack and application form.

Closing date

Applications to close: 5pm, Friday 29th May 2026

Interview stages

First Stage w/c 15th June 2026

Second Stage w/c 22nd June 2026

Chief Officer employer: TipTopJob

As a Chief Officer in Cambourne, you will be part of a vibrant and growing community that values leadership and public service. The Council offers a supportive work environment with opportunities for professional development, generous benefits including a Local Government Pension Scheme, and a chance to make a meaningful impact on the lives of residents. Join a dedicated team where your contributions will be recognised and appreciated in a dynamic town full of community spirit.
TipTopJob

Contact Detail:

TipTopJob Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Chief Officer

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, attend local events, and connect with councillors or community leaders. Building relationships can open doors that job applications alone can't.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the council's current projects and challenges. Show us you’re not just interested in the role but also in making a real impact in Cambourne’s growth and governance.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the needs of the council. We want to hear how you can bring calm, organised leadership to the table.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their journey.

We think you need these skills to ace Chief Officer

Governance
Leadership
Communication Skills
Organisational Skills
Financial Awareness
Stakeholder Engagement
Project Management
Policy Development
Decision-Making
Community Engagement
Adaptability
Political Awareness
Team Management
Problem-Solving Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences that match the Chief Officer role. Highlight your governance experience and how it aligns with the needs of Cambourne's growing community.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills: We want to see how you’ve led teams or projects in the past. Use examples that demonstrate your ability to manage people and juggle competing priorities, as this is key for the role.

Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your points are well-structured and easy to follow.

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and allows you to access all the necessary information about the role.

How to prepare for a job interview at TipTopJob

✨Know Your Governance Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of governance and local council operations. Familiarise yourself with the key policies and procedures that guide the council's work, as well as any recent developments in Cambourne. This will show that you're not just interested in the role but also invested in the community.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led teams or projects. Highlight how you managed competing priorities and worked collaboratively with various stakeholders. This is crucial for a Chief Officer role, so be ready to discuss your approach to leadership and decision-making.

✨Engage with the Community

Demonstrate your understanding of the diverse needs of the Cambourne community. Think about how you can improve community facilities and public spaces. Bring ideas to the table during the interview that reflect your commitment to public service and community engagement.

✨Ask Thoughtful Questions

Prepare some insightful questions to ask the interviewers about the council's future plans and challenges. This shows that you're proactive and genuinely interested in the role. It’s also a great way to gauge if the council's vision aligns with your own values and goals.

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