Suffolk County Council is modern, innovative, and future-focused. We direct our energy, resources and ambition to the issues that are important for our service users, residents and county, making a positive difference to all.
We have a rare and rewarding opportunity for an aspiring, inspirational, ambitious, and committed leader to join our Corporate Leadership Team as Deputy Chief Executive and Executive Director of Corporate Services.
The role
You will join the Chief Executive, working with the Leader, Cabinet members, the Corporate Leadership Team and external partners within the Suffolk system to shape the strategic planning and delivery of our local and national agenda for excellent public services.
You will lead an exciting portfolio of work across a broad range of corporate services that will enable and ensure we continue to be an innovative, efficient and resilient council. You will act as the Chief Operating Officer for the council, covering the role of Chief Information Officer (CIO) and Senior Information Risk Owner (SIRO), and supporting the Monitoring Officer and S151 Officer to ensure robust governance, effective risk management and a sustainable financial strategy.
You will have a unique position of trust with the Chief Executive and Leader, in a politically sensitive role, with high visibility across the organisation and developing effective relationships with all councillors.
Your leadership style will empower solution-focused, continuous improvement and collaborative working, with the ability to deliver a clear vision and drive transformational change to achieve operational excellence, value for money and tangible outcomes.
As our new Deputy Chief Executive and Executive Director, you will be at the heart of achieving the delivery of our ambitions for the people of Suffolk. There is so much on the horizon for you to play a significant leadership role in; from the ongoing devolution talks with central government and partners, to our work connected to net zero and the Suffolk Climate Action Plan, and our corporate property strategy, to digital leadership and innovation, reimagining how we engage with and support our residents.
About you
This is a big and exciting role, for both us and you. To succeed, you will use your demonstrable experience of leading multi-functional, high-performing teams in a large complex organisation to ensure we are the best we can be. Your track record of successfully delivering change and improvement will evidence positive tangible impacts and outcomes.
As a leader, you will promote the council’s vision, objectives and priorities effectively to our staff, partners and the public. You will inspire others by role modelling our ‘WE ASPIRE’ values which are at the centre of all that we do and underpin our work, defining the relationship between the council and our people.
We expect you to embrace change, seize opportunities and disrupt what is normal, to deliver positive outcomes for those living and working within the county.
About Suffolk
Suffolk is home to significant assets including Freeport East and Felixstowe, the UK’s largest container port, offshore wind and nuclear clean energy offers (including 10% of the UK’s Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects and Sizewell), BT’s global research centre and Adastral Park technology hub. Suffolk also boasts strong food, drink and agriculture sectors, and a strong tourism and cultural offer, plus Newmarket is the centre of the thriving, multi-million-pound horse-racing and equine industry.
Suffolk is already in a strong position to accelerate growth, locally and nationally. We are home to globally significant businesses, and Suffolk will play its part in building a green future and helping to define the UK’s new international position.
Travel and workplace requirements
We positively encourage the use of technology to communicate, but in this role, you will need to travel to locations away from your contractual base, so you must either hold a full and current driving licence and have access to personal transport or meet the mobility requirements of the role through other reasonable and suitable means. If you require a reasonable adjustment due to a disability to meet the travel requirements of this role, please speak with the contact detailed below.
This role supports hybrid, flexible working, a broadly even balance between working from home and working from an office base. Please speak with the contact detailed below if you wish to discuss how that might impact your working arrangements.
For more information and to apply
For more information about this opportunity, or a confidential discussion about your suitability, and to apply, please get in touch with our retained partners at GatenbySanderson:
- Frazer Thouard on 07384 810 743
- Ben Parsonage on 07530 578 921
- Rachel Salvia on 0207 426 3374.
Closing date: 11.30pm, 12 March 2023.
This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.
To apply please click the Apply Now link below.