Cheshire East Council - Chief Executive

Chief Executive, Cheshire East Council

Salary: Competitive

Cheshire East is at an important point in its journey.

Over the last year, the organisation has strengthened its leadership, sharpened its focus and made tangible progress. Transformation is underway and there is a clearer understanding of what needs to happen next.

Now we need a Chief Executive who can take that work further and turn it into lasting change. This is a significant leadership role in one of the country’s largest unitary authorities. You will lead an organisation with ambition, complexity and reach, while helping shape the future of a place with enormous potential.

Internally, the task is clear: build confidence, strengthen accountability and create a culture in which people can perform at their best. That requires a leader who is visible, genuine and straightforward; someone who listens, brings people together and is pre-pared to make difficult decisions when needed.

Externally, the opportunity is equally important.

Devolution is reshaping the regional landscape. Cheshire East needs a Chief Executive who can build strong relationships with government, business, public services and partners, represent the borough with confidence and ensure its voice carries weight. Leading Cheshire East also means understanding the whole place.

Our economy, communities, children and families, infrastructure, environment and public services are interconnected. The next Chief Executive must be able to bring those perspectives together and lead beyond organisational boundaries.

We are looking for a rounded corporate leader with judgement, political acuity and the ability to inspire confidence across different audiences.

You will be as credible with government and partners as you are accessible to our workforce. You will know when to lead from the front, when to challenge and when to create the space for others to lead.

Cheshire East has already begun to change. The opportunity now is to make that change count.

For a confidential discussion, contact our recruitment partners at Penna:

·       Dawar Hashmi - Dawar.hashmi@penna.com

·       Ali Tasker - Ali.tasker@penna.com

For further information and to apply please visit: www.wearecheshireeast.co.uk

Closing Date: 23:59pm on Thursday 5th November 2026

How to Apply

1. Upload your CV under “Please select one of the options below.”
2. Complete the short mandatory fields on the next page.
3. Use ‘Add Attachments’ to upload your Supporting Statement and any other documents.
4. Please ensure that the file name of your CV and supporting statement includes your full name.
5. Ensure both CV and Supporting Statement are uploaded before submitting your application.
6. If you have a long-term health condition or disability and would like your application to be considered in accordance with a Disability Confident Scheme, please email: execapplications@penna.com, to inform the Penna team.