Jobs

Deputy Chief Executive and Director for Development & Economic Growth

Lead growth, regeneration and place leadership in a high-performing council.

Rushcliffe is widely recognised as one of the country’s most successful and high-performing district councils. Serving a thriving borough south of Nottingham, we combine a strong track record of delivering high-quality services with an ambitious agenda for sustainable growth, regeneration and place leadership.

We are now seeking an exceptional leader to join our Executive Management Team as Deputy Chief Executive and Director for Development & Economic Growth.

The Opportunity

This is a pivotal corporate leadership role at the heart of one of the region’s most dynamic local authorities.

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive, you will help shape the strategic direction of the Council while leading a broad portfolio that sits at the centre of Rushcliffe’s future prosperity and place development.

Your responsibilities will include the leadership of a number of key services including economic growth, development management and planning policy, property services, corporate projects, business support team and the Rushcliffe Oaks Crematorium and will support major regeneration initiatives. You will work closely with Members to translate ambition into delivery and ensure the Council continues to play a leading role in shaping the borough’s future.

The role also carries Deputy Chief Executive responsibilities, supporting the Chief Executive in driving major strategic programmes and representing the Council in regional partnerships.

You will be directly involved in a number of high-profile projects and partnerships, including:

• The future development opportunities arising from the Ratcliffe-on-Soar power station site
• Engagement with the East Midlands Combined County Authority
• Work linked to the East Midlands Freeport
• Major place-shaping initiatives across the borough

This is a rare opportunity to influence the long-term economic future of a borough that combines strong growth potential with a commitment to sustainable development and high-quality places.

The Organisation

Rushcliffe Borough Council is an award-winning and forward-thinking authority with a reputation for delivering high-quality services and maintaining strong financial stewardship.

The borough is one of the most attractive places to live in the East Midlands, with vibrant communities, successful local businesses and a strong commitment to protecting and enhancing the natural environment.

Our Corporate Strategy sets out a clear vision for the future, focused on:

• Supporting sustainable economic growth
• Delivering high-quality places and communities
• Protecting the environment and tackling climate change
• Maintaining excellent public services and value for money

At Rushcliffe we pride ourselves on being ambitious, collaborative and pragmatic. We are a council where leaders have the opportunity to shape outcomes, build strong partnerships and make a visible difference to the places we serve.

Our modern offices at Rushcliffe Arena in West Bridgford, combined with flexible and hybrid working arrangements, provide an environment that supports collaboration, wellbeing and productivity.

Candidates

We are looking for a strategic, outward-facing and politically astute leader who can operate confidently at the most senior levels of local government.

You will bring:

• A strong track record of leadership within local government or a similarly complex organisation
• Experience leading significant services, budgets and professional teams
• A strong understanding of place-shaping, regeneration, planning, economic growth or property
• The ability to build productive relationships with Members, partners and stakeholders
• Experience of delivering change and improvement in a politically sensitive environment

Above all, you will be a visible and inspiring leader who can bring people together around a shared vision for the borough’s future. You will combine strategic thinking with a pragmatic, delivery-focused mindset and the credibility to influence across organisational and partnership boundaries.

How to Apply

For further information, please visit https://www.rushcliffe.gov.uk//leadership-vacancies

Please download the Job Description and Person Specification.

And for a confidential discussion about the role, please contact our retained consultants at Penna: Pete John on 07701 305617 or Julie Towers on 07764 791736.

Closing date: 30 April 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.

Assistant Director – Law, Governance and HR

(Monitoring Officer)

Lead governance, integrity and legal excellence in Rushcliffe.

Rushcliffe Borough Council is widely recognised as one of the country’s most successful and high-performing district councils. Serving a thriving borough south of Nottingham, we combine a strong track record of delivering excellent services with an ambitious agenda for sustainable growth, strong governance and community leadership.

We are now seeking an exceptional legal professional to join our senior leadership team as our Monitoring Officer and Assistant Director for Law, Governance and HR.

The Opportunity

This is a high-profile pivotal role at the centre of the Council’s corporate leadership and governance framework.

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive, you will act as the Council’s statutory Monitoring Officer, ensuring the highest standards of governance, probity and legal compliance across the organisation. You will provide authoritative advice to Members and senior officers, supporting sound decision-making in a complex and evolving local government environment.

Alongside your statutory responsibilities, you will lead a key corporate portfolio within the Chief Executive’s department, with responsibility for Legal Services including governance, Electoral Services and Human Resources.

You will:

• Lead and develop the Council’s legal service, ensuring high-quality and responsive advice across the organisation
• Act as principal advisor to Members, including the Standards Committee
• Work closely with the Chief Executive and Section 151 Officer on corporate governance matters
• Support Cabinet, Council and Scrutiny with robust legal and governance advice
• Act in the role of Data Protection Officer
• Provide leadership across the Chief Executive’s department, ensuring effective service delivery and continuous improvement

This is a role that combines statutory authority with strategic influence, offering the opportunity to shape governance, support corporate priorities and contribute directly to the leadership of a successful and ambitious council.

The Organisation

Rushcliffe Borough Council is an award-winning, forward-thinking authority with a strong reputation for delivering high-quality services and maintaining sound financial management.

Located in West Bridgford, just south of Nottingham, the borough is one of the most attractive places to live and work in the East Midlands, with vibrant communities, successful businesses and a strong commitment to protecting the environment and enhancing quality of life.

Our Corporate Strategy focuses on:

• Supporting sustainable economic growth
• Delivering high-quality places and communities
• Tackling climate change and protecting our environment
• Maintaining excellent services and value for money

Rushcliffe is a council where strong governance and collaborative leadership underpin everything we do. Our culture is ambitious, supportive and pragmatic, and senior leaders have the opportunity to make a visible difference to the organisation and the borough.

We operate from modern offices at Rushcliffe Arena, supported by flexible and hybrid working arrangements that enable colleagues to work effectively while maintaining a healthy work–life balance.

Candidates

We are looking for an experienced and credible local government lawyer who can operate confidently at the most senior levels of the organisation.

You will bring:

• Qualified solicitor or barrister or Chartered Legal Executive (CILEx) with appropriate authorisation/practising certificate
• Strong knowledge of local government law and governance
• Experience of delivering or supporting Monitoring Officer responsibilities
• A proven ability to provide clear, balanced legal advice to Members and senior officers
• Experience of information governance
• Experience of leading legal services or a comparable professional function

You will be a strategic thinker and trusted adviser, able to navigate complex and politically sensitive issues while maintaining the highest standards of integrity and professionalism.

Equally important will be your ability to build strong relationships across the organisation, develop high-performing teams and contribute positively to the wider leadership of the Council.

How to Apply

For further information, please visit https://www.rushcliffe.gov.uk//leadership-vacancies

Please download the Job Description and Person Specification.

And for a confidential discussion about the role, please contact our retained consultants at Penna: Rachael Morris on 07810 207784 or Julie Towers on 07764 791736.

Closing date: 30 April 2026

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.

Salary: £68,395 – £83,123

Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA)

Hybrid | 1 day a week in the office

Join a Bold and Ambitious Authority – Be Part of Shaping the Future

Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority is entering a new phase of empowered regional leadership.

Recently shortlisted for Most Improved Authority at the Local Government Chronicle Awards, we’re leveraging the opportunities presented by the government’s devolution programme to take bold, strategic steps in shaping the future of our region. With greater autonomy and influence, CPCA is driving forward initiatives that will unlock growth, improve infrastructure, and deliver real change for our communities.

We’re now looking for an experienced Commercial Solicitor to join our dynamic and expanding Legal & Governance team. We are proud to share that our Governance team was shortlisted as finalists for the Democratic Services Team of the Year 2024 by ADSO—an achievement that reflects our dedication to excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement in public service.

This is a pivotal moment to join the organisation. With upcoming developments including the creation of a Mayoral Corporation Development, spatial planning initiatives, and enhanced powers under the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, your expertise will be central to our evolution.

This is more than a legal role. You’ll be at the heart of delivering our Local Growth Plan and supporting the Mayor’s ambition to make the CPCA area the UK’s fastest-growing local economy outside London.

As part of the Legal & Governance directorate, you’ll play a key role in ensuring robust governance and delivering high-quality legal advice. You’ll work collaboratively across Legal, Procurement, and Governance teams, as well as with external stakeholders. Your responsibilities will include:

- Advising on a wide range of contracts and grant funding agreements

- Supporting the creation and operation of special purpose vehicles and subsidiary companies

- Providing legal advice to elected members, including attendance at committee meetings

Our Team Culture

We pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and forward-thinking working environment. The Legal & Governance team is known for its supportive ethos, professional integrity, and commitment to continuous improvement. We value open communication, shared learning, and celebrating success together.

You’ll be joining a team that’s not only highly skilled but also genuinely passionate about public service and making a difference. We encourage innovation, welcome diverse perspectives, and offer opportunities for professional development and growth.

Whether you're contributing to strategic decision-making or mentoring junior colleagues, your voice will be heard and your impact will be valued.

What We’re Looking For

We’re seeking a confident and capable commercial lawyer with a strong grounding in contracts, procurement and general commercial work. Whether your background is in local government, wider public service or the private sector, what matters most is your ability to adapt quickly, build strong working relationships and offer clear, practical advice. You’ll enjoy working collaboratively across a wide range of teams and feel comfortable operating in a politically aware environment.

The Work You’ll Be Doing

You’ll take on a varied portfolio of advisory work spanning commercial contracts, grant funding, procurement and governance matters. The role offers the opportunity to support major programmes across skills, economic development, transport and infrastructure, as well as contribute to areas linked to devolution and organisational growth. Your work will help shape key projects and decisions across the region.

This is an exciting chance to join one of the UK’s most ambitious and fast‑growing regional authorities. With a new Mayor driving a bold agenda for innovation and growth, you’ll play a meaningful part in delivering high‑impact projects that make a real difference to communities. The work is diverse and engaging, supported by a collaborative team culture and flexible hybrid working arrangements.

If you are interested in having a confidential conversation about the role, please contact Andreas Efthymiou at andreas.efthymiou@penna.com or 07546 415 794.

For further information please review the full Job Description, Benefits Package and Pensions Details.

To learn more about working for CPCA please visit: https://cambridgeshirepeterborough-ca.gov.uk/about-us/career-opportunities/

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.

Director of Environment & Leisure

Salary up to £113,520 | Brighton & Hove City Council

Lead the services that shape the look, feel and everyday experience of Brighton & Hove.

Brighton & Hove is a city like no other – creative, diverse, inclusive and proud. With a thriving cultural scene, strong sense of community and bold vision for the future, we are ambitious for our residents, our city and our organisation.

We are now seeking an exceptional leader to join us as Director of Environment & Leisure – a role responsible for services that shape how residents and visitors experience Brighton & Hove every day.

This is a pivotal leadership position within our City Operations directorate and part of the council’s extended Corporate Leadership Team. You will lead a broad portfolio spanning environmental services, waste and recycling, street cleansing, parks and open spaces, and leisure services – services that are highly visible and central to the quality, sustainability and vitality of our city.

The role comes at an important moment.

You will bring a connected Council approach to delivering our vision of transformation, playing a critical role in delivering our 2030 vision of being connected, being confident, being innovative and creative, being diverse and inclusive and being healthy and psychologically safe. This is the future that we want you to lead the directorate to.

You will oversee our parks and leisure services, balancing community access, biodiversity and events across the city’s much-loved open spaces, while ensuring our leisure offer supports healthier and more active lives. Your leadership in environmental services will also ensure we are a city to be proud of.

You will play a key role in shaping the future of these services – strengthening leadership capacity, developing partnerships across the public, private and voluntary sectors, and ensuring the council continues to deliver value for money in a complex financial

We are looking for a strategic, inclusive and politically astute leader with a track record of delivering transformation and service improvement within complex organisations. You will bring the credibility and judgement required to navigate high levels of public interest and stakeholder engagement, alongside the ability to inspire teams and build a culture of trust, integrity and continuous improvement.

For the right candidate, this is a rare opportunity to lead services that are fundamental to the life, sustainability and reputation of one of the UK’s most distinctive cities.

Closing date: 11:59pm on Sunday 19^th of April 2026

For more information, please download a candidate pack here.

For a confidential discussion, please contact:

·      Andrew Tromans on 07805 226301 or andrew.tromans@penna.com

·      Kelly Ridley on 07709 512415 or kelly.ridley@penna.com

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.

Director of Strategic Property Services

London Borough of Hackney

Salary: Chief Officer 3, which ranges from £123,293 to £137,835

2–3 days in the office

About the Place and Ambition

Hackney is a proudly local, deeply connected borough. The Council operates in a fast-paced urban environment, serving communities who expect high-quality, reliable services and transparent decision making. The estate underpins almost every aspect of that delivery: schools, operational buildings, commercial assets, community provision and the infrastructure that supports day-to-day services.

Why This Role?

The Council has set out a clearer, more coordinated approach to property and asset management. The priority now is to embed that approach, lift the standard of governance and decision making, and build a service that is structured, confident and ready for the future.

The Director will bring leadership to a wide, dispersed portfolio and will help shape how the organisation thinks, plans and makes choices about its estate. This includes ensuring alignment with the Medium Term Financial Strategy, improving how operational, commercial and strategic functions interact, and supporting senior officers and Members with grounded, balanced advice.

About the Role

The Director leads the full span of Strategic Property Services, including operational and commercial property, strategic asset management, acquisitions and disposals, planning viability advice, the corporate landlord function, health and safety, fleet management and oversight of the schools estate.

The portfolio includes a large workforce across multiple technical disciplines and stewardship of significant revenue and capital budgets. The Director will strengthen corporate governance, improve the use of asset intelligence, ensure compliance across all buildings in scope, and support the Council in planning for longer-term needs.

Partnership working is central: the postholder will work with senior leaders, Members, education partners, statutory bodies and regional stakeholders to ensure that Hackney’s estate strategy is cohesive, evidence-led and focused on sustainable outcomes.

About You

Candidates will bring senior-level experience in property and asset management within a large, complex organisation. You will have the professional credibility to lead specialist functions, combined with the ability to guide decision making at a corporate level.

The Council is looking for a leader with sound judgement, a straightforward and calm approach, and the confidence to operate in a political environment.

You will understand how to shape services, bring teams together and raise expectations in a way that builds trust. The ability to handle complexity, communicate clearly and work across organisational and professional boundaries will be essential.

Senior leaders who can bring clarity, discipline and confidence to a major corporate service, and who are motivated by the chance to make a meaningful impact across the borough, are encouraged to apply.

Closing date: 11:59pm Sunday 26^th of April 2026

For more information, please download a candidate pack here.

For questions or an informal discussion, please contact:

Bruna Varante on 07858 306725 or email: bruna.varante@penna.com

Ali Tasker on 07514 728114 or email: ali.tasker@penna.com 

Dawar Hashmi on 07772 368388 or email: dawar.hashmi@penna.com

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.

Salary: Competitive six-figure package

Location: Wakefield / Hybrid

Wakefield Council is a large and ambitious authority serving more than 350,000 residents across a diverse district of city, towns and rural communities in West Yorkshire, focused on strengthening communities, growing their economy, improving health and wellbeing, and delivering a greener and more sustainable district.

Finance plays a critical role in enabling those ambitions.

We are now supporting the council in appointing a Service Director – Finance (Deputy Section 151 Officer) to shape the next phase of their financial journey.

Reporting to the Corporate Director – Resources (Section 151 Officer), you will lead the Council’s Financial Services function and will provide strategic leadership across financial management, audit and risk, and revenues and benefits, while supporting the development and delivery of the council’s Medium Term Financial Strategy.

This is a highly visible role at the heart of the organisation. You will work closely with the Corporate Management Team, elected Members and senior colleagues across the Council to ensure robust financial stewardship, informed decision-making and effective financial governance.

You will also play a key role in modernising their finance function – strengthening business partnering, improving financial insight, and embedding a culture where finance operates as a trusted strategic advisor across the organisation.

We are looking for a CCAB or CIMA qualified finance professional with:

• finance leadership experience within local government or a similarly complex organisation
• A track record of delivering financial strategy, organisational change and service improvement
• A collaborative leadership style and a commitment to developing high-performing teams.

This is an excellent opportunity for either an aspiring finance leader or an ambitious Deputy S151 looking to take on a broader leadership role in a large and forward-looking authority.

For further information, please download the candidate briefing pack by clicking the link: Candidate Briefing Pack - Service Director - Finance (Deputy Section 151 Officer)

For a confidential conversation, please contact:

·        Andrew Tromans – Partner, Penna – 07805 226301

·        Mark Baldwinson – Researcher, Penna – 07764 698139

Closing date: 11:59pm, Sunday 19th April 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.

Prif Swyddog Tân Cynorthwyol, Gwasanaeth Tân ac Achub Canolbarth a Gorllewin Cymru

Lleoliad – Pencadlys y Gwasanaeth, Caerfyrddin

Cyflog – £121,640 - £129,310

Mae Gwasanaeth Tân ac Achub Canolbarth a Gorllewin Cymru yn chwilio am arweinydd strategol eithriadol i ymuno â’n Tîm Arweinyddiaeth Weithredol fel Prif Swyddog Tân Cynorthwyol.

Mae hon yn rôl ganolog o fewn un o Wasanaethau Tân ac Achub mwyaf a mwyaf amrywiol y DU yn ôl daearyddiaeth. Mae’n gwasanaethu mwy na 900,000 o bobl ar draws canolfannau trefol, cymunedau gwledig, perygl diwydiannol mawr ac arfordir helaeth, ac mae graddfa a chymhlethdod ein hamgylchedd gweithredu yn mynnu arweinyddiaeth o’r safon uchaf.

Rydym yn falch o’n rhagoriaeth weithredol. Rydym yr un mor uchelgeisiol ynghylch ein dyfodol.

Mae’r Gwasanaeth yn mynd trwy gyfnod o drawsnewid strategol- cryfhau gwydnwch ariannol, ymgorffori arweinyddiaeth gynhwysol, moderneiddio darpariaeth gwasanaethau a dyfnhau cydweithio ar draws gwasanaethau cyhoeddus Cymru. Bydd y Prif Swyddog Tân Cynorthwyol yn chwarae rhan ganolog wrth lunio a chyflawni’r agenda honno.

Rydym yn chwilio am arweinydd strategol profedig sy’n:

·      Rheolwr Brigâd neu’n Rheolwr Ardal Cymwys presennol.

·      Meddu ar gymhwyster Rheoli Digwyddiadau Aur Aml-Asiantaeth (Lefel 4 ICL neu gyfwerth).

·      Medi ar brofiad amlwg o arwain swyddogaethau cymhleth ar raddfa fawr.

·      Gallu gweithredu’n hyderus o fewn amgylchedd sy’n atebol yn wleidyddol.

·      Meithrin perthnasoedd adeiladol â chyrff cynrychioliadol a rhanddeiliaid.

·      Arwain newid diwylliannol gyda hygrededd, gwelededd ac uniondeb.

Byddwch yn gyfrifol am yrru perfformiad ar draws eich cyfarwyddiaeth, gan gyfrannu at strategaeth sefydliadol a chyflenwi’n weithredol fel Prif Swyddog ar gyfer y gwasanaeth.

Mae’r rôl hon yn galw am farn gadarn, hygrededd gweithredol a’r gallu i ddylanwadu ar y lefelau uchaf. Mae hefyd yn cynnig cyfle prin - i lunio cyfeiriad gwasanaeth sy’n uchelgeisiol, yn canolbwyntio ar y gymuned ac yn falch o’i bobl.

Mae canolbarth a gorllewin Cymru yn cynnig ansawdd bywyd eithriadol, gan gyfuno her broffesiynol â mynediad at rai o’r tirweddau harddaf yn y Deyrnas Unedig.

Os ydych chi’n gryf eich cymhelliad dros wasanaeth cyhoeddus, yn barod i arwain trwy gymhlethdod ac wedi ymrwymo i fodelu Atebolrwydd, Uniondeb, Parch, Didueddrwydd a Moeseg, byddem yn croesawu eich cais.

I gael gwybod mwy a sut i wneud cais ewch i Penna | Jobs neu am drafodaeth anffurfiol am y rôl gyffrous hon, cysylltwch â Fizza Islam ar Fizza.Islam@LHH.com neu 0141 220 6460.

Mid and West Recruitment 2026_720HD.mp4

Candidate Pack

Rhaid cyflwyno ceisiadau erbyn hanner nos ddydd Sul 19 Ebrill 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.

Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

Location – Service Headquarters, Carmarthen

Salary – £121,640 - £129,310

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service is seeking an exceptional strategic leader to join our Executive Leadership Team as Assistant Chief Fire Officer.

This is a pivotal role within one of the UK’s largest and most diverse Fire and Rescue Services by geography. Serving more than 900,000 people across urban centres, rural communities, major industrial risk and extensive coastline, the scale and complexity of our operating environment demands leadership of the highest calibre.

We are proud of our operational excellence. We are equally ambitious about our future.

The Service is navigating a period of strategic transformation - strengthening financial resilience, embedding inclusive leadership, modernising service delivery and deepening collaboration across Welsh public services. The Assistant Chief Fire Officer will play a central role in shaping and delivering that agenda.

We are looking for a proven strategic leader who:

·      Is an existing Brigade Manager or Competent Area Manager.

·      Holds Multi-Agency Gold Incident Command qualification (ICL Level 4 or equivalent).

·      Has demonstrable experience leading complex functions at scale.

·      Can operate confidently within a politically accountable environment.

·      Builds constructive relationships with representative bodies and stakeholders.

·      Leads cultural change with credibility, visibility and integrity.

You will be responsible for driving performance across your directorate, contributing to organisational strategy and providing Principal Officer operational cover for the service.

This role demands sound judgement, operational credibility and the ability to influence at the highest levels. It also offers a rare opportunity - to shape the future direction of a service that is ambitious, community-focused and proud of its people.

Mid and West Wales offers an exceptional quality of life, combining professional challenge with access to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the United Kingdom.

If you are motivated by public service, ready to lead through complexity and committed to modelling Accountability, Integrity, Respect, Impartiality and Ethics, we would welcome your application.

For an informal discussion about this exciting role, please contact Fizza Islam at Fizza.Islam@LHH.com or on 0141 220 6460.

Mid and West Recruitment 2026_720HD.mp4

Candidate Pack

Applications must be submitted by midnight on Sunday 19th April 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.

Salary: Up to £158,276 p.a. (pay award pending)

Salford is a bold, ambitious and values-led city, one that believes in the power of people, place and partnership to achieve extraordinary things.

As our new Deputy Chief Executive, you will join a leadership team united by a shared passion for delivering real change, driving inclusive growth, and shaping a fairer future for our residents, families and diverse communities.

This is a rare and exceptional opportunity to play a pivotal role at the heart of a council recognised for its innovation, progressive approach and commitment to social impact. Salford is a place where leaders are encouraged to be courageous, creative and purpose-driven, and where you can genuinely influence what a modern, high-performing local authority looks like, and how it delivers for its city.

You will be a collaborative, reflective and authentic human leader: someone who leads with purpose, empowers others, values engagement and champions a positive, inclusive, people-centred culture. This is a role for a leader who can bring clarity, momentum and confidence, while developing talent, strengthening culture and driving transformation at scale.

As Deputy Chief Executive, your strategic leadership will directly shape and strengthen the council’s enabling and corporate functions, including:

• Human Resources and Organisational Development
• Finance, Audit and Procurement
• Policy, Performance and Communications
• Digital, Data and Technology
• Customer Services
• Legal and Governance

You will deputise for the Chief Executive, contribute to the corporate leadership of the Council, and provide strategic leadership, direction and expert advice to the City Mayor and Elected Members in the development and delivery of the Council plan and priorities.

As the lead for enabling strategic transformation and innovation across the Council, you will champion a culture where continuous improvement, inclusion, and genuine people centred co-production shape everything we do. You will strengthen governance, value for money, accountability, customer focus and effective risk management, ensuring Salford remains resilient, future-focused and capable of delivering ambitious change with, and for, our people and communities.

Salford is a place leader and collaborator, so you will be confident in building trusted relationships with key partner organisations, including the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and a wide range of external stakeholders. You will provide strong systems leadership to drive a coordinated approach to service delivery and to ongoing change and transformation, focused on better outcomes, reducing demand, and embedding prevention and early intervention.

This role offers the opportunity to broaden and deepen your leadership impact across a whole council portfolio, strengthening your professional experience in corporate leadership, systems change, digital and organisational transformation, governance, and high-performance culture.

Join a city that is proud of who we are, and excited about where we’re going.

If you share our ambition, energy and values, and want to play a leading role in shaping a fairer, greener, digitally enabled and more inclusive Salford, we would love to hear from you.

For further information, visit: https://www.leadersinsalford.info/

or contact Penna: Kelly Ridley (07709 512415), Julie Towers (07764 791736) or Nick Raper (07715 690463)

Closing date: 11:59pm, Friday 10th April 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.

Salary: £107,521

Location: Tameside Council

Contract: Permanent, Full-Time (36 hours per week)

Are you an ambitious and values‑driven commissioning leader ready to make a real, lasting difference to children, young people, adults, and families? We are looking for an exceptional Assistant Director of All Age Commissioning to shape the future of our all‑age health and social care system.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a forward‑thinking organisation with a clear focus on quality, outcomes, prevention, and partnership working. You will play a pivotal role in transforming services, strengthening our provider market, and delivering better outcomes for our residents.

You will oversee commissioning strategies, market shaping, contract management, and partnership delivery across the whole age-range.

What you’ll bring

• A proven track record of senior leadership in commissioning
• Deep understanding of social care regulations, contract and performance management
• Experience in managing contract compliance, service quality, and commissioning outcomes
• Ability to develop and influence a sustainable, high‑quality provider market.
• Capability to develop integrated commissioning models across health and social care.
• The ability to inspire teams and build trusted relationships across systems

Why join us

This is an opportunity to shape the future of commissioning to improve outcomes for children and adults at a time of significant national reform and local ambition. You’ll join a collaborative, values‑driven organisation that is committed to achieving the very best for our residents.

If you are a strategic and compassionate leader who thrives on challenge and wants to make a lasting impact, we would love to hear from you.

For further information and to apply, visit: https://www.leadingtameside.com/

For an informal discussion about the role please contact:

• Tom Niven on 07860 657044 or email: tom.niven@penna.com 
• Julie Towers on 07764 791736 or email: julie.towers@penna.com

Closing Date for Applications: Midnight, Thursday 16th April 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.

Head of Legal, People Place & Regulation

Salary: £72,031 – £77,783

Manchester / Hybrid | Permanent

Manchester is a city with momentum. We are ambitious, globally recognised and continually evolving—shaping a thriving, inclusive and well‑connected place for over half a million residents. To help us deliver on these ambitions, we are looking for an outstanding Head of Legal, People Place & Regulation to join one of the most dynamic and high‑profile local authority legal teams in the UK.

Why join Manchester Legal Services?

Our Legal and Democratic Services function is one of the largest in-house teams in the country. We operate a shared service with Salford City Council and deliver specialist work for Rochdale Borough Council and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority—putting you at the heart of England’s first and biggest devolved region. Our 240+ strong legal workforce is recognised for its professionalism, passion and commitment. Our lawyers work on complex, nationally significant initiatives that shape the lives of residents and visitors every day. This role offers a rare opportunity to lead across a broad, high-performing portfolio and contribute to some of the most exciting legal, policy and regeneration work happening anywhere in the UK.

About the role

As Head of Legal, People Place & Regulation, you will provide leadership across five specialist teams—Community, Employment, Housing & Neighbour Nuisance, Litigation, and Regulatory & Enforcement. Reporting to the Assistant Director, you will play a key role in operational leadership, deputising as required and ensuring the delivery of high‑quality, insightful and solutions‑focused legal services.

You will also take a lead on cross‑cutting legal initiatives, oversee risk and LEXCEL compliance, support income and performance management, and carry a personal caseload of complex and sensitive matters.

This is a pivotal leadership role in a fast-moving, politically dynamic environment where your work will influence major decisions and real‑world outcomes for Manchester, Salford and our wider partners.

What we’re looking for

We’re seeking an exceptional legal leader—credible, collaborative and forward‑thinking. Someone who can bring people with them, inspire confidence, and deliver outstanding results across a large and varied portfolio.

You will bring:

• Solicitor, Barrister or Chartered Legal Executive status (with litigation rights).
• Significant experience managing complex legal work in a large, multifaceted organisation.
• Proven ability to build strong, trusted client relationships, including on sensitive and high‑profile matters.
• Demonstrable experience within at least two of the following areas; Community (Adult Social Care & Education), Employment, Housing, Litigation and Regulatory & Enforcement
• Strong strategic thinking, political awareness and the ability to influence at senior level.
• A track record of leading teams, driving performance, and delivering high‑quality legal outcomes.
• Understanding of the wider national policy landscape for local government.

What we offer

You’ll join an accredited service that values innovation, professional development and flexible working. Benefits include:

• Competitive salary with annual pay progression
• Hybrid working
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• 26 days’ annual leave (rising to 31 after five years)
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
• A wealth of additional staff benefits and development opportunities

Join us—and help shape the legal foundations of a world‑class city.

Applications close at 11.59pm on 12th April

Interviews to be held 24th April.

For a confidential discussion contact: andrew.barton@penna.com or 07922 386 432

You can review the full Job Description for this position Here

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.

Salary: £77,610 – £98,436 pa

Qualified Social Worker

Min of 3 Days in the office/borough

Lead frontline delivery. Strengthen neighbourhood practice. Drive system flow and independence.

Newham is one of London’s most dynamic and diverse boroughs, entering a new phase of stability, investment and ambition. With strengthened governance and clearer priorities, we are building a leadership team that can deliver visible improvement with pace, purpose and heart. We are looking for a confident, compassionate and operationally skilled leader who can shape high‑quality adult social care practice where it matters most, in neighbourhoods, communities and frontline services.

As Assistant Director for Early Intervention & Neighbourhood Operational Services, you will bring strong operational management expertise, safeguarding confidence and the ability to lead multi‑disciplinary teams in a complex, fast‑moving environment.

You will model Newham’s HEART values, champion strengths‑based practice, and motivate several hundred staff delivering essential frontline support. Your leadership will help shape a culture that places dignity, independence and community wellbeing at the centre of everything we do.

You will oversee a wide portfolio of statutory and preventative services, including Access and Discharge, Hospital‑to‑Home pathways, Rapid Response, Neighbourhood Long‑Term Teams, Reablement, Occupational Therapy, and support for residents facing homelessness or rough sleeping. You will hold responsibility for ensuring safe operational delivery, strong partnership working, robust safeguarding arrangements, and effective performance, budget and workforce management. You will work closely with health partners, voluntary sector colleagues and other statutory agencies to strengthen integration, improve flow and deliver better outcomes for residents.

If you are an ambitious, authentic and energised leader who can drive improvement, build strong relationships and lead frontline teams with clarity and compassion, we’d love to hear from you.

We Are Newham. Join us!

For more information, please refer to the candidate pack linked below:

Assistant Director – Early Intervention & Neighbourhood Operational Services

For questions or an informal discussion, please contact:

·       Amin Aziz on 07709 514 141 or amin.aziz@penna.com

·       Tom Niven on 07860 657044 or tom.niven@penna.com 

·       Bruna Varante on 07858 306725 or bruna.varante@penna.com

Application Deadline: 23:59pm on Thursday 9th April 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.

Assistant Director Children’s Services Education and Inclusion

Blackpool Council

Salary: £81,700 - £88,600

Blackpool is changing fast, driven by a Council Plan focused on stronger communities and better opportunities for children and young people. With over £2billion invested in regeneration projects to enhance the town and it’s future potential, Blackpool is creating an environment where education, inclusion and lifelong outcomes can genuinely flourish.

About the Role

We are looking for an Assistant Director who can provide clear, confident system leadership, bringing coherence across early years, school improvement, SEND and inclusion, post‑16 pathways, attendance, the Virtual School and safeguarding in education. You will also lead strategic place planning, ensuring mainstream and SEND sufficiency, alongside capital planning and admissions, so the whole education system feels aligned and connected.

You will join a Children’s Services directorate that continues to strengthen, with recent Ofsted findings noting improved practice, strong focus on safety and wellbeing and the embedded impact of our Blackpool Families Rock approach. Relationships with schools, MATs and the Education Improvement Board are positive and constructive, providing a strong platform for joint problem‑solving and shared ambition across the system.

What we need now is a leader who can pull the different parts of the system together with clarity and purpose. You will align sufficiency, SEND strategy and school improvement around a small number of high‑impact priorities, create the conditions for effective partnership working and ensure our education and inclusion offer is joined‑up, consistent and focused on improving outcomes for every child and young person.

About You

You will be an experienced leader with strong credibility across SEND and inclusion, system improvement and strategic planning. You will understand what it means to be a system leader: someone who can see the whole picture, anticipate what is coming, horizon scan with confidence and guide partners through complexity with clarity and purpose. You will influence confidently, maintain trusting partnerships and work constructively with political leaders. You will also model the principles of Blackpool Families Rock, which place relationships, strengths and partnership at the heart of how we think and work. You will bring ambition, clarity and a commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people.

If you want to make a meaningful impact in a town committed to change, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Closing date: 13:00 on Tuesday 7th of April

For further information, please download a candidate pack here.

For a confidential conversation about this role, please contact our retained consultants at Penna:

Mark Baldwinson - on 07764 698139 or email: mark.baldwinson@penna.com

Amin Aziz – on 07709 514141 or email: amin.aziz@penna.com

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.

Salary: Up to £122,620 p.a. (pay award pending)

This is a rare and career-defining opportunity to shape the future of public health in one of the UK’s most ambitious and forward-thinking cities.

Greater Manchester has been selected as a national Prevention Demonstrator, and Salford is at the forefront of supporting the NHS to deliver its 10-year plan. In response, we are reimagining and elevating the role of Director of Public Health, placing it at the very heart of our organisation and city-wide leadership.

Reporting directly to our Chief Executive, Stephen Young, who also serves as the NHS Salford Place Based Lead, you will operate at the centre of local government and health system leadership. This enhanced role offers strategic influence across the whole of Salford’s health and care system, providing you with a platform to lead, innovate and leave a lasting legacy.

You will shape and drive the city’s public health agenda across prevention, population health management and wellbeing. Working in close partnership with the NHS, voluntary and community organisations, academic institutions and public services, you will help redefine what place-based leadership can achieve. Together, we will strengthen governance, embed prevention into everything we do, and take bold action to reduce health inequalities and improve the wider determinants of health.

As a core member of our Corporate Management Team, you will lead a highly respected, multi-professional public health team with a culture of excellence and collaboration. Salford offers a unique professional environment where research, evaluation and knowledge mobilisation are not optional extras but central to how we lead the city. You will have the opportunity to further develop university-informed, research-based practice and help shape Salford’s ambition to be a true learning organisation.

This is more than a statutory leadership role, it is an opportunity to grow your influence across system leadership, deepen your expertise in population health transformation, and work at the cutting edge of national prevention policy. You will be empowered to innovate, to test new approaches, and to build capability across the system while strengthening your own professional portfolio at the highest level.

We are seeking an inspiring and values-driven leader who can unite partners, motivate teams and build trusted relationships across complex systems. You will bring a strong track record of strategic impact and transformational change, alongside the credibility and emotional intelligence to operate at board level across sectors.

In Salford, you will find a city that is bold, collaborative and determined to tackle inequality head-on. This is your opportunity to make a profound and lasting difference, and to be part of something truly special.

Join a city that is proud of who we are and excited about where we’re going!

For further information contact Penna: Nick Raper (07715 690463) , or Tom Niven 07860 657044 for a confidential conversation, or visit https://leadersinsalford.info/ for further information.

Closing date: 11:59pm, Friday 10th April 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.