Chief Executive

Salary details: £ - £

Chief Executive (Head of Paid Service)

Grade 21 - £181,018 per annum (Performance Related Pay agreement pending)

Matlock, Derbyshire

Fixed-Term Appointment - 2 years from start date
We would welcome a secondment from another organisation where possible

Derbyshire County Council is seeking a bold, visionary, and change-focused leader to take on the pivotal role of Chief Executive, guiding the organisation through a period of strategic transformation and structural change. This is a rare opportunity to lead one of the country’s most ambitious councils, delivering a collaborative, innovative, empowered and accountable public service that makes a real difference to communities across Derbyshire.

About the Role

As Chief Executive, you will act as the Council’s Head of Paid Service, providing strategic leadership across the organisation and working closely with the Leader, Cabinet Members, and Executive Directors. You will be the Council’s principal adviser, ensuring that the political vision of elected members is translated into tangible outcomes for residents.

A key priority for this role is to lead Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), delivering a more streamlined, financially sustainable model of governance. You will drive forward structural reform, workforce transformation, and service redesign, ensuring the Council is fit for the future and aligned to the principles of democratic localism and community control.

You will also play a critical leadership role within the newly established East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA), leveraging devolution powers and funding to support regional recovery, resilience, and prosperity.

Key Responsibilities

•    Provide strategic leadership and corporate governance aligned to the Council’s strategic aims and statutory duties.
•    Champion a resident-first approach, ensuring services are responsive, efficient, and shaped by community engagement.
•    Work collaboratively with Derbyshire elected members to support informed decision-making, uphold democratic accountability, and ensure alignment with the Council’s strategic priorities.
•    Directly line manage 4 Executive Directors across our Corporate Services, Place Children’s Services and Adult Social Care and Health departments.
•    Lead the Council’s transformation programme, including workforce reform and structural change, with a strong emphasis on LGR.
•    Represent the Council locally, regionally, and nationally, building strong partnerships across public, private, and voluntary sectors.
•    Act as Head of Paid Service, ensuring compliance with legal and constitutional requirements.
•    Drive performance and financial discipline, embedding a culture of cost-effectiveness and delivery.

Who We’re Looking For

We are seeking a dynamic, resilient, and visionary leader with:
•    Proven experience at executive level within a large, complex private and/or public sector organisation.
•    A track record of leading transformational change and delivering strategic outcomes.
•    A curious and disruptive approach to the status-quo.
•    Strong financial acumen and a commitment to developing local public services.
•    Exceptional communication, influencing, and partnership-building skills.
•    A collaborative leadership style that empowers others and fosters innovation.

Why Derbyshire?
Derbyshire is a place of ambition, innovation, and community pride. As Chief Executive, you will be at the forefront of shaping a future that puts residents first, embraces transformation, and delivers real impact. This is your chance to lead a council that is ready to do things differently.

Benefits include:
•    34 days of paid annual leave plus 8 bank holiday days.
•    20.9% Employer pension contribution.
•    Access to a comprehensive wellbeing package.
•    Cycle to Work scheme.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit their CV as well as a 2-page A4 statement outlining their suitability for the role, including relevant experience, leadership approach, and alignment with the Council’s strategic priorities. For more information please take a look at the Chief Executive Application Pack.

Please send your application by midnight on 26th October 2025.

The selection process will include a short remote technical assessment during the week commencing 27 October 2025. Candidates who are successful will be invited to attend an initial Officer Panel on Thursday 13 November 2025. If recommended by the panel, they will progress to a final Elected Member Panel on Friday 14 November 2025. Both Officer and Member panels will take place at County Hall in Matlock, Derbyshire.

This is a politically restricted post under section 2 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.

This post is designated in accordance with the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 as a Politically Restricted Post. The successful candidate will therefore be disqualified from: (a) Becoming or remaining a Member of a local authority (excluding town or parish councils); or (b) Standing as a candidate for election as a Member of the House of Commons or the European Parliament (c) Acting as an election agent (d) Acting as an official of a political party, (e) Canvassing on behalf of a political party or individual (f) Publishing material or addressing the public in support of a political party.

We welcome applications from individuals who share our values — being Collaborative, Innovative, Empowered and Accountable. These values describe who we are and what we stand for as a council. They help shape our culture, encourage consistent behaviour and guide how we work together to make a positive difference for both our employees and the residents we serve.