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Executive Permanent & Interim opportunities.

If you would like to register for opportunities with Penna, please complete your details here.

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If you would like to register for interim opportunities, please email your CV and a brief description of what you are looking for to interim@penna.com

If you would like to register for permanent opportunities, please email your CV and a brief description of what you are looking for to execapplications@penna.com

Available roles

Rail & Roads Director

Competitive salary: Circa £126k to £147k pa – pay award pending

Contract: Full-time, permanent

 

An exciting opportunity has arisen at Transport for the North (TfN) to join our senior leader team as our next Rail & Roads Director. You will be at the forefront of how we transform the north to create lasting change that will be felt for generations to come.

 

About TfN

TfN is the UK’s first sub-national transport body. We bring the North’s Local Transport Authorities and business leaders together, enabling our region to speak with one voice on the transport infrastructure investment needed to drive transformational growth and rebalance the UK economy. Our vision is of a thriving North of England, where world class transport supports sustainable economic growth, excellent quality of life and improved opportunities for all.

 

Who we are looking for

 

We are looking to recruit a strategic leader to build strong and inclusive partnerships and support in the development and implementation of an integrated approach to pan-Northern strategic transport planning. The post holder will provide leadership, direction and drive efficiencies across our Rail, Roads and Connected Mobility teams, as well as being the lead officer for TfN on the Northern Powerhouse Rail Co-sponsors’ Board and the Rail North Partnership; and working closely with the Rail North Committee Chair to help regulate the rail network in the North of England.

 

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive the successful candidate will lead key workstreams ensuring that all activities and outputs from TfN’s Rail & Roads Directorate are integrated as part of the Strategic Transport Plan – which outlines the need for investment in transport across the North and identifies the priority areas for improved connectivity – and to ensure that solutions are complementary to each other.

 

We’re looking for an individual who stimulates innovation, enriches debate and discussion and advocates a fact-based approach to developing long-term strategies to achieve the best outcomes for TfN and our region working closely with our members, partners and other key stakeholders.

 

It is an exciting time to work for the organisation, the rail and road network will be the cornerstone of how we transform the north; and as Director you will be at the forefront of how we drive that change. The year ahead poses many challenges for the sector and the regions, from the government’s draft Rail Reform Bill to the general election, and this role is about how we reach the ambition of a transport network the north’s 15 million people deserve and make lasting transformative change for generations to come.

 

If this sounds like a challenge you can rise to, then we would very much like to hear from you.

 

What's on offer for the successful applicant

 

Competitive base salary depending on experience, coupled with an excellent benefits package, and fantastic degree of flexible working which will see you work remotely, with a requirement to regularly work from our offices in Central Manchester.

 

For further information please visit https://www.transportforthenorthleaders.com/

 

For an informal discussion about this exciting role, please contact: Pete John on 07701 305617 or via pete.john@penna.com or Zara Bruton on 07743 980 867 or via zara.bruton@penna.com

 

Closing date: 12 Noon, Wednesday, 1st May 2024

Preliminary Interview: Wednesday, 15th May 2024

Final selection events: Thursday, 30th May 2024 & Friday, 31st May 2024

 

 

Candidates wishing to apply for this role on a secondment basis of up to two years will be considered.

 

We welcome and encourage applications from everyone regardless of age, disability, gender, ethnicity, religion and sexual orientation. We are particularly keen to encourage applications from women, members of ethnic minority groups, and people with disabilities who are currently under-represented. As part of our commitment to diversity and inclusion, all applications will be considered on their merit.

 

Apply now

Join us – and build the future we want

 

Chief Executive - c£136,000

 

Location: Kings Lynn and West Norfolk

 

Our borough isn't just a great place to live, work or visit - it's a place with ambition. With a four-year strategy already in place, King's Lynn and West Norfolk is building for the future. What we need now is a Chief Executive to provide focused leadership to ensure we deliver our plans. This is a hugely exciting role with a council that has a clear vision.

 

As Chief Executive, you will lead the organisation, working with senior colleagues to deliver council services and our corporate strategy. You will advise Elected Members and work with Cabinet to ensure that our strategic priorities are implemented. Ensuring the council engages and develops its relationships with staff, local communities, businesses and partners will be a key priority for you, as you work collaboratively with others to deliver benefits for West Norfolk. Fulfilling the statutory role of Head of Paid Service, acting as the Returning Officer in the borough and being an ambassador for the council makes this a role with many hats - but ones you will relish wearing.

 

As you would expect, there are challenges for the council and this role. Housing, climate change, healthy living, heritage and development are all on our agenda and we are undertaking a range of projects to tackle these issues. With your 'can do' style and political nous, you will take steps to ensure these are delivered skilfully and with passion.

 

To join us, you will need a degree or full professional qualification and experience of leadership in a complex organisation. Ideally, you will have worked in the public sector, but this isn't essential. It's more important that you can deliver corporate strategies, policies and objectives. Crucial to your success will be your communication skills - you will be adept at building relationships with staff, councillors and all areas of the community and committed to delivering fantastic services.

 

This is a rare opportunity to be a Chief Executive with a council that has great ambitions. If you share our drive for improvement, we would like to hear from you.

 

For a confidential discussion about this role, please contact : Julie Towers on 07764 791 736 or at Julie.Towers@penna.com or Amin Aziz on 07709 514 141 or at Amin.Aziz@Penna.com

 

If you share our drive for improvement, we would like to hear from you.

 

For further details and to express your interest, please visit www.leadingkingslynnwestnorfolk.com

 

To apply for this role, please click the 'apply' button below

 

(Closing Date: Sunday 28th April, midnight)

 

 

Apply now

AREA COMMANDER

States of Jersey Fire & Rescue

 

We’re a Service on the move and we are ambitious. Our small ‘island nation’ context creates a complex and challenging operating environment and we want you to help lead us through our generational opportunity to develop.

 

Working alongside senior colleagues, as well as deputising for the Deputy Chief Fire Officer when required, you will:

 

- Provide positive, visible and engaging leadership across our wholetime and on-call teams, ensuring effective emergency response, including the Fire Control function;

- Working with the Area Commander (Fire Safety) to support the delivery of the service’s prevention and protection priorities;

- Ensure SJFRS is a good partner in Jersey’s wider resilience agenda and;

- Form part of the strategic command rota, leading and supporting people to resolve larger and more complex emergencies.

 

To be successful you will:

 

- Be credible, compelling and diplomatic with the ability to work confidently at the political level as well as with stakeholders;

- Be operating at the strategic ‘Leading the Service’ level in the National Fire Chiefs Council’s Leadership Framework as a strategic manager in a Fire and Rescue Service;

- Be competent and current in incident command at Levels 3 and 4;

- Be passionate, skilful and effective as a people leader, innovating and empowering those around you and;

- Be confident leading teams through complexity and ambiguity and responding to people and community needs.

 

For further information and to apply, please click here

To download a candidate briefing pack, please click here

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MiVgbrB2wnc

 

For an informal conversation about these opportunities, please contact Andrew Tromans at andrew.tromans@Penna.com or 07805 226 301 or Tom McElroy-Williams at tom.McElroyWilliams@penna.com or 07895 300 517

 

Closing Date: Midnight, Wednesday 24th April 2024

Apply now

DEPUTY CHIEF FIRE OFFICER

States of Jersey Fire & Rescue

 

We are a very small service but our role, in protecting a small, island nation is influential and varied because we shape and drive the development of legislation as well as enforcing it and Jersey is home to a notable range of hazards and risks that we must be able to respond to. This means our Deputy Chief Fire Officer needs to be a proven strategic thinker with broad experience, covering not only prevention, protection and response but the full scope of corporate functions at the strategic level.

 

As well as deputising for the Chief Fire Officer in delivering the Minister’s priorities, the role of the DCFO is to:

 

- Provide a positive, visible and engaging leadership presence across the service, for leadership team colleagues and more broadly in the communities we serve;

- Supported by two Area Commanders, lead the delivery of prevention, protection and response services, including SJFRS’s role in the island’s wider resilience agenda;

- Supported by a dedicated team, lead on operational policy, improvement, innovation, risk and assurance and;

- Form part of the strategic command rota, leading and supporting people to resolve larger and more complex emergencies.

 

To be successful you will:

 

- Be credible, compelling and diplomatic with the ability to work confidently at the political level as well as with stakeholders;

- Be operating at the strategic ‘Leading the Service’ level in the National Fire Chiefs Council’s Leadership Framework as a strategic manager (Area Manager or above) in a Fire and Rescue Service;

- Be competent and current in incident command at Levels 3 and 4;

- Be passionate, skilful and effective as a people leader, innovating and empowering those around you and;

- Be confident leading teams through complexity and ambiguity and responding to people and community needs.

 

For further information and to apply, please click here

To download a candidate briefing pack, please click here

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MiVgbrB2wnc

 

For an informal conversation about these opportunities, please contact Andrew Tromans at andrew.tromans@Penna.com or 07805 226 301 or Tom McElroy-Williams at tom.McElroyWilliams@penna.com or 07895 300 517

 

Closing Date: Midnight, Wednesday 24th April 2024

Apply now

Assistant Director: Commissioning

Bracknell Forest Council

Salary: £98,880 to £115,395 p.a.

 

Bracknell Forest Council is committed to delivering high-quality care and support services to our community. As the Assistant Director of Commissioning, you will play a critical role in shaping the future of our service provision for all residents who need it.  

 

This is a key role, with a critical part to play in delivering successful outcomes in a sustainable way across adults, children’s, education and community services within Bracknell Forest. You will work collaboratively to develop practical responses to key strategic challenges, promoting innovation alongside the efficient and effective delivery of service provision.

 

As our Assistant Director of Commissioning, you will collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to develop practical responses to key strategic challenges. Your work will demonstrate ambition, collaboration and ensure value for money.  

 

You will have proven experience in the commissioning of health and care services and an in-depth knowledge of statutory responsibilities, particularly in information governance and the ability to analyse and develop solutions to complex challenges.  You should also have strong leadership and project management skills and be able to demonstrate where you have transformed services.   

 

We champion equality, diversity and inclusion here at Bracknell Forest and we know creating innovation for our diverse communities starts from having diverse people at the decision-making table. We need someone who embodies this value in attitude, work style and lived experience. We therefore welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or age.

 

For further information and to download the candidate pack, please click here.

 

If you are passionate about making a difference in all age health and social care services and would like to find out more about this challenging and rewarding position, please contact our Resourcing specialists at Penna for a confidential conversation.  

 

Ali Tasker on 07514 728114

Rachael Morris on 07840 711217

Amin Aziz on 07709 514 141

 

 

Closing Date: midnight Thursday 4 April

Technical interviews:  11 April 2024

Stakeholder Interviews: 15 April 2024

Member Panel:19 April

 

Apply now

Gateshead Council

 

Proud. Passionate. Ambitious.

 

Chief Executive - £183,351

 

There’s lots to love about Gateshead. Our communities are passionate and proud about their past and place, and ambitious for their future.

 

As our Chief Executive you’ll share these values and want to bring your innovation and transformation experience to help deliver on their ambitions. Sharing our desire to deliver outcomes and improve life chances, you will equally recognise the opportunities and challenges of the region, and be ready with ideas and inspiring corporate leadership to take the Council and the region forward.

 

If you have high levels of empathy, humility and understanding of the issues that face our communities; and a reputation for delivering transformation through accountability, then Gateshead is the place in which you can thrive.

 

For further information please go to https://www.leadinggateshead.com/ or to have a conversation please contact our retained consultants at Penna:

 

Julie Towers on 07764 791736 or Nick Raper on 07715 690463.

 

To apply for this role, please click the 'apply' button below.

 

(Closing date: 12th April 2024)

 

Apply now

Strategic Director of Adult Services  

Salary: Up to £170,000

 

Elevate your leadership: Strategic Director of Adult Services

 

Are you an executive visionary, ready to redefine adult services? Waltham Forest, a distinguished borough, extends an exclusive invitation to step into the role of our Strategic Director of Adult Services. Seize the mantle, orchestrating a transformative trajectory for the future with your executive brilliance.

 

Why Waltham Forest?

Waltham Forest, a bustling tapestry of cultures and innovation, transcends the traditional borough label—it's a dynamic community that thrives on diversity. Your strategic acumen will set an unparalleled standard for excellence in a council ardently committed to redefining adult services.

Lead a cohort of dynamic professionals eagerly anticipating your strategic guidance—innovators that will not only redefine services but strategically navigate financial challenges in the unique context of Waltham Forest.

 

About You

In this influential role, you're not just a leader; you're a visible force, seamlessly orchestrating collaborations with partners and communities. Your executive prowess includes managing a large and complex budget. As the torchbearer for Adult Services, you'll deftly fulfil statutory responsibilities, spearheading diverse services aimed at enhancing outcomes while prioritising the well-being of adults in Waltham Forest.

 

Prepare for the challenge of CQC with the finesse and acumen expected from an executive leader of your calibre. Work harmoniously with a wide range of key internal and external partners including Public Health and the NHS in health partnerships.

As a core member of our corporate team, you will play a central role in the strategic vision of Mission Waltham Forest. Your executive role is integral to delivering this agenda, a testament to your indispensable part in shaping the borough's future.

 

What We Seek

We're on the hunt for a leader—someone embodying our values, armed with a proven track record of strategic innovation. You possess the innate ability to unite a team towards shared goals while embracing local and national challenges. Your executive brilliance will elevate Adult Services to unprecedented heights.

 

Seize this pinnacle opportunity to spearhead innovation, navigate financial intricacies, and architect transformative change, shaping the executive future of Adult Services in the esteemed heart of Waltham Forest!

 

For further details and to express your interest, please visit https://www.missionwalthamforest.com/

 

For a confidential discussion about this role, contact our Penna Consultants: Amin Aziz at 07709 514 141 or Dawar Hashmi at 07513 706 265.

 

To apply for this role, please click the 'apply' button below.

 

(Closing date: Monday 8th April, midnight)

 

Apply now

Strategic Director of Children Services

 

Salary: Up to £170,000

 

Elevate your Leadership: Strategic Director of Children Services

 

Are you an accomplished executive seeking a role that propels you to the forefront of strategic leadership in the heart of London? Waltham Forest invites you to take the helm as the Strategic Director of Children Services, where your executive prowess will shape the future trajectory of our dynamic borough.

 

Why Waltham Forest

As the Strategic Director of Children Services, you will lead a strong team of professionals, within a thriving department that has gained recognition for its unwavering commitment to excellence. Waltham Forest is not just a location; it's a vibrant community that celebrates cultural richness and fosters innovation. Your strategic leadership will set a new standard for excellence in a visionary council committed to redefining children’s services.

Lead a team of seasoned professionals who eagerly anticipate your executive guidance, ready to pave the way for ground-breaking solutions that redefine the trajectory of our services.

 

About You

In this influential role, you will be a visible leader, adept at working effectively with partners and families. As the designated Director of Children Services, you will fulfil statutory responsibilities and lead diverse services aimed at improving outcomes while prioritising the safeguarding and well-being of children and young people in Waltham Forest.

As a key part of our Strategic Leadership Team, you will collaborate closely with Chief Executive Linzi Roberts-Egan, receiving the empowerment and support needed to achieve operational excellence, forge effective partnerships with schools and stakeholders, and deliver exceptional value for our community.

 

Your role is pivotal in applying your experience and expertise to introduce fresh ideas, contributing to the enhancement of priority services such as special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), addressing Education Health and Care plan (EHCP) demand, and future-proofing our social care services.

 

What We Seek

We are in search of a leader who exemplifies our values, possesses a proven track record of strategic innovation, and has the ability to unite a team towards shared goals.

Seize this opportunity to drive strategic innovation and be the visionary leader at the forefront of shaping the future of Children Services in Waltham Forest!

 

For further details and to express your interest, please visit https://www.missionwalthamforest.com/

 

For a confidential discussion about this transformative role, contact our Penna Consultants: Amin Aziz at 07709 514 141 or Dawar Hashmi at 07772 368 388.

 

To apply for this role, please click the 'apply' button below.

 

(Closing date: Monday 8th April, midnight)

 

Apply now

UK Technology Envoy to North America

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office

C.£100k salary plus benefits package

Location: San Francisco, USA

Three Year Fixed Term Contract

 

The FCDO’s Technology Envoys play a pivotal role in  demonstrating the UK’s commitment and leadership of the international technology agenda. They are visible and active leaders who increase and focus engagement with key stakeholders across industry, academia and partner governments. Together they bring the expertise and insight on emerging technologies needed to inform future policy, and to build technology-based partnerships around the world.

 

This is where you come in. We are looking for an exceptional leader with credible senior level experience and broad networks in the technology industry who can lead our engagement with major technology players in the US and Canada who are shaping how technology is being developed and used. In this hugely exciting and influential role you will be responsible for promoting the UK’s position as a technology leader, promoting collaboration on research and technology entrepreneurship between the UK and North America, and leading constructive conversations with big tech in the region about managing the opportunities and risks posed by emerging technologies.

 

The role will be based in San Francisco Bay Area and will involve travel around the US and Canada, primarily interacting with industry and the broader technology ecosystem. There will also be some travel to the UK, including tailored training.

 

This successful applicant will be required to undertake security clearance.

 

FCDO is committed to a policy of equal opportunities and to creating a diverse working environment, free from discrimination, where everyone is included and treated fairly, based on merit alone.

 

For further information and to download a candidate briefing pack, please click here

 

For a confidential discussion contact: roger.russell@penna.com on +44 (0) 7710 701570, charles.wilson@penna.com on +44 07801 880420 or aaron.thomas@penna.com  on +44 (0)7709 505 403.

 

 Closing Date: Midnight 11th April 2024

 

Apply now

Director of Adult Social Care and Health (East Kent)

Kent County Council

Salary £104,197 - £123,842 per annum

Maidstone (We work flexibly so our people can work in any location to meet the needs of our services)

 

Adult Social Care in Kent is proud to serve our County’s diverse communities through our deep commitment to Equality Diversity and Inclusion in all aspects of our work. You will be part of a team who want to make a difference every day through inclusive leadership.

 

The Role

We are seeking a creative and dynamic Director with experience of working at a senior level in complex social care and health settings and putting people firmly at the heart of what you do.

 

Alongside the Directors for North West Kent, and Adult & Integrated Commissioning, and other senior colleagues, and reporting to our Corporate Director for Adult Social Care and Health (DASS), you’ll be responsible for leading a large operational service and budget and will play a significant role in improving community resilience and health outcomes.

 

You will balance your passion for high quality operational delivery with a strategic approach and the ability to drive forward our ambitions to deliver outstanding social care.

 

Kent County Council

Kent has a population of 1.8million, with distinct geographies and communities that make every day different.

 

We want to involve people more and more in shaping services, and are committed to creating the best conditions for positive, inclusive and strengths-based social care practice to thrive within a proudly diverse workforce.

 

Consequently, our five-year ‘Making a difference every day’ strategy for adult social care was co-produced with people that draw on support and carers in Kent.

 

People told us what’s important to them – to have their voices heard, be treated with respect, feel informed and have more choice and control over their lives.

 

It’s now up to our leadership team, workforce and partners to make this a reality.

 

Next Steps

This is a unique and exciting opportunity to join us at the forefront of implementing improved ways of working together with the people we support and our key partners, to achieve our shared aims.

 

Fort further information please visit: https://www.kent.gov.uk/directorASCH

 

If you have the right experience, skills and energy to make our vision happen for people in north and west Kent, contact us or arrange a confidential conversation with our consultants at Penna: Carol.Coyle@penna.com / 07500 887 849 or Andrew.Tromans@penna.com / 07805 226 301.

 

Closing date: Sunday 7th April, 2024

 

 

Apply now

Southampton City Council

 

Executive Director, Growth and Prosperity

 

Competitive Salary

 

Opportunities to make your name and shape a city don’t come along too often. Our growth opportunities are significant and our ambition aligned –  with your vision, growth, delivery and partnership experience, energy, and commercial drive we are confident we can make change happen.

 

Make Southampton your place, the city where your career takes off, and where you will see the outcomes of your innovation impact at scale. We’re ready to grow, are you?

For further information go to: https://www.southampton.gov.uk/execjobs or call our retained consultants at Penna:

 

Pete John on 07701 305617

Julie Towers on 07764 791736

Priyesh Bhadressa on 07548 108 176

 

Closing Date: 28th March 2024

 

Apply now

Director of Housing and Communities

Newcastle City Council

Salary £128,086 - £143,910 pa

 

Newcastle is a city fast gaining a reputation for its innovation and progress. The heartbeat of the nation’s green revolution and the subject of growing international investment. Newcastle is amid a social housing revolution with the city council set to take back control of its housing stock for the first time in two decades.

 

This is a city of ideas, innovation and progress where every single person who lives, works and visits can help contribute to their success. It is an exciting time for the Newcastle city region and now two career-de? ning strategic roles have emerged for those who want to be part of it.

 

Are you ready to be a part of it?

 

A new housing and communities directorate will lead on the city’s social housing and housing strategy. Bringing social housing back into the council gives us an opportunity to integrate housing into our ambitions and our priorities and ensure our residents are at the heart of everything we do.

 

A career defining role in a fast-changing city, we’re looking for an experienced leader to develop and showcase the very best housing services for our residents and communities while driving our ambition to be a fair and inclusive city.

 

You will be passionate about housing, possess excellent stakeholder management and strategic partnering capabilities, and demonstrate the ability to strengthen relationships internally and across the region.

 

For further information about this exciting opportunity please visit: https://www.opportunitynewcastle.co.uk/ or call our advising consultants at Penna: Nick Raper on 07715 690463 or Priyesh Bhadressa on 07548 108 176.

 

Closing date for applications: Noon on 2nd April 2024.

 

The selection process will take place on 15 & 16 April 2024.

Apply now

North Northamptonshire Council

Executive Director Children’s Services

£140,683 - £151,033

 

Transformation. Positive change. Visionary ideas. If these are the sort of words that excite you, and you’re ready to inspire our teams with fresh and innovative plans, then we want to hear from you. Because here at North Northamptonshire Council, we’re transforming our Children’s Services for the better, and using all our creativity and imagination to improve the lives of everyone we work with.

 

The council is directly responsible for providing a range of children’s services such as education. Key parts of our children’s services, such as children’s social care, are delivered by Northamptonshire Children’s Trust. Their vision is to put children, young people and their families at the heart of everything they do, in every decision they make and every action they take. So, when you join us in this important senior role, these ideas will drive your plans to make us the best that we can be.

 

As a collaborative and inspirational leader, you will be an integral part of our Corporate Leadership Team in the council whilst retaining statutory responsibilities for activity delivered through the Northamptonshire Children’s Trust. This means you’ll have excellent contract management skills, and plenty of social work and local government experience. You’ll also be resilient, diplomatic and passionate about your work and the positive difference you and your team can make.

 

In addition to transforming the lives of the children and young people of North Northamptonshire, your work will also support the wider BIG50 future vision. This is a strategic area-based blueprint, rather than an organisational one, which is focused on improving the lives of our residents. This BIG50 Vision has three priorities: we want our area to be a proud place where people feel inspired and safe, to be a prosperous place where business can thrive and skilled people can achieve their ambitions, and to be a proactive place where issues are faced, and everyone can live their best life.

 

We’ve laid the foundations, and now we’re looking for someone like you to bring their own ideas to the table. Committed to forging positive and constructive partnerships with members of the Trust, and engaging and inspiring our staff, this is a brilliant opportunity for a visionary, forward thinking professional who wants to make a real difference.

 

To find out more, please visit https://www.leadingnorthnorthamptonshire.com/ or get in touch with our consultants at Penna:

Amin.Aziz@penna.com on 07709 514141 or Carol.Coyle@penna.com on 07500 887849.

 

Closing Date: 5th April 2024 (12Noon)

Apply now

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