Building Wakefield’s Future

Chief Finance Officer

Salary up to £125k

Wakefield is a place with ambitious plans. We’re on a sustainable path, moving forward with confidence. And we’re seeking exceptional leaders to work with our new Chief Executive to shape our exciting future and deliver great services for our communities.

As Chief Finance Officer you’ll act as our S151 Officer, playing a key role in developing Wakefield’s financial strategy. You’ll work closely with our senior leadership team to make sure we provide great value for money in everything we do. And to work with a new City Development partner to deliver lasting change for our city. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced financial leader to bring a strong commercial focus and help us shape a sustainable future.

Ready to make a difference?

Visit http://www.wakefield.gov.uk/executive-recruitment and download the Candidate Briefing Pack.

To find out more or get in touch with out Penna consultants:

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

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

Closing Date: Sunday 27th April 2025

Head of Finance & Business Development

Salary £81,285 - £86,344 | Based in Greenwich with hybrid working available

Are you a commercially-minded finance leader ready to shape the future of a growing, values-led organisation?

The Role

Greenwich Service Plus Ltd (GSP) is a commercial provider of bespoke, high-quality service solutions for businesses and schools, delivering everything from ICT and facilities management to integrated services and fleet maintenance. Owned by the Royal Borough of Greenwich, GSP is committed to making a meaningful difference to the working lives of its customers and the wider community.

They are now seeking a Head of Finance & Business Development to play a pivotal role in driving their financial strategy and supporting sustainable business growth. This is a unique opportunity to join the senior leadership team of a dynamic and ambitious organisation with a strong social purpose.

Reporting to the Chief Operations Officer, you will lead both the financial and business development functions across GSP and its partner company GSS. This is a high-impact role, combining strategic financial leadership with strong commercial acumen to support the long-term success and growth of the organisation.

Alongside responsibility for robust financial governance, budgeting, forecasting, and compliance, you will also drive commercial planning, identify new income streams, shape business development strategies, and provide clear, data-driven insights to support Board-level decision-making.

Candidates

This role calls for an experienced, qualified finance professional (CIPFA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) who brings:

• Strong strategic and commercial thinking, with the ability to drive sustainable growth.

• Experience in financial leadership roles, either from the commercial or public sectors.

• The ability to work confidently with boards, auditors, and external stakeholders.

• Excellent leadership skills, capable of mentoring teams and fostering innovation.

• A proactive, collaborative, and forward-thinking approach.

This is an ideal opportunity for a finance leader looking to broaden their impact, contribute to a meaningful organisation, and help shape a progressive, customer-focused business.

Why GSP?

GSP is a dynamic organisation with a clear vision for growth, innovation, and social value, and a culture that champions collaboration and new ideas. Their services are trusted by the communities they serve, and their success is built on the dedication and capability of their people. This role offers an inclusive, supportive, and flexible working environment, alongside a competitive salary and a strong focus on personal and professional development.

Next Steps

If you are ready to take on a new leadership challenge with a values-led organisation, we’d love to hear from you. Please click here to see the Candidate Briefing Pack.

For an informal and confidential discussion, please contact:

• Andrew Tromans – 07805 226301 / Andrew.Tromans@Penna.com

• Carol Coyle – 07500 887849 / Carol.Coyle@Penna.com

Closing Date: Sunday, 27th April 2025

GSP is an equal opportunities employer, welcoming applications from all backgrounds and communities.

Business Development Manager

Salary £41,374 - £44,259 | Based in Thamesmead with hybrid working available

Are you a commercially driven professional with a passion for relationships, growth and innovation?

The Role

Greenwich Service Plus Ltd (GSP) is a commercial provider of bespoke, high-quality service solutions for businesses and schools, delivering everything from ICT and facilities management to integrated services and fleet maintenance. Owned by the Royal Borough of Greenwich, GSP is committed to making a meaningful difference to the working lives of its customers and the wider community.

They are now looking to appoint a Business Development Manager into a newly-created role to drive revenue growth, secure new opportunities, and shape commercial strategy. This is a unique opportunity to join a forward-thinking company where you’ll deliver impact through sustainable business development.

Reporting to the Head of Finance & Business Development, you will lead on identifying, securing, and managing new commercial opportunities, developing strategic partnerships, and shaping corporate and marketing strategies that position the business for long-term, sustainable success.

Candidates

This role calls for an ambitious, commercially minded individual with:

• A track record in business development, sales, or relationship / account management.

• The ability to secure contracts, manage tendering processes, and engage stakeholders.

• An understanding of public sector frameworks and compliance requirements.

• Good communication skills, and a results-driven approach.

• The ability to influence, lead projects, and work collaboratively across teams.

Whether you bring experience from the private or public sector, this is a fantastic opportunity to make your mark in an organisation that values innovation, growth, and social impact.

Why GSP?

GSP is a dynamic organisation with a clear vision for growth, innovation, and social value, and a culture that champions collaboration and new ideas. Their services are trusted by the communities they serve, and their success is built on the dedication and capability of their people. This role offers an inclusive, supportive, and flexible working environment, alongside a competitive salary and a strong focus on personal and professional development.

Next Steps

If you are ready to take on a new leadership challenge with a values-led organisation, we’d love to hear from you. Please click here to see the Candidate Briefing Pack.

For an informal and confidential discussion, please contact:

• Andrew Tromans – 07805 226301 / Andrew.Tromans@Penna.com

• Kelly Ridley – 07709 512415 / Kelly.Ridley@penna.com

Closing Date: Sunday, 27th April 2025

GSP is an equal opportunities employer, welcoming applications from all backgrounds and communities.

Chief Executive

Tees Valley Combined Authority

£160,000 pa

We are Tees Valley. Anything is Possible.

Tees Valley Combined Authority is driving transformational change across the five boroughs of Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar & Cleveland and Stockton-on-Tees.

Backed by an investment pot of £1.7billion, the organisation is tasked with creating jobs, growing the economy and changing lives through its responsibility and funding over areas such as business support; inward investment; transport; education, employment and skills; culture and tourism; and research and innovation.

As part of the ambitious plans for the region, two Mayoral Development Corporations have been established in the centres of Hartlepool and Middlesbrough. These are tasked with regenerating the towns through driving investment and cutting red tape.

We are now looking for two new leaders to drive forward these ambitious plans.

This key role will involve setting and driving the strategic vision for the region, working collaboratively with the Tees Valley Mayor, board members, committees, and local authorities to deliver transformative economic outcomes for the Tees Valley.

For further information go to: www.teesvalley-ca.gov.uk/jobs or contact our recruitment partners at Penna: Julie Towers on 07764 791736 or Nick Raper on 07715 690463.

Closing date: Sunday 20th of April 2025

Director of Inward Investment and Marketing

Tees Valley Combined Authority

£129,103 pa

We are Tees Valley. Anything is Possible.

Tees Valley Combined Authority is driving transformational change across the five boroughs of Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar & Cleveland and Stockton-on-Tees.

Backed by an investment pot of £1.7billion, the organisation is tasked with creating jobs, growing the economy and changing lives through its responsibility and funding over areas such as business support; inward investment; transport; education, employment and skills; culture and tourism; and research and innovation.

As part of the ambitious plans for the region, two Mayoral Development Corporations have been established in the centres of Hartlepool and Middlesbrough. These are tasked with regenerating the towns through driving investment and cutting red tape.

We are now looking for two new leaders to drive forward these ambitious plans.

This role is responsible for driving inward investment, marketing, and communications to enhance the region’s economic growth and reputation. The position involves developing and executing a dynamic strategy to promote Tees Valley as a leading destination to attract business investment from the UK and internationally while managing investor relations, key stakeholders, Business Board and local authorities.

For further information go to: www.teesvalley-ca.gov.uk/jobs or contact our recruitment partners at Penna: Julie Towers on 07764 791736 or Nick Raper on 07715 690463.

Closing date: Sunday 20th of April 2025

Empower Change, Inspire Futures

Chief Executive

Salary £198k

Are you a visionary leader ready to shape the future of Tameside? Do you have the drive and ambition to lead an organisation committed to delivering excellence, tackling inequalities, and putting residents first?

We are seeking an exceptional Chief Executive to provide bold, visible leadership – not just within the Council but across the borough, Greater Manchester, and beyond. Working closely with elected Members, strategic partners, businesses, and communities, you will play a pivotal role in shaping a thriving, inclusive, and forward-thinking Tameside.

As our Chief Executive, you will:

- Champion transformation – modernising and reshaping services to be efficient, effective, and responsive to residents' needs.

- Lead at place level – integrating health, social care, and public services to improve outcomes and reduce inequalities.

- Drive strategic partnerships – working closely with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) to influence regional and national policy.

- Embed a high-performance culture – ensuring our workforce is ambitious, motivated, and empowered to deliver real change.

- Raise Tameside’s profile – representing the borough as a dynamic and forward-thinking place to live, work, and invest.

As the incoming Chief Executive of Tameside Council, you will spearhead several pivotal regeneration projects aimed at revitalising our communities and enhancing the quality of life for residents. Key initiatives include: Stalybridge Town Centre Regeneration and our Hyde Town Centre Masterplan.

This is a career-defining leadership role where you will have the autonomy, influence, and resources to make a real difference. Tameside is at a pivotal moment, and we need a leader who can bring people together, drive innovation, and turn bold ideas into action.

If you are an inspirational, politically astute, and people-centred leader, ready to take on the challenge of delivering transformational change, we want to hear from you.

Visit https://www.leadingtameside.com/ for more information on this role.

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

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

Julie Towers on 07764 791736 or email: julie.towers@penna.com

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

Mayor’s Chief of Staff

Liverpool City Region Combined Authority

Up to £113k p.a.

We’re looking for an exceptional individual to become the Chief of Staff to the Mayor of the Liverpool City Region.

The Chief of Staff will serve as a trusted adviser to the Mayor, playing a critical role in supporting the work and vision of the Mayor, collaborating within and outside the Combined Authority, ensuring the effective running of the Mayor’s office. You will report directly to the Chief Executive and work closely with the Executive Directors and their teams.

To succeed in this role, you’ll need a high level of political acumen, extensive practical experience of successfully performing in a similar role and be highly experienced in giving policy and strategy advice on complex or sensitive issues in a political environment and at a senior level.

You will need to demonstrate your skills in working effectively across a range of stakeholders and with colleagues within your own organisation to ensure successful delivery of high-profile strategic projects that drive and deliver impactful outcomes.

The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority is led by Mayor Steve Rotheram and brings together the region’s six local councils – Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens, and Wirral – to improve the lives of the city region’s 1.6 million residents. It works to make investments in areas that have a real impact on our communities, like transport, employment and skills, culture, digital and housing. By using the devolved powers and funding we have from central government, we are making a real and meaningful difference to the lives of the people living and working in the area.

As Chief of Staff, you will play a pivotal role supporting the Mayor in delivering on his ambitions and be motivated by his purpose and focus.

Click here to see the Job Description for this role.

For further information please visit www.join-lcrca.com or contact our retained consultants at Penna: Julie Towers on 07764 791736/ Julie.Towers@penna.com Kelly Ridley on 07709 512415 kelly.ridley@penna.com

Closing Date: Sunday 27th April 2025

Corporate Director of Adult Care Social Care Operations

Waltham Forest, London

Salary: Up to £130,000

Lead the Change. Shape the Future.

The London Borough of Waltham Forest is looking for a dynamic and strategic leader to spearhead our Adult Social Care Operations. As the Corporate Director, you’ll lead a diverse range of services, from Locality and Hospital Social Work teams to Mental Health, Learning Disabilities, and Adult Safeguarding. Your role will be pivotal in shaping the future of adult care, ensuring the highest standards of service delivery, and promoting independence for our residents.

This is an exciting opportunity to drive innovation, collaboration, and transformational change, working closely with senior leaders, partners, and the community. You’ll be at the heart of shaping a more integrated, responsive, and sustainable care service for all.

What we’re looking for:

•Proven track record of leading large, complex services and managing budgets effectively.

•Strategic thinker with the ability to drive change at both operational and organisational levels.

•Passionate about diversity, inclusion, and continuous professional development.

•Experience in partnership working across local and national platforms.

•A leader who inspires, motivates, and empowers a diverse workforce.

We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse workforce. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, ethnicities, genders, abilities, and experiences. Your unique perspective will make a difference in improving lives and shaping the future of social care.

Ready to make an impact?

Join us in delivering excellence in adult social care and take the next step in your leadership journey with Waltham Forest.

Apply today! Visit www.missionwalthamforest.com

For a confidential discussion please contact our retained consultants at Penna:

• Carol Coyle – 07500 887849 | carol.coyle@penna.com

• Amin Aziz – 07709 514141 | amin.aziz@penna.com

One Million +1 Reasons to choose Birmingham

Director of Regulation and Strategy

Birmingham City Council

£131,200 to £169,980

Are you ready to make a meaningful impact on one of the most critical periods of Birmingham City Council's future? In the face of unprecedented financial challenges, Birmingham City Council is committed to transforming and improving our services, particularly within Housing, to meet the evolving needs of our citizens. With a clear focus on delivering tangible results, we are seeking dynamic individuals who can bring their expertise, resilience, and collaborative spirit to help us achieve this transformation.

As part of our Improvement Recovery Plan (IRP), we are working to ensure our housing services are responsive, efficient, and aligned with our broader goal of driving positive change across the city. The urgency of this transformation is underscored by current economic pressures, and we are determined to safeguard and enhance the wellbeing of all our residents through effective, impactful service delivery.

Birmingham City Council is embarking on an ambitious journey, with a comprehensive plan to invest £5 billion in housing stock over the next 30 years. This includes £1.4 billion to bring all existing housing up to Decent Homes Standards within the next eight years. Additionally, we are committed to implementing net-zero infrastructure projects, retrofitting and greenifying 700,000 homes, and building over 30,000 new homes over the next decade.

With our new Managing Director and a renewed vision, we are focused on creating a city where everyone has the choice to live healthy, happy lives. We are a modern, -thinking council with priorities centred on children, housing, health, jobs, and skills. This role is central to our recent restructure, ensuring we provide strategic direction and secure operational compliance for our housing services, in alignment with our broader corporate goals.

We need someone who can work collaboratively across and beyond the council, fostering strong relationships with staff, Members, partners, stakeholders, and tenants alike. This role requires a real appetite for delivery and impact, with a clear focus on improving and increasing tenants' satisfaction.

As part of our senior leadership team, you will have a strong understanding of the national, regional, and local housing sector context and challenges. You will have experience of leading in a regulatory environment, with the ability to manage large-scale community regeneration and engagement programs. Your ability to nurture positive relationships with politicians, government bodies, and regulatory agencies will be crucial to your success.

In essence, this is a leadership role that calls for someone who is passionate about shaping the future of Birmingham City’s housing services and driving transformation that will benefit all. If you are ready to be part of this exciting journey, we want to hear from you.

Close date: Sunday 13th of April 2025

To find out more, please contact our retained consultants at Penna: Carol Coyle on 07500 887849 or Pete John on 07701 305617 or Amin Aziz on 07709 514 141

To download a candidate briefing pack click apply now

 HR Director & London Regional Employers’ Secretary

Salary: Circa £90K | Location: London

Are you ready to shape the future of London’s public services?

This is your chance to make a real impact across the capital by leading workforce strategy and innovation for London Councils. As the HR Director & London Regional Employers’ Secretary, you’ll empower London boroughs by sharing best practices, driving transformation, and ensuring that our HR policies enable teams to deliver on London’s shared ambitions.

About the Role

In this pivotal position, you will:

• Act as the strategic HR lead for London Councils, guiding workforce policies that support our mission.

• Serve as Secretary to the Greater London Provincial Council and Employers’ Forum, directly advising on workforce matters and managing key meetings.

• Oversee the London Agreement, setting pay and conditions for borough employees.

• Promote innovative employment models to enhance public service delivery across London.

• Provide expert advice on HR best practices and legislative responses.

• Manage the HR Metrics service, transforming data into actionable insights for London’s authorities.

• Lead and inspire HR teams, ensuring they thrive in an inclusive and equitable environment.

About you

We’re looking for a strategic leader with expert knowledge of delivering HROD services in the public sector. You should have proven experience working with senior leaders, managing negotiations, and influencing outcomes effectively. Exceptional communication skills are essential to engage confidently with a wide range of stakeholders and to navigate complex employee relations environments. You’ll work in partnership across council officers and elected members and be at the forefront of Trade Union negotiations and consultation processes.

A passion for diversity, equity, and inclusion is vital as is your ability to analyse workforce metrics and transform data into actionable insights. If you thrive in dynamic environments and can lead and inspire HR teams to deliver their best, this could be the role for you.

Why Join Us?

London Councils is at the heart of improving life for Londoners. We run a number of services on behalf of our members, providing opportunities for all residents, including: the Freedom Pass, Taxicard, Health Emergency Badge and grants programme for voluntary sector organisations.

The London Regional Employers' Organisation, part of London Councils, is one of eleven regional groups representing local authorities across the UK. It manages the London Agreement on pay and conditions for borough staff, provides secretariat support to key committees, and helps resolve employment disputes

Join us and lead initiatives that make a difference to the communities we serve, and lead workforce innovation for London’s future!

Call our retained recruitment partner Penna for more information:

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

• Rachael Morris on 07840 711217 or email: rachael.morris@penna.com

Closing date: Sunday 6th of April

Technical Interviews: Wednesday 16th of April  

Final Interviews: Friday 25th of April

To download a candidate briefing pack click apply now.

Director of Public Health

Salary: £123,062 per annum, plus benefits

Location: Shute End/Home Working, Shute End, Civic Offices, Wokingham

We’re thrilled to announce an opportunity for a creative and visionary Director of Public Health to join our dynamic leadership team here at Wokingham Borough Council. We’re seeking a talented individual to really make a difference through leading our pioneering efforts in identifying and addressing our inequalities, often hidden, across our Borough.

We have committed to becoming a Marmot borough to embed prevention, early intervention and address inequalities in all aspects of our work. This is especially important given the significant and continued growth of our Borough and the diversity of its residents. There is a clear focus on improving outcomes for our children, creating healthy environments, and good mental health and wellbeing.

As our new Director of Public Health, you’ll report to the Executive Director of Adults, Children’s and Health, whilst working closely with the Chief Executive and Corporate Leadership team. You’re a statutory chief officer of the authority and the principal adviser on all health matters, including health improvement, health protection and healthcare public health and responsible for delivering excellent public health services for Wokingham residents.

You’ll be the system leader for improving the health and wellbeing of residents, reducing inequalities in health outcomes and protecting local communities in Wokingham. As our DPH, you’ll take on a key strategic and systems leadership role across the Council and our partnerships including the Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West Integrated Care Board, the Wokingham Integrated Partnership Board and other health partners, as well as collaborating closely with all key partners to improve health outcomes including the Police, Fire, schools and the voluntary sector, aligning efforts to maximise impact.

You’ll take a cross-system approach to deliver our ambitious Health and Wellbeing Strategy, ensuring our communities remain safe, healthy, and thriving, and that the building blocks of good health and wellbeing are embedded across all areas of the Council and our partnerships.

We’re seeking an individual with exceptional leadership acumen, a proven track record of partnership working, and the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels, whist operating in complex partnership settings and navigating the demands of local government, health, and broader public and community organisations.

If you’re passionate about meeting the unique health challenges of Wokingham while capitalising on emerging opportunities, we invite you to join the team. To make a successful application, candidates must be included in either the GMC Specialist Register, the GDC Specialist List or the UK Public Health Specialist Register.

Click here to see the Candidate Briefing Pack.

To find out more, please contact our retained consultants at Penna:

Nick Raper on 07715 690463, or Carol Coyle on 07500 887 849 for a confidential conversation.

Closing date: 6th April 2025

Final Panel/ AAC date: 25th April 2025

Deputy Chief Legal and Monitoring Officer

Westmorland and Furness Council

£78,536 to £81,330

Westmorland and Furness Council was formed on 1st April 2023, with an ambition for sustainable and inclusive growth and a commitment to making Westmorland and Furness a great place to live, work and thrive.

This is an exciting position within our Council. Reporting to the Chief Legal and Monitoring Officer, you will deputise in relation to legal and governance advice and represent them at key Council meetings. You will play an important part in helping to embed and shape the Governance requirements of the Council while providing legal advice to the Directorates. This role is key to ensuring that the Council is fit for the future and will enable the organisation to deliver excellent and inclusive services that empower the residents and communities of Westmorland and Furness to flourish.

You will work with and advise the Council, Committees, Officers and elected Members, offering leadership, direction and insight to shape, develop and prioritise work programmes to help ensure the Council is legally compliant, high performing, efficient and fair.

Providing legal, governance and democratic leadership and expertise, you will help to ensure Council-wide governance arrangements are in place, translating the Council Plan and operating model into service plans and programmes of work, making the best use of the resources available.

This is a great opportunity for the right individual and if you have the experience, motivation, and passion for shaping the Council’s governance needs, we encourage you to apply.

Westmorland and Furness Council is a modern and supportive employer, and we have both the technology and the commitment to allow our employees to work flexibly and efficiently.

If you would like an informal conversation about this exciting new role, please contact our advising consultants at Penna: Andrew Barton at andrew.barton@penna.com/ D +44 (0) 7922 386 432

For more information please visit: https://careers.westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk/deputy-chief-legal-and-monitoring-officer

Closing date for applications: 23:59, Sunday 6th April 2025

Longlist Meeting (Candidates are not required to attend): Tuesday 8th April 2025

Preliminary Interviews: W/c 7th or 14th April 2025

Shortlist Meeting (Candidates are not required to attend): W/c 7th or 14th April 2025

Psychometric Assessments: W/c 21st April 2025

Final Interviews: Thursday 8th May 2025