Ready to Lead Compassionately and Change Lives?

We're Hiring Two Consultants in Public Health

Nottingham City Council | Grade SLMG 2

Location: Nottingham | Full-Time (Part-time considered) |Politically Restricted

Salary: £88,168 – £101,677 (includes market supplement)

Are you the kind of Public Health leader who turns vision into action and passion into real, measurable change?

At Nottingham City Council, we are looking for two exceptional Consultants in Public Health to help lead our mission to create a healthier, fairer, and more resilient city. These are senior leadership roles where you will shape strategy, build partnerships, and drive innovation that improves lives.

We are an award-winning team, who are focussed on delivering meaningful improvements in health outcomes, putting the health of our citizens first and challenging the status quo to make real change happen.

What’s the role really about?

You’ll be:

• Setting strategic direction across public health domains including health improvement, inclusion health and health protection
• Collaborating across the council, NHS, voluntary sector and beyond to lead joined-up action
• Using evidence and intelligence to drive decision making and improve population health
• Leading services and teams with impact, purpose and kindness
• Playing a central role in delivering our vision Health and Wellbeing Strategy priorities, including reducing harm from alcohol, creating a smoke-free city and helping people to  thrive and be resilient in work.

What are we about?

Nottingham is a city with big ambitions and deep roots in community, creativity and resilience. We’re serious about public health, serious about equity and serious about delivering the best for the people who live here.

We work in a bold and values-driven way, and we need senior leaders who want to bring their full selves to the work. You’ll be supported by the Director of Public Health, a strong and committed senior team and a whole system that wants to do public health better.

Our vision focuses on prevention, reducing health inequalities, supporting vulnerable groups and working closely with people who have lived or living experience. The work is meaningful, important and collaborative.

Be honest. Be real.

We’re not after perfection. We’re after people with energy, heart, vision and a commitment to public service. If you’re politically aware, emotionally intelligent and not afraid to lead, this could be the role for you.

And please, don’t use AI to write your application. We want to hear from you- warts and all, typos and all. Show us who you are, what you stand for, and what makes you want to do this work. That’s what matters most.

What you’ll need

• A masters in public health or equivalent

• Leadership experience in complex systems with high public accountability

• A deep understanding of health inequalities, public health policy and system change

• Experience in commissioning, service design and performance improvement

Please note: Any public health speciality registrar applicants who are currently on the UK public health training programme and not yet on either the GMC, GDC or UKPHR specialist register must provide verifiable signed documentary evidence that they are within 6 months of gaining entry to a register at the date of interview. Applicants going through the portfolio registration routes (GMC or UKPHR) are not eligible to be shortlisted for interview until they are included on the register. The six-month rule does not apply to these portfolio route applicants. 

Nottingham: A City of Ambition, Innovation & Heart

At Nottingham City Council, we’re proud to serve a city that’s rich in history, bursting with creativity, and driven by ambition. From our world-class universities and thriving independent businesses to a vibrant arts and culture scene, Nottingham is a city that’s always looking forward.

As a Council, we’re committed to transformation that makes a real difference, building a greener, fairer, and more inclusive community for all. Join us and be part of a team that’s shaping the future of one of the UK’s most dynamic cities.

Politically Restricted Post

This is a politically restricted post under Section 2(1)(c) of the Local Government Housing Act 1989.x

Ready to Lead in Nottingham’s Future Ambitions?

Join us at a pivotal moment in our public health journey. If you're passionate about driving innovation, and delivering world-class outcomes for a world-class city, we’d love to hear from you.

Further information and to download a candidate briefing pack, please click the link below:

Consultant in Public Health x2

Closing Date: Friday 29th August

Preliminary Technical Interview: 10th September

AAC/ Final Interviews: Friday 12th September

For further information about the roles and the application process please contact our retained consultants at Penna: Tom Niven at tom.niven@penna.com / 07860 657044 or Nick Raper at nick.raper@penna.com / 07715 690463

Location: West Offices, York / Hybrid working

Salary: up to £177,821 per annum + Returning Officer fee

About us

At City of York Council, we are proud of our strong civic identity, heritage, and ambition. We do not just deliver services, we shape the future of a thriving, inclusive, and forward-looking city. Our Council Plan, "One City for All," sets out an ambitious, community-focused vision to improve the lives of our 200,000 residents and meet the challenges and opportunities ahead.

As our Chief Executive, you will be joining an organisation that is ambitious for the future, and determined to deliver inclusive growth, social justice, and environmental sustainability. This is a unique opportunity to lead a council at the heart of a devolution deal and on the cusp of transformative change across transport, housing, economic development, and health.

The role

As Chief Executive and Head of Paid Service, you will provide dynamic, visible, and strategic leadership across the council and city. You will work closely with elected members, partners, and communities to ensure high-performing, people-focused services that are innovative, inclusive, and value for money.

You will oversee a Corporate Management Team delivering key services across housing, social care, education, environment, and economic development. You will act as principal policy adviser to the council and represent York’s voice and interests at regional, national, and international levels.

You will champion transformation, drive culture change, and foster collaboration within and beyond the organisation, particularly as we maximise the opportunities offered through devolution and our partnership with the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority.

What we're looking for

We are seeking an outstanding leader with a proven track record of leading change at scale in a complex political environment. You will bring:

• A strong sense of public service, purpose and values-led leadership

• Substantial experience of strategic leadership and working with elected members

• Deep understanding of the local government landscape and the broader public service economy

• A commitment to inclusive growth, sustainability and equity

• A collaborative approach with emotional intelligence, courage, and resilience

• An ability to inspire trust, drive performance, and develop strong relationships with stakeholders

About York

York is one of the UK’s most historic and best-loved cities, and also one of its most dynamic. As well as being a heritage capital, we are an innovation hub, a university city, a place of culture and creativity, and a national exemplar of sustainable urban development.

With a long-term vision for inclusive growth, a Local Plan now in place, major developments like York Central progressing, and devolved powers coming onstream, this is a moment of genuine opportunity. We are looking for a Chief Executive who can help us seize that moment and deliver lasting, meaningful change.

Next steps

If you believe leadership can unlock a city’s full potential, we would love to hear from you.

Join us and help shape the future of York—a city of hope, ambition, and opportunity for all.

For a confidential conversation about the role, please contact:

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

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

For more information please visit https://yorkceo.co.uk/

Operational Director of Enforcement & Community Safety

Shape a Safer, Stronger Future for Barking and Dagenham

Salary: £105,363 – £118,559

London Borough of Barking and Dagenham

Barking and Dagenham – London’s Growth Opportunity

Barking and Dagenham is a borough on the rise. With a proud, diverse community and a bold vision for the future, we are at the forefront of transformation in London. As one of the capital’s biggest growth opportunities, we are attracting significant investment and driving inclusive regeneration that delivers for all.

Now, we’re looking for a senior leader to help us build a safer, more resilient borough.

The Role

As Operational Director of Enforcement and Community Safety, you will lead a wide-ranging portfolio that plays a critical role in safeguarding our residents and improving their quality of life. This is a strategic leadership role with operational influence – guiding enforcement, regulatory and community safety services and shaping the delivery of our Community Safety Strategy.

Key priorities will include:

• Leading and delivering a proactive, intelligence-led approach to crime prevention and community reassurance;

• Driving innovation and efficiency across services, leveraging technology and new ways of working;

• Fostering effective partnerships to reduce anti-social behaviour, tackle youth crime, and protect vulnerable residents;

• Inspiring a high-performing, collaborative workforce that reflects our borough’s values.

We’re looking for a resilient, forward-thinking professional with substantial senior leadership experience in community safety, enforcement or regulatory services. You will bring a strong partnership ethos, a commitment to innovation, and a focus on evidence-led impact.

Why Join Us?

You’ll be part of a council that’s bold, ambitious and committed to positive change. We offer:

• A supportive and inclusive culture that values new ideas and collaborative leadership;

• A strong commitment to flexible and hybrid working;

• The chance to make a lasting impact at scale in one of London’s most exciting boroughs.

Working Arrangements

This is a hybrid role, with a requirement to be in the office a minimum of three days per week. There may also be occasional travel within or beyond the borough. We are committed to supporting reasonable adjustments for candidates with disabilities.

Next Steps

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

• Andrew Tromans: andrew.tromans@penna.com | 07805 226301

• Ali Tasker: ali.tasker@penna.com | 07514 728114

To download a candidate briefing pack, please click apply now.

Senior Manager - Business Partnering (Deputy S151) , Cumberland Council

Salary: £81,049 - £83,933

Location: Hybrid (Carlisle/Workington/Whitehaven)

Cumberland Council is a new, values-led unitary authority serving a proud and distinctive part of the North West.

With stunning landscapes, vibrant communities and ambitious plans for transformation, we are passionate about delivering excellent public services and tackling the challenges that matter most to our residents: health, inequality, opportunity and the environment.

Finance sits at the heart of that ambition. We are building a forward-thinking, collaborative and high-performing finance service – one that enables innovation, drives improvement and supports informed, strategic decision-making across the organisation.

As Senior Manager – Business Partnering, you will lead the Council’s Finance Business Partnering function and manage our Accountancy and Financial Planning teams. You’ll work closely with senior leaders and Members to shape financial strategy, drive performance, and support delivery of the Council Plan.

Reporting directly to the Chief Finance Officer, you will also act as Deputy Section 151 Officer, providing high-level advice and assurance across the organisation and helping to maintain a strong, future-focused control environment. This is a senior leadership role with real visibility and influence. You will be a key member of both the Finance Management and Senior Management Teams, supporting transformation, financial sustainability, and service improvement in a complex and evolving local authority.

We’re seeking a CCAB-qualified finance professional with the leadership experience and insight to thrive in a complex, publicly accountable environment. You’ll bring a track record of leading professional finance teams and delivering high-quality business partnering.

You will be confident in providing strategic financial advice to senior stakeholders, and bring an understanding of public finance principles, budget strategy and financial planning. Just as importantly, you will have a collaborative, empowering and inclusive leadership style – and a values-driven approach aligned to our culture: ambitious, compassionate, collaborative, empowering and innovative.

To find out more, please download the Candidate Briefing Pack and Job Description and contact Andrew Tromans at CIPFA Penna on 07805 226301 or at andrew.tromans@penna.com.

Closing date: Thursday 28th August 2025

Independent Chair of the Audit Committee

London Borough of Tower Hamlets

The appointment will be for a four-year term of office, subject to an annual appraisal conducted jointly by the Mayor, the Chief Executive and the Independent Chair of the Standards Committee. The regular cycle of Audit Committee meetings is four per year and it is proposed the Independent Chair is paid an allowance of £1000 per meeting.

Strengthen governance. Champion independence. Shape the future of Tower Hamlets.

Tower Hamlets is a uniquely vibrant, diverse, and ambitious borough at the heart of East London. Home to over 320,000 residents, including some of the UK’s most dynamic communities, we are committed to transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement in how we govern and serve our residents.

As part of our improvement journey, we are appointing an Independent Chair of our Audit Committee. This is a newly created and pivotal role designed to strengthen governance, provide robust challenge, and ensure our Audit Committee operates with independence, integrity, and credibility.

The committee benefits from a clear forward plan, experienced professional officers, and a strong commitment to effective oversight.

As our independent Chair, you will reset and reaffirm our focus on constructive scrutiny and good governance – an important milestone in Tower Hamlets’ wider ambition to demonstrate best value and public accountability.

We are seeking an accomplished senior leader with experience of chairing meetings, ideally in a non-executive or governance context. You will have a strong understanding of audit, risk, and internal control frameworks, and ideally, familiarity with local government finance and public sector governance.

Most importantly, you will bring independence of thought, sound judgement, political acumen and a commitment to high ethical standards.

This is an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the governance of one of London’s most high-profile boroughs.

We welcome applications from individuals with relevant experience from any sector who can bring confidence, clarity, and constructive challenge to the role.

For more information, please visit: https://recruitment.towerhamlets.gov.uk/jobs/independent-chair-of-the-audit-committee

Independent Chair of the Audit Committee - Role Profile/ Person Specification

Audit Committee Terms of Reference

For an informal discussion please contact Julie Towers at Penna on 07764 791736 or julie.towers@penna.com

Recruitment Timeline:

• Closing Date: 15th August 2025
• Interviews: W/C 8th or 15th September 2025

Executive Director, Homes and Communities, London Borough of Camden

Location: 5 Pancras Square / Hybrid

Salary: £160-200k p.a.

About us

At Camden, we do not just deliver services. We work alongside our communities to challenge injustice and create real social change. We Make Camden, our shared vision for the borough, sets out a bold and collective ambition: to create a fairer, more inclusive Camden where everyone has a voice, and where power is shared.

We’re looking for a leader with a proven ability to drive meaningful change across complex systems, particularly in the housing and property landscape. Just as importantly, you’ll lead with empathy, collaboration, and authenticity. You’ll bring a strong sense of purpose and a commitment to public service, helping to shape a culture that puts relationships at the heart of how we work. This is an opportunity for someone who sees leadership as a way to build trust, support people through change, and help us grow into a more connected, inclusive, and responsive council.

Housing in Camden is not just about bricks and mortar. Our homes are places of connection, identity and safety. But we face deep and urgent challenges, including surging housing demand, rising homelessness, ageing stock, and a rapidly shifting regulatory landscape. The successful candidate will lead Camden’s response, shaping not only how we deliver housing services, but how we support residents through integrated work around welfare, debt, homelessness prevention and financial resilience.

Camden is one of the most diverse places in the country and communities of people with different identities, pride, cultures and abilities that are part of the neighbourhoods in London. We are home to some of the poorest and some of the wealthiest enjoy a good quality of life, others face hardships.

We encourage participation from all sections of our diverse community, irrespective of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, gender identity and expression, pregnancy, maternity, race, sexual orientation, religion or belief, or because someone is married or in a civil partnership. We believe our borough will be a better, more creative and innovative place to work, visit and live in if we can harness the benefit of lots of different perspectives. For more information please see: Camden Council - Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

The role

This role will provide strategic leadership to services that directly affect the lives of tens of thousands of people. You will oversee landlord services for over 30,000 homes, ensure we meet new regulatory expectations with transparency and integrity, and drive long-term investment in our housing stock, public spaces and infrastructure, all with sustainability, equity and accountability at the core.

You will also help shape the future of Camden’s approach to property and assets. We are looking for someone who can bring fresh thinking to how our property base is used, not just for housing, but to unlock community value, support inclusive growth and help meet our net zero goals.

About you

We’re looking for a leader who not only has a strong track record of delivering change at scale in complex systems, but who is also deeply committed to people, purpose, and cultural transformation. You’ll bring a sharp understanding of the housing and property landscape but just as critically, you’ll lead through collaboration, empathy, and authenticity. You’ll be someone who brings courage, clarity, and creativity to public service, and who sees leadership as a way to build trust and enable lasting, inclusive change.

Next steps

If you believe public leadership can challenge injustice, shift culture, and create the conditions for communities to thrive, we’d love to hear from you.

Join us and help shape the future of homes and communities in Camden. Apply today and be part of a movement that puts people first.

For more information please visit: https://camdenseniorleadership.co.uk/

For a confidential conversation about the role, please contact:

• Ali Tasker: 07514 728114 -  ali.tasker@penna.com
• James Miller on 07701 233159 -  james.miller@penna.com
• Dawar Hashmi on 07513 706265 -  dawar.hashmi@penna.com

Recruitment Timeline:

• Closing Date: 31st August 2025
• Technical Interviews: 10th September 2025 (Virtual)
• Assessment Centre: 23rd September 2025 (In person)
• Final Panel Interview: W/C 6th October 2025 (In person)  

Nottinghamshire County Council

Executive Director Adult Social Care & Health

Salary: £160,458

We’re Nottinghamshire County Council, and we’re a community inside and out. As we proudly serve a population of over 800,000 people across our county, we support each other, empower each other and respect each other. Our mission is to improve lives across Nottinghamshire. And we do that by providing top-quality, vital services for our residents, working closely together, and with people in the wider community, to do it. It means that when you join us, you’ll feel part of something bigger than yourself. And you’ll feel the impact of your work every day, because it’ll happen right on your doorstep.

Lead with purpose, impact, and integrity as Executive Director of Adult Social Care & Health at Nottinghamshire County Council. We are seeking an exceptional leader to join our senior team as Executive Director of Adult Social Care and Health, to help further shape the future of care and wellbeing across the county. This is a pivotal moment for adult social care. As we embrace integrated care models, tackle the complexities of an ageing population, and respond to evolving health inequalities, we need a leader who can turn challenge into opportunity. You’ll bring clarity, compassion and courage to this system leadership role with a clear focus on improving outcomes, enabling independence, and ensuring the most vulnerable residents receive the care and support they need.

As Deputy Chief Executive (along with the other Executive Directors) you’ll drive system-wide transformation across adult social care, working at the heart of our Integrated Care System to shape sustainable, person-centred services. With strategic vision and operational grip, you’ll collaborate with partners and communities to champion prevention, and strengths-based practice at corporate wide level. We're seeking a values-led leader with deep sector expertise, proven experience delivering transformation in complex systems, and a relentless commitment to inclusion, empowerment.

You will be our system leader for Adult Services and influence regional and national policy while championing the needs of our most vulnerable people. Your focus will be on public service reform, promoting early intervention and prevention, ensuring our residents receive timely and effective support.

You will provide visionary leadership to our good services, ensuring statutory responsibilities are met and exceeded. Leading, motivating, and developing a high-performing workforce, you will foster a culture of inclusion, and excellence. Working closely with elected members, you will provide advice to support decision-making and political priorities. You will drive efficiency and value for money while maintaining high-quality service delivery.

Why Join Us?

This is your opportunity to lead in a supportive, ambitious, and forward-thinking council that puts people at the heart of everything we do. In Nottinghamshire, we don’t just manage services - we shape the future.

• A place where your leadership makes a real difference.
• A council that champions collaboration, innovation, and inclusion.
• A role that offers challenge and reward

As you work hard for our county, we’ll look after you with a strong focus on career development and growth alongside multiple benefits and a genuine commitment to wellbeing. Your work-life balance will be a priority, so you’ll get a generous annual leave entitlement as well as flexible working options. We will also give you access to plenty of support, including our staff networks. You will be enrolled in our local government pension scheme and have access to our wide range of rewards.

To learn more about the role or have a confidential conversation, please visit https://nottinghamshireseniorleadership.co.uk or contact our consultant at Penna.

• Carol Coyle on 07500 887849 or email: carol.coyle@penna.com
• Amin Aziz on 07709 514141 or email: amin.aziz@penna.com

Recruitment Timeline:

• Closing date:  27th August 2025 (Midnight)
• Technical Interviews: W/C 1st September 2025 (Virtual)
• Assessment Centre & Final Panel: 19th September 2025

Assistant Director – Quality Assurance and Practice Improvement

Salary: Up to £114k

Location: Harrow, with hybrid working available

Employer: London Borough of Harrow

Following our recent ILACS and the remodelling of our senior leadership team, we are entering a new phase of purposeful and sustainable improvement. With strong political support, a dedicated workforce, and a clear, ambitious improvement plan, we are well-placed to make real progress – and we’re looking for outstanding leaders to join us and help us drive that change.

As Assistant Director for Quality Assurance and Practice Improvement, you’ll be at the centre of our improvement journey. Reporting directly to the Strategic Director, you will lead on practice development, workforce standards, and inspection readiness across children’s social care, education, and youth justice.

This is a role for a visible, values-led leader with a clear understanding of what great practice looks like – and how to embed it. You will be my “eyes and ears” across the service, ensuring our managers and practitioners are well supported, our performance data is used with purpose, and our quality assurance framework is focused, fair and effective.

You’ll also lead our Principal Social Worker function and take strategic oversight of professional development, practice audits, safeguarding partnerships, and inspection planning.

From regulatory compliance to culture change, you will play a vital role in ensuring we’re building a confident, capable, and high-performing service.

To succeed, you’ll bring leadership experience in children’s services, a strong grasp of statutory frameworks, and the credibility to influence across professional boundaries. Just as importantly, you’ll understand how to support a workforce under pressure – and how to inspire them with clarity, empathy, and purpose.

This is a chance to make a lasting difference in a borough with ambition. We’re realistic about the work ahead – but we are clear about where we’re going, and committed to getting there.

To find out more, please visit https://join-harrow.co.uk/ and download the Candidate Briefing Pack. You can also contact our retained consultant Andrew Tromans at Penna on 07805 226301 or at andrew.tromans@penna.com, or Carol Coyle on 07500 887849 or at carol.coyle@penna.com.

Closing date: Sunday 10th August, 2025.

Head of Service for Corporate Parenting

Salary: Up to £95k

Location: Harrow, with hybrid working available

Employer: London Borough of Harrow

At Harrow, we are building a new leadership team to take our children’s services forward. Following a recent Ofsted inspection, we are investing in the people, systems and culture that will drive sustainable improvement. We have a dedicated workforce, strong political backing, and a clear, accelerated plan for change.

As Head of Service for Corporate Parenting, you’ll lead a broad and high-impact portfolio: children in care, care leavers, fostering and adoption, UASC, residential provision, and our access to resources function. You’ll ensure that our children receive safe, stable and ambitious care – and that our care leavers are supported to thrive into adulthood.

This is a critical role in our improvement journey – and a chance to make a real, lasting difference. You will work closely with our Director of Social Care and Strategic Director to ensure strong practice, effective supervision, and a high-performance culture across all your teams. You’ll also support inspection preparation and the ongoing implementation of national reforms, ensuring we deliver against our corporate parenting responsibilities with purpose and pride.

We are looking for a confident and compassionate leader who brings deep experience of statutory services and a clear understanding of the corporate parenting role. You’ll have the skills to manage risk, the drive to embed improvement, and the empathy to build strong relationships with children, carers, and professionals.

Harrow is one of London’s most diverse boroughs, and we are proud of the richness of our community. You will find a collaborative culture here – one that values honesty, challenge, and shared ambition. We know there’s work to do – but we are committed to getting it right.

If you’re ready to lead change and build a service where children in care and care leavers are supported to flourish, we’d love to hear from you.

To find out more, please visit https://join-harrow.co.uk/ and download the Candidate Briefing Pack. You can also contact our retained consultant Amin Aziz at Penna on 07709 514141 or at amin.aziz@penna.com, or Carol Coyle on 07500 887849 or at carol.coyle@penna.com.

Closing date: Sunday 17th August, 2025

Director of Children’s Safeguarding

Salary: Up to £136k

Location: Harrow, with hybrid working available

Employer: London Borough of Harrow

Following our recent ILACS and the remodelling of our senior leadership team, we are entering a new phase of purposeful and sustainable improvement. With strong political support, a dedicated workforce, and a clear, ambitious improvement plan, we are well-placed to make real progress – and we’re looking for outstanding leaders to join us and help us drive that change.

As Director of Children’s Safeguarding, you will lead statutory services for children in need of help and protection, children in care, and those on the edge of the youth justice system. It’s a broad and impactful portfolio, including oversight of early help services, family support, and our relationship-based practice model. With a delegated budget of £24.9m and a multidisciplinary workforce, you will shape culture, build stability, and drive service transformation at pace.

You’ll be a key member of the directorate leadership team, reporting directly to the Strategic Director and representing the council with partners, regulators, Members and communities.

You’ll also play a crucial role in embedding improvement activity, preparing for future inspections, and ensuring high-quality practice across all operational teams.

This is a role for a values-led, resilient leader with the confidence to lead change and the experience to navigate complexity. You’ll bring deep understanding of statutory safeguarding responsibilities, a commitment to integrated working, and a passion for improving outcomes for vulnerable children and families.

In return, you’ll join a diverse, ambitious borough at a time of real purpose. Harrow has strong foundations, a collaborative culture, and the kind of political and corporate support that makes progress possible.

To find out more, please visit https://join-harrow.co.uk/ and download the Candidate Briefing Pack. You can also contact our retained consultant Andrew Tromans at Penna on 07805 226301 or at andrew.tromans@penna.com, or Carol Coyle on 07500 887849 or at carol.coyle@penna.com.

Closing date: Sunday 10th August, 2025.

Salary: Up to £105,000 per annum

Location: Bath (Hybrid working available)

Contract: Full-time, Permanent

Bath & North East Somerset Council is seeking a strategic, ambitious and forward-thinking finance leader to join us as our new Director of Finance and statutory Section 151 Officer.

This is an outstanding opportunity to take on a high-profile leadership role in one of the UK’s most distinctive and complex local authorities. You’ll join a progressive, inclusive, and politically stable council, with a strong financial foundation, a talented team, and a clear ambition to do more for our residents and communities.

We welcome applications from experienced S151s and from confident deputies who are ready to step up into their first director-level role.

The Role

You’ll be the Council’s most senior finance officer – responsible for all aspects of financial governance, leadership and assurance – and a key member of the Corporate Management Team, reporting to the Executive Director of Resources.

You’ll lead the budget process and long-term financial strategy, drive innovation in our capital and procurement functions, and transform our approach to financial management across the organisation.

Your remit will include:

• Strategic leadership of finance, procurement and capital investment.

• Oversight of our diverse income base, including a significant commercial property portfolio and wholly owned housing company (Aequus).

• Drive our strategic ambition for greater economic, social and environmental value from our procurement spend.

• Supporting a high-performing organisation to deliver better outcomes through smarter financial planning and service design.

Who We’re Looking For

We’re seeking a finance professional with:

• A recognised accountancy qualification (e.g., CIPFA, ACCA, CIMA).

• Strong core finance skills and experience operating in a complex and political organisation.

• An appetite for transformation, innovation, and smarter investment.

• The ability to collaborate across services and build financial capability at every level.

• Experience of driving value for money through smart procurement.

• A passion for public service and the impact that good finance leadership can make.

Why Join Us?

From our UNESCO World Heritage City to our vibrant towns and rural communities, Bath & North East Somerset is a remarkable place to live and work.

This role offers a unique chance to shape a council that is determined to modernise, invest wisely and deliver great outcomes for residents. You’ll be supported by a progressive leadership team, respected by Members, and empowered to succeed.

Ready to Make an Impact?

To find out more or to have a confidential conversation, please contact our recruitment partners at Penna:

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

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

For further information, please download the Candidate Briefing Pack.

And to apply, visit: https://execroles.penna.com.

Closing Date: Sunday 17th August 2025

Bath & North East Somerset Council is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, and welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds.

Director of Asset Investment & Growth

Bournville Village Trust

Salary Package: £115,000  

Location: Birmingham

A new chapter in a legacy that’s over 125 years in the making.

At Bournville Village Trust, we’ve never just built homes, we’ve built communities. Founded by George Cadbury, our purpose has always been rooted in creating places where people and nature can thrive. Today, that mission is more relevant than ever. We’re proud of our heritage, but we’re also focused on the future. This is a critical and exciting leadership role at the heart of that future.

Shaping the places and possibilities of tomorrow.

As our next Director of Asset Investment & Growth, you will play a pivotal role in how we manage, invest in and grow our diverse portfolio of housing, commercial, community and agricultural assets. You will bring strategic focus and creative thinking to some of the most complex and rewarding questions we face:

• How do we get the most value from our land and buildings: for people, for place, and for purpose?
• And how can development, regeneration and innovation support our social aims?

You will lead a broad portfolio that includes:

• Housing asset management and capital investment programmes
• Commercial and agricultural estates
• Strategic growth and regeneration
• Land use, development, and masterplanning
• Financial partnerships and creative delivery models

You will report to the Chief Executive and be a key member of our Executive Team, working closely with Trustees and stakeholders across the region.

This isn’t a typical housing leadership role.

We are looking for someone who can work fluently across housing, real estate, and regeneration. Someone who is as comfortable with a 30-year asset investment plan as they are brokering a development partnership or advising on agricultural land use.  You will understand what it takes to unlock social and financial value from complex portfolios, and you will bring the confidence and clarity to lead your team and your organisation through change and opportunity.

This is a role for someone who is:

• Experienced in housing and real estate and able to work confidently across asset types, sectors and scales.
• Entrepreneurial and creative — not reliant on internal capital to achieve impact.
• Mission-aligned — deeply attuned to stewardship, legacy, and social value.
• Operationally credible and strategically sharp — able to manage risk, lead delivery, and influence change at every level.

Why now?

We are at a key point in our journey. Our homes, neighbourhoods and estates matter deeply to the people who live and work in them, and to us. But to remain resilient and relevant, we must adapt and modernise. This role is a central part of that transformation. If you care about legacy, sustainability, and purpose, and you are excited by complexity, opportunity, and the chance to lead lasting change, we would love to hear from you.

To find out more, visit:

https://www.bvt.org.uk/careers/current-vacancies/

Download the Candidate Briefing Pack here.

For a confidential conversation, contact our consultants at Penna:

Ali Tasker: 07514 728114 – ali.tasker@penna.com

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

Bruna Varante: 07858 306725 – bruna.varante@penna.com

Recruitment Timeline:

Applications deadline: 10 August 2025

1st Stage Interviews: 18th 19th 20th or 22nd August 2025

Final interviews: w/c 1st September 2025