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Executive Permanent & Interim opportunities.

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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

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:

 

Recruitment Timeline:

  • Closing Date: 31st August 2025
  • Technical Interviews: W/C 8th September 2025
  • Assessment Centre: W/C 22nd September 2025 (provisional date)
  • Final Panel Interview: W/C 29th September 2025

 

Please note that assessment dates are provisional and subject to change

 

Apply now

Nottinghamshire County Council

Executive Director Adults Social Care and 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 Adults Social Care and 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.

 

Recruitment Timeline:

  • Closing date:  27th August 2025 (Midnight)
  • Technical Interviews: W/C 1st September 2025 (Virtual)
  • Assessment Centre & Final Panel: 17th September 2025

 

 

Apply now

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 download the Candidate Briefing Pack and 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.

 

Apply now

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 download the Candidate Briefing Pack and 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

 

Apply now

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 download the Candidate Briefing Pack and 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.

 

Apply now

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.

 

Apply now

Head of Customer Communications and Marketing

Location: London (Hybrid)

Reporting to: Chief Communications Officer

 

The Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) is the UK’s compensation scheme for financial services, protecting consumers when authorised firms fail.

 

We are looking for a strategic and hands-on communications leader to join our senior leadership team as Head of Customer Communications and Marketing. This is a pivotal role that will shape how we engage with customers and the public—enhancing awareness, building trust, and strengthening understanding of our mission and services.

 

You will lead a multi-disciplinary team to develop and deliver a customer communications and marketing strategy that supports FSCS’s strategic priorities and delivers a best-in-class customer experience. You’ll manage our brand and tone of voice, oversee content across all owned channels, and ensure our messaging is timely, empathetic, and effective. You’ll also advise the Executive Team, manage agency partners, and lead communications during incidents and change.

 

We’re seeking a leader who has owned customer communications in previous roles, with a strong track record of building and scaling communications and marketing functions from scratch. You’ll bring extensive digital marketing experience, a deep understanding of brand strategy, and a passion for customer experience. Strong leadership, stakeholder engagement, and the ability to operate in a regulated environment are essential.

 

This is a rare opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a purpose-led organisation. If you’re motivated by the chance to lead strategic communications that protect and empower consumers, we’d love to hear from you.

 

Please click the links below to download a candidate briefing pack and ' My Ways of Working Framework':

 

Head of Customer Communications and Marketing - Candidate Pack

My Ways of Working Framework

 

For more information and a confidential discussion about this role, please contact:

 

Lisa Burton on +44 141 220 6464 or email: lisa.burton@lhh.com

Charles Wilson on 07801 880420 or email: charles.wilson@lhh.com

Rajan Mirpuri on 07958 351135 or email: rajan.mirpuri@lhh.com

 

Closing Date: Midnight, Wednesday 30th July 2025

 

When applying please upload a CV and Cover Letter – your cover letter should address; your motivations for applying for the role, how your experience addresses the essential criteria and requirements and where you will add value.

 

Apply now

Executive Director – Children’s Services

London Borough of Redbridge Council

Salary: Competitive

 

Help shape the future of Redbridge’s children, families, and communities.

 

Redbridge is one of London’s most vibrant and diverse boroughs. With a rapidly growing population, award-winning schools, green open spaces, and strong transport links to Central London.

 

We’re looking for an outstanding strategic leader to join our Executive Leadership Team as Executive Director – Children’s Services, where you will also hold the statutory role of Director of Children’s Services (DCS). This is a pivotal position with a borough-wide impact: leading our work to give every child the best possible start in life, protect our most vulnerable young residents, and ensure our education, early help, SEND, and social care services are cohesive, ambitious, and focused on outcomes.

 

The Role

You will lead a broad portfolio that includes:

• Children’s Social Care and Safeguarding

• Early Help and Family Support

• Youth Justice and Youth Services

• Education Services, including SEND

 

You’ll champion a whole-system approach that delivers timely support and sustainable change balancing strong statutory practice with prevention and inclusion. This is an opportunity to transform lives through co-produced, place-based, and trauma-informed practice. You’ll work closely with schools, academies, health partners, and the voluntary and community sector to create services that are joined-up, equitable, and forward-thinking.

This is also a strategic corporate leadership role. As a member of our Executive Leadership Team, you’ll work across the council to shape corporate strategy, drive transformation, and support a high-performance, collaborative culture built on our values of Collaboration, Honesty, Excellence, and Fairness.

 

About you

We’re seeking an exceptional leader with deep expertise in children’s services, ideally gained at Director or Assistant Director level in a complex local authority. You’ll bring a strong track record of improvement and innovation, backed by a clear understanding of national policy and inspection frameworks (including Ofsted and CQC). More than this, we want someone who:

• Is values-driven and passionate about achieving better outcomes for children and families.

• Builds strong, trusting relationships with diverse communities, elected members, and partners.

• Thrives in complex systems and leads with courage, clarity, and compassion.

• Understands how to lead culture change, deliver high-quality services, and foster staff development.

 

You will be politically astute and confident in providing clear strategic advice to elected Members and colleagues, helping to shape the wider direction of the Council. Your leadership will embed a performance culture and ensure Redbridge continues to deliver safe, effective, and empowering services for its residents.

Join us and be part of a leadership team that is passionate about delivering for Redbridge’s communities.

 

To find out more or apply, visit https://redbridgenextlevel.co.uk/welcome/

 

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

 

Carol Coyle on 07500 887849 or email: carol.coyle@penna.com

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

 

Please note that the Job Description for this role is subject to change and may be amended.

 

Closing date: Midnight Sunday 3rd August 2025

 

Apply now

Executive Director – Adults and Social Care

London Borough of Redbridge Council

Salary: Competitive

 

Putting People First. Leading with Vision. Changing Lives in Redbridge.

 

Redbridge is one of the UK’s fastest-growing and most diverse boroughs, and we are ambitious about the future of our people and communities.

As Executive Director of Adults, you will lead the transformation of adult social care and health, driving innovation and integration to meet the evolving needs of our residents. With a strong foundation of high-quality services, active partnerships, and a vibrant voluntary sector, you’ll shape inclusive, person-centred approaches that promote independence, wellbeing, and dignity. This is a pivotal leadership role at the heart of our organisation offering the opportunity to make a lasting impact in a borough committed to excellence, fairness, and community.

 

The Role

We are seeking an exceptional leader for the role of Executive Director – Adults and Social Care to act as our statutory Director of Adult Social Services (DASS). You will provide visible leadership across the Council and the wider health and care system, driving transformation and delivering outstanding, person-centred services for vulnerable adults and their families.

 

You will oversee a broad portfolio including:

• Adult Social Care operations and quality assurance

• Public Health

• Health integration and partnerships

• Market sustainability and commissioning

• Safeguarding adults and carers

• Disability and rehabilitation services

• Transitions and support for people with complex needs

 

This is a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, reporting directly to the Chief Executive. You will play a strategic role in delivering integrated, inclusive services through a strengths-based and prevention-led approach. Working closely with NHS partners, the voluntary sector, and our communities, you’ll help redesign services to meet growing demand while driving innovation, efficiency, and excellent outcomes.

 

About You

You will bring:

• A strong track record of senior leadership in adult social care or a closely related field in a large, complex setting.

• Deep understanding of public health, care market dynamics, and the integration of health and social care services.

• An understanding of national performance and inspection regimes such as CQC,DHSC to ensure the authority is well prepared and performing at all times.

• A strategic mindset with experience in leading transformation, commissioning and delivering value for money.

• The ability to lead and inspire diverse teams and engage partners across the public, voluntary and private sectors.

• A deep personal commitment to equality, inclusion, co-production, and continuous improvement.

 

You will be politically astute and confident in providing clear strategic advice to elected Members and colleagues, helping to shape the wider direction of the Council. Your leadership will embed a performance culture and ensure Redbridge continues to deliver safe, effective, and empowering services for its residents.

Join us and be part of a leadership team that is passionate about delivering for Redbridge’s communities.

 

To find out more or apply, visit https://redbridgenextlevel.co.uk/welcome/

 

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

 

Carol Coyle on 07500 887849 or email: carol.coyle@penna.com

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

 

Please note the Job Description for this role is subject to change and may be amended.

 

Closing date: Midnight Sunday 3rd August 2025

 

Apply now

Independent Scrutineer (Children and Young People) at Birmingham Safeguarding Children Partnership (BSCP)

 

Up to 40 days per annum of Independent Scrutiny.  Expectation of 3 days each month, except in August, with the remaining days to be used flexibly. The role is subject to a three-year tenure, subject thereafter to an annual review for a maximum of a further two years.

 

Birmingham Children’s Trust, One Avenue Road, Aston, Birmingham, B6 4DU

Competitive daily rate available, subject of negotiation.

 

Be part of Birmingham’s ambition to strengthen and improve how we protect children.

 

The Birmingham Safeguarding Children Partnership (BSCP) is seeking an experienced, insightful and highly credible safeguarding professional to take on the role of Independent Scrutineer.

 

This is a pivotal role, introduced in 2023 as part of refreshed governance arrangements, and central to our ongoing improvement journey.

 

The Role

This is not a traditional Chairing role – instead, it’s a hands-on, insight-led position, requiring deep engagement with practice on the ground. You will act as a critical friend to Lead and Delegated Safeguarding c partners including Birmingham City Council, West Midlands Police, Birmingham and Solihull Integrated Care Board, and Birmingham Children’s Trust.

 

You will be responsible for delivering a robust, structured scrutiny programme aligned to the four strategic priorities in our Business Improvement Plan (2025–2027). This will include:

 

• Leading a quarterly scrutiny programme and presenting the findings to the Executive Board.

• Observing practice, facilitating practitioner focus groups, and engaging directly with children and families.

• Producing high-quality written analysis that captures what is working, where there are gaps, and how the system can improve.

• Supporting the partnership to understand the lived experience of children and shaping how that learning informs service development and decision-making.

 

What We’re Looking For

We’re seeking a safeguarding professional with significant leadership and operational experience ideally at Head of Service or Assistant Director level or equivalent role with a strong understanding of multi-agency safeguarding arrangements and the practical application of Working Together 2023, especially in relation to independent scrutiny.

 

You will also bring:

• Experience of inspection, audit, or reflective practice activities.

• A strong grasp of what effective partnership working looks like in children’s safeguarding.

• Credibility and confidence to engage with senior leaders, frontline staff, and children and families.

 

This role is ideal for someone who combines professional curiosity, a deep understanding of frontline practice, and a strong moral compass to ensure safeguarding arrangements are making a real difference for children.

 

Why This Role Matters

This is a chance to shape the future of children’s safeguarding in one of the UK’s most complex and diverse urban areas. Your work will directly support our city-wide efforts to improve partnership working, deliver better outcomes, and keep children safe.

 

If you believe you have the insight, independence and safeguarding experience for this critical role, we’d love to hear from you.

 

Closing date: Thursday 31st July 2025

(We reserve the right to close this advert early if we receive a sufficient number of applications)

 

For further information and to download a candidate pack please click apply now.

 

For an informal discussion please contact our consultant at Penna:  Amin Aziz on 07709 514 141

 

Apply now

Corporate Director of Wellbeing

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP)

Salary £153,726 per annum

 

Beside the Sea, Beyond Expectations

 

This is a real moment – it is a career-defining opportunity to lead on big conversations that shape lives, communities and public services. At BCP Council, we’re not just transforming how we work — we’re redefining the role local government, and the wider public, voluntary/third and private sector plays in the wellbeing of our people and places. And we want you to be part of it.

 

BCP is a bold, ambitious unitary authority serving over 400,000 residents across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole — one of the UK’s most exciting and fastest-growing coastal city regions. We’re rich in natural assets, bursting with economic potential, and proud of our vibrant, diverse communities. But we also know that potential needs strong, values-led leadership to turn it into lasting impact.

 

As our Corporate Director of Wellbeing, you’ll sit at the heart of that ambition. With strategic responsibility for Adult Social Care, Public Health & Communities, and Housing and Regulatory services, this is one of the most critical and wide-reaching leadership roles in our organisation. You’ll lead across complex systems — shaping integrated, preventative and person-centred approaches to deliver sustainable, inclusive outcomes. Whether it's transforming care, tackling health inequalities, responding to housing need or building stronger communities — your leadership will be felt where it matters most: in people’s lives.

 

We don’t do business as usual here at BCP. We’ve already transformed children’s services, stabilised our finances, and are stepping forward with renewed energy under a new Chief Executive. We’re serious about public service reform, ready to take bold decisions, and committed to improving how our system works together — with citizens, partners and communities at the centre.

 

We’re not fixed on your professional background. What matters is your track record of system leadership, your ability to build trust, shape strategy, and deliver at scale — and your deep commitment to enabling people to live well, independently and with dignity. You’ll join a dynamic and supportive corporate leadership team that values collaboration, transparency, and getting things done.

 

Let’s not forget our place. We offer stunning coastline, green spaces, a thriving cultural scene and excellent connectivity, we are not just a place to work — we’re a place to live, grow and thrive.

 

If you’re ready to lead with purpose, push boundaries and help shape the future of public services in one of the UK’s most beautiful and ambitious regions — then we want to hear from you.

 

This is more than a job. This is your legacy.

 

For further information and to apply, please visit: https://leadatbcp.co.uk/

 

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

 

Carol Coyle on 07500 887849 or email: carol.coyle@penna.com

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

 

Closing Date: Midnight, Sunday 27th July 2025

Apply now

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

 

 

Apply now

Director of Corporate Affairs and Portfolio Delivery

East Midlands Combined County Authority

c.£120,000

 

The East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) is at the forefront of a new era in regional governance and devolution. Established in March 2024 as England’s first Combined County Authority and following the election of our first Mayor in May, we are setting the pace for transformational leadership and long-term change.

 

We are seeking an exceptional leader to take on the role of Director of Corporate Affairs and Portfolio Delivery – a position central to building our organisation, delivering on our priorities, and raising the voice of the East Midlands at regional, national and international levels.

 

As a key member of our senior leadership team and reporting directly to the Chief Executive, you will be responsible for the development and execution of an integrated Corporate Affairs Strategy, covering communications, marketing, media relations, government engagement and public affairs. You will be responsible for shaping how we deliver our programmes and projects, ensuring strategic alignment, governance, and pace of delivery through a robust Portfolio Office. Acting as a key and trusted advisor to the Mayor, Chief Executive, and Members, you will provide insight and leadership on strategic issues, reputational management, and political engagement. You will also chair decision-making boards and collaborate closely with senior stakeholders across government and industry to secure further devolution powers and investment for the region.

 

The ideal candidate will be a strategic and results-driven leader with a passion for change and the credibility to operate at the highest levels. You will bring proven experience of leading corporate affairs and communications in and/or understanding complex political or governmental environments, with the ability to influence across both Whitehall and Westminster. The successful candidate will also need to have extensive experience in the leadership of a portfolio of programmes and projects, ensuring these functions deliver results in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment. Above all, you will be a passionate advocate for the East Midlands. We were the culture of enterprise during the Industrial Revolution, and we want you to help lead us to be at the centre of the next. You will work to help our unique region be better connected, better funded and better prepared - leading the way to tell a bigger story than ever before.

 

We embrace a values-based culture, where we lift our region, work together, make an impact, and celebrate our diversity. You will embody these values and foster an open and transparent culture within the organisation and across the partnership. Your leadership will create an environment where every employee can thrive and contribute to the long-term prosperity of the East Midlands region.

 

This is a rare opportunity to be part of something truly pioneering. If you believe you can lead with purpose, deliver with pace, and represent one of the UK’s most ambitious regions on the national stage – we want to hear from you.

 

We’re ready… are you?

 

For further information, please click the link below to download a candidate briefing pack:

Candidate Briefing Pack - Director of Corporate Affairs and Portfolio Delivery

 

For further information or a confidential discussion, please contact:

 

Fizza Islam on 07542 855009 or email: fizza.islam@lhh.com

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

James Miller on 07701 233159 or email: james.miller@penna.com

Charles Wilson on 07801 880420 or email: charles.wilson@penna.com

 

Closing Date:  Midnight, Thursday 17th July 2025

 

Apply now

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