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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Director of Public Protection & Integrated Enforcement

London Borough of Tower Hamlets

Salary: Competitive

Tower Hamlets is the fastest growing and most densely populated local authority in the UK. More and more people want to live, work, visit and invest in our borough.

We have more than 320,000 residents to serve in one of the capital’s smallest geographic boundaries, and millions of visitors come to our borough from across the world.

We deliver the third largest economic output in the UK with areas such as Canary Wharf and our borough borders The City, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and the River Thames.

That makes overseeing community safety one of the most important and exciting jobs in local government.

Safer. Stronger. Together.

One of the council’s eight key priorities is empowering communities and fighting crime. To achieve this, our community safety and regulatory services are going through one of the most exciting transformations in its history.

The council is investing in services by expanding the Tower Hamlets Enforcement Service and in a Police Partnership Team.

As our Director of Public Protection and Integrated Enforcement, you will lead, develop and deliver a new and innovative, intelligence led operating model of these services to safeguard our communities, tackle crime and anti-social behaviour, and ensure a coordinated, effective response to complex social challenges.

Working to the Corporate Director for Communities, Simon Baxter, this strategic leadership role covers a broad portfolio, including:

• Community safety strategy and delivery
• Integrated enforcement (including ASB, environmental crime, licensing)
• Strategic partnerships with police and other key agencies
• Preventing extremism (PREVENT) and counter-terrorism coordination
• Domestic Violence (DV) and Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) services
• Criminal justice and substance misuse services
• Emergency planning and civil contingencies

You will drive innovation, foster cross-sector collaboration, and lead high-performing teams to deliver a proactive and preventative approach to public protection. Your leadership will be key in making Tower Hamlets a safer and more cohesive borough for all.

About you

We are looking for a dynamic and experienced leader with a strong track record in public protection, community safety or enforcement leadership.

You will need to have demonstrable evidence of leading and delivering similar services to a very high standard within a large, complex organisation. This includes the ability to lead organisational and service change at a corporate level in a challenging environment.

We are looking for an individual who will inspire trust and respect with everyone they work with. Someone who possesses a successful track record of building relationships with stakeholders, achieving constructive outcomes and also has experience in using strategic and service planning target setting and performance management.

Financial and commercial awareness, highly effective budgeting and financial management skills are essential. As one of the most visited places in the UK, there are significant opportunities to generate much needed income.

You will be politically sensitive and have a strong belief in the value of local democracy and accountability. You will also have a strong commitment to our values, behaviours and equal opportunity policy, and be ready to demonstrate personal leadership on the importance of diversity.

Our council is a beacon for diversity and inclusion. We want a borough where everyone feels valued and included, and we want a council that collaborates to deliver excellence.

That’s why we look for people with our TOWER values of Together, Open, Willing, Excellent and Respectful.

For more information please visit: https://recruitment.towerhamlets.gov.uk/

For a confidential conversation about the roles, please contact our retained consultants at Penna:

• Pete John on 07701 305 617 or Email: pete.john@penna.com
• Julie Towers on 07764 791 736 or Email: julie.towers@penna.com

Recruitment Timeline:

• Closing Date: 14th July 2025
• Technical interviews: W/C 28th July or W/C 4th August 2025
• Final interview date: 15th September 2025

Director of Regeneration and Development

London Borough of Tower Hamlets

Salary: Competitive

Tower Hamlets is the fastest growing and most densely populated local authority in the UK. More and more people want to live, work, visit and invest in our borough.

We deliver the third largest economic output in the UK with areas such as Canary Wharf and is a prime location for business and residential developments as our borough borders The City, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and the River Thames.

Tower Hamlets also has London’s highest housing target and the youngest average age, all within one of capital’s smallest geographical boundaries. Space is at a premium with flats making up more than 80 per cent of properties in our borough. We also have over 20,000 residents on our housing waiting lists.

We are seeking an experienced regeneration and housing development professional with proven strategic leadership qualities and attributes. A deep understanding of housing supply and commercial challenges and development strategies. A collaborator with exceptional interpersonal skills, a track record in innovation, strong financial acumen and passion for delivering exceptional public services.

As our Director of Regeneration and Development, you will lead our ambitious and exciting housing, regeneration and civic building development programme within one of London’s most vibrant and diverse boroughs.

Reporting to the Corporate Director for Housing & Regeneration David Joyce, you will spearhead key strategies and projects to accelerate our affordable housing supply and deliver an exciting programme of leisure, education and other civic building schemes.

You will also drive regeneration and sustainable growth, while optimising opportunities for residents and local SMEs by creating the conditions for growth and employment pathways.

You will be responsible for:

• Leading the direct delivery of a significant programme of new Council homes.
• Overseeing major capital projects from inception to completion.
• Driving economic regeneration in the third biggest economy in the country from the City Fringe to the historic Whitechapel Market to Canary Wharf.
• Harnessing our employment/skills and business support functions to ensure our residents and small businesses benefit and thrive.
• Being an active player in area regeneration, spearheading the delivery of transformational and sustainable regeneration in the Lower Lea Valley (jointly with London Borough of Newham), the Olympic Park and South Poplar.

You’ll be working with a newly appointed Directorate Leadership Team, based in our award- winning Town Hall and with committed and talented staff.

About you

We are seeking an experienced regeneration and development professional, with proven leadership skills and attributes, experience of delivering council homes and major capital projects. A strong financial acumen is essential as well as exceptional stakeholder management skills.

You will need to have demonstrable evidence of leading and delivering a wide range of successful overarching strategies within a large complex organisation. This includes the ability to lead organisational and service change at a corporate level in a challenging environment.

We are looking for an individual who possesses a successful track record of working with stakeholders, excellent service planning and performance management to achieve excellent outcomes.

Financial and commercial awareness, highly effective budgeting and financial management skills are essential. As one of the most visited places in the UK, there are significant opportunities to generate much needed income.

You will be politically sensitive and have a strong belief in the value of local democracy and accountability. You will also have a strong commitment to our values, behaviours and equal opportunity policy, and be ready to demonstrate personal leadership on the importance of diversity.

Our council is a beacon for diversity and inclusion. We want a borough where everyone feels valued and included, and we want a council that collaborates to deliver excellence.

That’s why we look for people with our TOWER values of Together, Open, Willing, Excellent and Respectful.

For more information please visit: https://recruitment.towerhamlets.gov.uk/

For a confidential conversation about the roles, please contact our retained consultants at Penna:

• Pete John on 07701 305 617 or Email: pete.john@penna.com
• Julie Towers on 07764 791 736 or Email: julie.towers@penna.com

Recruitment Timeline:

• Closing Date: 14th July 2025
• Technical Interviews: 4th August (AM) & 5th August (PM) on Teams
• Final Interviews: 9th September 2025

Director of IT

London Borough of Tower Hamlets

Salary: Competitive

Tower Hamlets is delivering one of the most ambitious change agendas in local government with technology at the centre of it.

Our borough is the fastest growing and most densely populated local authority in the UK. We deliver the third largest economic output in the country with areas such as Canary Wharf while our borough borders The City, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and the River Thames.

We have more than 320,000 residents to serve in one of the capital’s smallest geographic boundaries, and millions of visitors come to our borough from across the world.

We sit on the doorstep of Tech City, host technology events such as South By South West, and our average age is the youngest in London at just 30 years old.

As our Director of IT, you will drive innovation, enable transformation, and deliver secure, modern digital services that support high performance across the entire organisation of over 7,000 staff.

You will lead a critical function within the Resources Directorate – one that underpins frontline delivery, supports complex statutory services, and powers the systems behind one of London’s most dynamic boroughs.

The role includes:

• providing strategic leadership to our IT service and lead its transformation into a more agile, customer-focused, and insight-led function.
• overseeing all core areas of IT including enterprise architecture, business applications, IT transformation delivery, service management, cyber and information security.
• ensuring services provided by IT are secure, resilient, and continuously improved. This includes our ITIL-based Application Management Service which supports more than 100 business-critical systems and platforms, delivering essential technical support and lifecycle management.
• working closely with Members, Corporate Directors and Heads of Service, to help shape and deliver a new council-wide Target Operating Model (TOM) that ensures sustainable improvement, cultural change and service excellence.

About you

We’re looking for a senior leader who brings not only strong technical and commercial acumen, but also the energy and vision to lead IT as a strategic enabler of change and digital innovation.

You should have a strong track record in cyber security, IT transformation, enterprise architecture, service delivery, and business applications – setting a clear direction and building a culture of continuous improvement.

You will need to have demonstrable evidence of leading and delivering similar services to a very high standard within a large, complex organisation. This includes the ability to lead organisational and service change at a corporate level in a challenging environment.

We are looking for an individual who will inspire trust and respect with everyone they work with. Someone who possesses a successful track record of building relationships with stakeholders, achieving constructive outcomes and also has experience in using strategic and service planning target setting and performance management.

Financial and commercial awareness, highly effective budgeting and financial management skills are essential. As one of the most visited places in the UK, there are significant opportunities to generate much needed income.

You will be politically sensitive and have a strong belief in the value of local democracy and accountability. You will also have a strong commitment to our values, behaviours and equal opportunity policy, and be ready to demonstrate personal leadership on the importance of diversity.

Our council is a beacon for diversity and inclusion. We want a borough where everyone feels valued and included, and we want a council that collaborates to deliver excellence.

That’s why we look for people with our TOWER values of Together, Open, Willing, Excellent and Respectful.

For more information please visit: https://recruitment.towerhamlets.gov.uk/

For a confidential conversation about the roles, please contact our retained consultants at Penna:

• Julie Towers on 07764 791 736 or Email: julie.towers@penna.com
• Rachael Morris on 07840 711 217 or Email: rachael.morris@penna.com

Recruitment Timeline:

• Closing Date: 14th July 2025
• Technical interviews: 6th August (PM) & 7th August (PM) on Teams
• Final interview date: 9th September 2025

Director of HR & OD

London Borough of Tower Hamlets

Salary: Competitive

Tower Hamlets is delivering one of the most ambitious change agendas in local government with Human Resources and Organisational Development at the centre of it.

Our borough is the fastest growing and most densely populated local authority in the UK. We deliver the third largest economic output in the country with areas such as Canary Wharf, while our borough borders The City, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and the River Thames.

Our 7,000 employees serve more than 320,000 residents in one of the capital’s smallest geographic boundaries, and millions of visitors who come to our borough from across the world.

As our Director of HR, you will deliver transformation both within the HR & OD function and across the entire organisation.

This will include:

• creating a modern, insight-led and customer-focused service.
• ensure the delivery of high-quality operational and strategic HR services and professional advice, including workforce planning, resourcing, learning and development, organisational design, talent management, employee relations, and equalities.
• play a pivotal corporate role in shaping and delivering a new council-wide Target Operating Model (TOM) that underpins cultural transformation and organisational success.
• working in partnership with the Chief Executive, Leader, Cabinet Members, Corporate Directors and Directors, you will help drive system-wide improvement and accelerate delivery of the Ministerial Directions.
• be a visible and trusted partner to senior leaders and Members, supporting cultural change, workforce engagement, and the development of a new leadership framework that builds capability, confidence, and collaboration.

This role requires a blend of strategic insight, operational credibility and personal impact. You will champion organisational learning, inclusive leadership and workforce excellence.

It is a unique and career-defining opportunity to shape the future of one of London’s most dynamic and diverse boroughs.

About you

We are looking for a dynamic and experienced leader with a strong track record in operational and strategic HR services, providing professional advice and restructuring HR and OD into a best-in-class operation.

You will need to have demonstrable evidence of leading and delivering similar services to a very high standard within a large, complex organisation. This includes the ability to lead organisational and service change at a corporate level in a challenging environment.

We are looking for an individual who will inspire trust and respect with everyone they work with. Someone who possesses a successful track record of building relationships with stakeholders, achieving constructive outcomes and also has experience in using strategic and service planning target setting and performance management.

Financial and commercial awareness, highly effective budgeting and financial management skills are essential. As one of the most visited places in the UK, there are significant opportunities to generate much needed income.

You will be politically sensitive and have a strong belief in the value of local democracy and accountability. You will also have a strong commitment to our values, behaviours and equal opportunity policy, and be ready to demonstrate personal leadership on the importance of diversity.

Our council is a beacon for diversity and inclusion. We want a borough where everyone feels valued and included, and we want a council that collaborates to deliver excellence.

That’s why we look for people with our TOWER values of Together, Open, Willing, Excellent and Respectful.

For more information please visit: https://recruitment.towerhamlets.gov.uk/

For a confidential conversation about the roles, please contact our retained consultants at Penna:

• Julie Towers on 07764 791 736 or Email: julie.towers@penna.com
• Rachael Morris on 07840 711 217 or Email: rachael.morris@penna.com

Recruitment Timeline:

• Closing Date: 14th July 2025
• Technical interviews: 4th & 5th August on Teams
• Final interview: 9th September 2025

Director of Corporate Property and Estates

London Borough of Tower Hamlets

Salary: Competitive

Tower Hamlets is the fastest growing and most densely populated local authority in the UK. More and more people want to live, work, visit and invest in our borough.

We deliver the third largest economic output in the UK with areas such as Canary Wharf and is a prime location for business and residential developments as our borough borders The City, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and the River Thames.

Tower Hamlets also has London’s highest housing target and the youngest average age, all within one of capital’s smallest geographical boundaries. Space is at a premium with flats making up more than 80 per cent of properties in our borough.

As our Director of Corporate Property and Estates, you will be responsible for the council’s significant assets portfolio. Reporting to the Corporate Director for Housing & Regeneration David Joyce, you will spearhead key strategies and projects to drive and optimize asset utilisation across Tower Hamlets.

You will be responsible for:

• Overseeing a substantial commercial portfolio of 990 assets worth £1.6bn with a rental income of income of £2.85m per annum.
• Maintaining an extensive community buildings portfolio that supports our commitment to working with the VCS to deliver for residents.
• Working with partners to unlock the potential on large strategic assets including sites such as Billingsgate Market (jointly with the City of London)
• Overseeing a dynamic approach to acquisitions and disposals to meet our diverse needs, such as temporary accommodation.
• Levering in all available powers such as CPO powers to secure important developments.
• Delivering a first-class Facilities Management function across our estate which includes managing our RIBA award winning Town Hall.

You’ll be working with a newly appointed Directorate Leadership Team, based in our award- winning Town Hall and with committed and talented staff.

About you

We are seeking an experienced asset management professional, with proven leadership skills and attributes, experience of managing large-scale asset portfolios to optimize value and sustainability. A strong financial acumen is essential as well as exceptional stakeholder management skills.

You will need to have demonstrable evidence of leading and delivering similar services to a very high standard within a large, complex organisation. This includes the ability to lead organisational and service change at a corporate level in a challenging environment.

We are looking for an individual who will inspire trust and respect with everyone they work with. Someone who possesses a successful track record of building relationships with stakeholders, achieving constructive outcomes and also has experience in using strategic and service planning target setting and performance management.

Financial and commercial awareness, highly effective budgeting and financial management skills are essential. As one of the most visited places in the UK, there are significant opportunities to generate much needed income.

You will be politically sensitive and have a strong belief in the value of local democracy and accountability. You will also have a strong commitment to our values, behaviours and equal opportunity policy, and be ready to demonstrate personal leadership on the importance of diversity.

Our council is a beacon for diversity and inclusion. We want a borough where everyone feels valued and included, and we want a council that collaborates to deliver excellence.

That’s why we look for people with our TOWER values of Together, Open, Willing, Excellent and Respectful.

For more information please visit: https://recruitment.towerhamlets.gov.uk/

For a confidential conversation about the roles, please contact our retained consultants at Penna:

• Pete John on 07701 305 617 or Email: pete.john@penna.com
• Julie Towers on 07764 791 736 or Email: julie.towers@penna.com

Recruitment Timeline:

• Closing Date: 14th July 2025
• Technical interviews: 1st & 4th August on Teams
• Final Interview: 9th September 2025

Salary: Up to £97,266

Location: Cromer / Hybrid

North Norfolk District Council

North Norfolk is a unique and extraordinary part of the country – with over 45 miles of dynamic coastline, vibrant communities, and a strong environmental ethos. At North Norfolk District Council, we are deeply connected to the place we serve. Our Corporate Plan sets out an ambitious agenda: from tackling climate change and housing need to securing inclusive growth and adapting to the challenges facing our coastal communities.

We are now looking for a collaborative and values-led leader to join our Corporate Leadership Team as Director for Resources and Section 151 Officer. This is a pivotal strategic role – offering the opportunity to shape the Council’s future direction while ensuring financial sustainability and delivering real impact for the people and places of North Norfolk.

As the Council’s Chief Finance Officer, you will lead Finance, Assets, IT, Sustainable Growth, Coast and Climate Change. You will provide clear financial direction across all services, oversee delivery of key externally funded programmes, and ensure that governance, risk and performance management are robust and forward-looking.

You will also play a central role in supporting the Council’s preparations for potential Local Government Reorganisation and Devolution – helping to secure North Norfolk’s interests and ensuring we remain well-positioned in any new arrangements.

We are seeking an ambitious finance professional with the strategic vision, political acumen and leadership skills to make a difference. You may already be an experienced S151 Officer, or perhaps a Deputy ready to step into your first statutory role – either way, this is a fantastic opportunity to lead a talented team and make a lasting impact in a district with both purpose and possibility.

North Norfolk offers a rewarding lifestyle alongside a rewarding career – and we support hybrid working to help balance both. If you are excited by the challenge and inspired by the place, we would love to hear from you.

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

Candidate Briefing Pack - Director of Resources - S151 Officer

To find out more, please contact our retained consultant Andrew Tromans at CIPFA Penna on 07805 226301 or at andrew.tromans@penna.com.

Closing date: Thursday, 10th July 2025

Executive Director – Place, Communities and Enterprise

Redbridge Council

Salary: Competitive

Are you ready to lead one of London’s most ambitious place-shaping agendas?

Redbridge Council is seeking an Executive Director – Place, Communities and Enterprise to drive forward a bold vision for regeneration, housing, economic growth, and community wellbeing. This is a pivotal executive leadership role, offering the opportunity to shape the future of one of the UK’s fastest-growing and most diverse boroughs.

About the Role

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive, you will lead a wide-ranging portfolio that includes housing, regeneration, planning, neighbourhood services, community safety, and economic development. You will play a central role in delivering Redbridge’s strategic priorities—ensuring clean, safe, and inclusive neighbourhoods, vibrant town centres, and sustainable growth.

You will be accountable for:

• Providing strategic leadership across housing, property, regeneration, planning, transport, neighbourhood services , and community cohesion.

• Driving economic growth and inward investment, with a strong focus on Ilford Town Centre and borough-wide regeneration.

• Leading high-performing, multi-disciplinary teams delivering essential front-line services.

• Ensuring the Council’s land and property assets support regeneration, housing delivery, and climate goals.

• Championing inclusive communities and ensuring Redbridge remains a safe, attractive place to live and work.

• Advising Members and shaping cross-cutting strategies aligned with Redbridge’s Corporate Plan.

• Representing Redbridge at regional and national levels, influencing policy and securing investment.

This is a role with real breadth and impact—supporting community wellbeing, economic opportunity, and sustainable development across Redbridge.

About You

We are looking for a strategic and inspirational leader with:

• Substantial senior experience in local government or a comparable complex organisation.

• A strong track record in regeneration, housing, planning, or environmental services.

• Deep understanding of local government policy, legislation, and funding frameworks.

• Experience leading large-scale transformation and delivering improved outcomes.

• Political acumen and the ability to work effectively with elected Members and stakeholders.

• A collaborative, inclusive leadership style and commitment to community engagement.

• Strong financial and performance management skills, with a focus on value and impact.

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

For more information and to apply, please visit: https://redbridgenextlevel.co.uk/

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

• Bruna Varante on 07858 306725 or email: bruna.varante@penna.com

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

Closing Date: Midnight, 11 July

Director – Housing Services

Redbridge Council

Salary: Competitive

Are you ready to lead transformative housing services in one of London’s most ambitious and diverse boroughs?

Redbridge Council is seeking a Director – Housing Services to shape and deliver a bold housing vision that meets the needs of a growing population, supports community wellbeing, and drives sustainable growth. This is a pivotal leadership role, offering the opportunity to make a lasting impact across housing needs, homelessness, landlord services, and asset management.

About the Role

As the Council’s most senior housing professional, you will lead a broad portfolio of services including Housing Needs, Homelessness, HRA landlord functions, and asset management. Reporting to the Executive Director of Place, you will play a key role in delivering Redbridge’s strategic ambitions through high-performing, customer-focused services.

You will be accountable for:

• Leading the strategic direction and operational delivery of housing services across the borough.

• Ensuring compliance with statutory housing duties and regulatory frameworks, including the Social Housing Regulator.

• Driving down demand for temporary accommodation through early intervention and prevention.

• Overseeing significant improvement programmes and ensuring high-quality, efficient delivery.

• Advising Members and helping to shape housing strategy aligned with Redbridge’s Corporate Strategy.

• Ensuring all landlord functions are delivered in a effective and efficient manner and working in partnership with tenants and tenants’ organisations.

• Building strong partnerships with developers, housing providers, and community organisations.

• Ensuring housing services contribute to wider goals including climate action, community cohesion, and economic growth.

This is a role with real breadth and influence—supporting vibrant neighbourhoods, improving housing quality, and ensuring Redbridge remains a fantastic place to live, work and thrive.

About You

We are looking for a visionary housing leader with:

• A successful track record at a senior level in housing services within a large, complex organisation.

• Deep understanding of housing legislation, policy, and the challenges facing local authorities.

• Experience leading transformation and delivering improved outcomes across housing portfolios.

• Political astuteness and the ability to work effectively with Members and stakeholders.

• A collaborative, inclusive leadership style and commitment to community engagement.

• Strong financial and performance management skills, with a focus on value and impact.

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

For more information and to apply, please visit: https://redbridgenextlevel.co.uk/

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

• Bruna Varante on 07858 306725 or email: bruna.varante@penna.com

• Mark Baldwinson on 07764 698139 or email: mark.baldwinson@penna.com

Closing Date: Midnight, 11th July

Director – IT and Digital Transformation

Redbridge Council

Salary: Competitive

Are you ready to lead digital innovation and transformation in one of London’s most forward-thinking boroughs?

Redbridge Council is seeking a Director – IT and Digital Transformation to lead the Council’s digital strategy and technology services. This is a key leadership role with the opportunity to shape how we use digital tools and data to improve services, empower staff, and deliver better outcomes for residents.

About the Role

Reporting to the Deputy Chief Executive, you will lead a broad portfolio including digital transformation, IT development and maintenance, cyber security, and data strategy. You will work across the organisation to ensure technology is used effectively, securely, and in ways that support inclusive, customer-focused services.

You will be accountable for:

• Developing and delivering the Council’s digital and ICT strategy, ensuring alignment with business needs and future-proofing our technology.

• Leading digital change programmes that improve how residents access services and how staff work.

• Supporting colleagues to adopt digital tools and self-service models that enhance efficiency and customer experience.

• Ensuring robust cyber security and data governance across the organisation.

• Embedding inclusive digital practices that reflect the diversity of Redbridge’s communities.

• Advising Members and shaping cross-cutting strategies aligned with Redbridge’s Corporate Plan.

• Building strong partnerships with internal teams, suppliers, and external stakeholders to deliver shared goals.

This is a role with real impact—helping to modernise services, improve digital inclusion, and ensure Redbridge remains a digitally confident and connected borough.

About You

We are looking for a strategic and innovative digital leader with:

• A successful track record at a senior level in IT, digital transformation, or related services within a large, complex organisation.

• Strong understanding of digital strategy, data governance, and cyber security.

• Experience leading large-scale digital change and delivering improved outcomes.

• Political awareness and the ability to work effectively with elected Members and stakeholders.

• A collaborative, inclusive leadership style and commitment to customer-focused service design.

• Strong financial and performance management skills, with a focus on value and impact.

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

For more information and to apply, please visit: https://redbridgenextlevel.co.uk/

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

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

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

• Tom Niven on 07860 657044 or email: tom.niven@penna.com

• Dawar Hashmi on 07513 706265 or email: dawar.hashmi@penna.com

Closing Date: Midnight, 11 July

Trustee

Ambitious Together Foundation

THE ROLE OF THE TRUSTEE:

We are now looking to recruit more Trustees to join our small group of experienced, founding Trustees and the Chair. The role of the Trustees and the Board is to help us deliver our mission by:

Providing strategic direction and input into the charity’s mission and objectives.

Supporting informed decisions about strategy, operations and finance.

Acting as an ambassador for the charity, promoting its work and values;

Helping to raise funds to support grantmaking and resource development, including through an annual fundraising event;

Ensuring compliance with the charity’s governing documents, legal obligations, and policies;

Sharing expertise, networks, and skills to benefit the charity’s programmes and beneficiaries; and

Contributing to the annual evaluation and review of the charity’s performance.

THE SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE WE ARE LOOKING FOR:

We want a diverse Board that contains a mix of skills and experience, with people who can:

Work effectively and collaboratively as a member of a Board, and with our Young People Advisory Group;

Offer constructive challenge and scrutiny to Board and Executive colleagues;

Use creativity and imagination in thinking about long-term solutions;

Use independent judgement;

Be an advocate for ATF and beneficiaries, participating in meetings and other events with confidence.

For further information and to apply, please visit: Ambitious Together Foundation

If you would like a confidential discussion about the role in more detail first, please contact our retained Consultants:

Lesley Gilmartin lesley.gilmartin@lhh.com

Fizza Islam fizza.islam@lhh.com

Charles Wilson Charles.Wilson@lhh.com