Chief Executive

Luton Council

Salary: £195,067 - £212,679 + Car benefit £5,618

Lead a bold and ambitious future for Luton

Luton is a super-diverse, ambitious town with a clear vision: by 2040, no one in Luton should have to live in poverty. We’re proud of our progress—but we know there’s more to do.

We’re looking for an outstanding, values-led Chief Executive to lead our next chapter. You’ll drive inclusive growth, innovation, and transformation, working with partners to deliver our flagship projects—from London Luton Airport and town centre regeneration to investment in skills, jobs, and housing.

If you’re a proven strategic leader who can build partnerships, inspire change, and deliver with integrity and purpose, we’d love to hear from you.

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

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

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

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

To download a candidate pack please click the link below:

Chief Executive - Candidate Briefing Pack

Closing date: Midnight, 1 June 2025

Technical Interviews: 13 & 27 June 2025

Final interviews: 10 & 11 July 2025

Independent Scrutineer

Harrow Safeguarding Children Partnership

Make a lasting difference for children and young people in Harrow.

Circa 3 days per month for an initial 2-year term | Hybrid-working | £700/day

The role

We are seeking a respected and experienced safeguarding professional to join the Harrow Safeguarding Children Partnership (HSCP) as its Independent Scrutineer.

In this pivotal role, you will provide objective oversight, constructive challenge, and strategic insight to ensure that their safeguarding arrangements are effective, transparent, and continually improving.

Acting as a critical friend to senior leaders, you will assess how well they and their statutory partners fulfil their safeguarding responsibilities, and you will also champion the voice and lived experience of children and families, ensuring they are central to shaping safeguarding practice.

The partnership

HSCP is a statutory multi-agency partnership comprising the London Borough of Harrow, NHS North West London Integrated Care Board, and the Metropolitan Police. Together, they are committed to making Harrow a place where every child is safe, seen, supported, and heard – especially the most vulnerable. These statutory partners are supported by a wide range of relevant agencies, including education leaders, major NHS provider trusts, voluntary and community organisations and other key safeguarding partners in Harrow.

All members of the HSCP  are proud of their collaborative, inclusive culture, and they value diverse perspectives and encourage open, evidence-led challenge to help them drive improvements across the safeguarding system. As their Independent Scrutineer, you will play a vital role in shaping a learning-focused and accountable safeguarding partnership.

About you

You will bring significant senior-level experience in safeguarding – whether in social care, health, education, policing or a related sector. You have a deep understanding of multi-agency safeguarding arrangements, statutory frameworks and extensive knowledge of multi-agency safeguarding challenges and development areas such as contextual safeguarding, domestic abuse and early help.

You combine strategic thinking with strong analytical skills, and are confident in providing evidence-based challenge and advice. Most importantly, you are committed to a child-centred approach and skilled in engaging children, young people, and families, as well as influencing senior stakeholders.

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

Candidate Briefing Pack

Next steps

If you have the expertise, insight and drive to help strengthen safeguarding practice in Harrow, we’d love to hear from you.

To arrange a confidential discussion, please contact Andrew Tromans at andrew.tromans@penna.com or 07805 226 301.

Closing date: 21 May 2025

Director of Highways and Transport

Location: Essex | Salary: £126,909

Are you ready to lead the future of Highways and Transport for Essex, making a lasting impact on the region’s communities and infrastructure? This is your chance to shape sustainable transport solutions, influence national policies, and collaborate with partners across the public and private sectors.

There is so much about Essex that makes us proud. Most important is its diversity – in every sense of the word. There is no single centre to Essex, but rather a series of interconnected economic corridors, overlapping labour and housing market areas and health economies. 72% of the county is rural, there are 350 miles of coastline, 35 islands, and we have the seventh largest road network in the country – with around 5,000 miles of road and 5,000 miles of footways!

About the Role

We’re seeking a dynamic and innovative leader to spearhead our Highways and Transport services. With responsibility for over £320m in annual budgets and a dedicated team of over 300 professionals, you’ll ensure our highways remain safe, functional, and ready to support economic growth and our ambitions on net zero. You’ll work closely with stakeholders to deliver transformative projects, from road safety initiatives to the development of cutting-edge public transport strategies.

In this pivotal role, you’ll act as Essex’s ambassador in national conversations, advocating for sustainable transport solutions while balancing the diverse needs of our communities. Whether collaborating on multi-million-pound infrastructure projects or driving improvements in customer satisfaction, you’ll be at the forefront of shaping a future-ready transport network.

What You’ll Bring

• A strategic vision to innovate and drive change in a complex, fast-paced environment.

• Proven expertise in managing large-scale transport projects and budgets.

• A strong track record in stakeholder collaboration and delivering value-driven solutions.

• Exceptional leadership skills to inspire teams and build partnerships.

• A strong track record of working in complex and politically driven organisations.

Why Join Us?

This is more than just a leadership position; it’s an opportunity to leave a legacy. You’ll work with passionate professionals dedicated to enhancing the lives of Essex residents, supported by a forward-thinking council committed to excellence.

If you’re ready to challenge the status quo and lead Essex into a sustainable and connected future, we want to hear from you.

Apply today  and drive the change Essex needs and let’s get people connected!

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

Director of Highways & Transportation - Candidate Briefing Pack

For a confidential discussion about this role, contact:

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

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

Closing date: Midnight, Sunday 18th May 2025

Disability Confident

Please note we are a Disability Confident Employer so candidates who wish to be considered under the scheme and meet the essential criteria will automatically be invited to interview. Please note, that should you require any adjustments through the process, we will accommodate as much as possible. Please contact the recruitment team for further information if required.  

Director – Highways, Transport and Waste Management

Nottinghamshire County Council

Salary: £95,826 - £106,293 (+ £13,707 market supplement)*

At Nottinghamshire County Council, we’re more than an organisation, we’re a community – inside and out. Serving over 844,000 residents, we pride ourselves on supporting, empowering, and respecting one another. Our mission is to improve lives across Nottinghamshire by providing high-quality, vital services for our residents. When you join us, you will become part of something greater. You’ll work closely with colleagues and the wider community to help make a real difference to the lives of our communities. And you’ll feel the impact of your work every day, because it’ll happen right on the doorstep.

We are seeking an exceptional Director to lead our Highways, Transport & Waste services. This is a pivotal role, shaping the future of essential infrastructure and services across Nottinghamshire. You will oversee key areas such as highways maintenance and improvements, strategic transport planning, waste management, and flood risk management. You’ll ensure that services are delivered efficiently, sustainably, and in partnership with key stakeholders, including local authorities, private sector and commercial partners, and community organisations.

Local government reorganisation and deeper devolution is a game-changer for our highways, transport, and waste services. This role demands a bold leader to drive innovation, deliver commerciality, drive efficiency, and harmonise integration across new structures. You’ll shape future-ready infrastructure, forge strong partnerships, and ensure high-impact, sustainable services that meet the evolving needs of our communities.

We want people that will bring strong leadership, commercial acumen, and the ability to build and maintain relationships that drive positive outcomes for our residents and businesses.

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.

· Lead a high-profile portfolio that directly impacts residents and businesses across the county.

· Work in a forward-thinking, ambitious organisation committed to collaboration and innovation.

· Shape the future of highways, transport, and waste management in one of the UK's most diverse counties.

· Be part of a leadership team that values inclusivity, sustainability, and service excellence.

As you work hard for our county, we’ll look after you with plenty of benefits and wellbeing initiatives. Your work-life balance will be a priority, so you’ll get a generous annual leave entitlement as well as flexible working options. And we’ll also give you access to plenty of support, including our staff networks. Plus, you’ll be enrolled in our local government pension scheme and have the option to apply for a season ticket, our cycle to work scheme, and more.

If you’re ready to join us in our goal to create a better, more prosperous county for everyone in Nottinghamshire, apply now. For more information please visit: https://nottinghamshireseniorleadership.co.uk/

For a confidential discussion, please contact our consultant at Penna:

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

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

*Market supplement of up to £13,707 for experienced exceptional candidates.

Closing Date: Midnight, Sunday 25th May

Technical Interviews: TBC

Fireside Chat with Executive Director: TBC

Stakeholder Panel/ Member-led Interview: TBC

Service Director – Community Social Work and Therapy

Nottinghamshire County Council

Salary: £95,826 - £106,293

At Nottinghamshire County Council, we’re more than an organisation, we’re a community – inside and out. Serving over 844,000 residents, we pride ourselves on supporting, empowering, and respecting one another. Our mission is to improve lives across Nottinghamshire by providing high-quality, vital services for our residents. When you join us, you will become part of something greater. You’ll work closely with colleagues and the wider community to help make a real difference to the lives of our communities. And you’ll feel the impact of your work every day, because it’ll happen right on the doorstep.

Our vision for Adult Social Care in Nottinghamshire is for every person in Nottinghamshire to live in the place they call home with the people and things that they love, in communities where they look out for one another, doing things that matter to them.

In Nottinghamshire lots of people need support to live their best life. Social care is personal, practical and emotional support for people who need it and works alongside health care. We know everyone’s experience of social care is different and the system can feel complicated. Although social care is often linked to key services, we think social care is about much more than getting a service - it is about having a good life.

Our community social work and therapy team brings to life our practice framework and is key to unlocking our vision for those that draw upon care and support in our County. Our people want a leader who is compassionate, understands deeply how to support and drive excellent practice, and who can lead across our Council and wider partnerships. Confident in coproduction, successful in working with partners across the sector, and relentless in pursuing great outcomes for people are key requirements for this role.

The challenge for this Service Director will be to manage resources to maximum effect to ensure equity across our diverse County. This is a role that offers challenge, reward, and the chance to transform lives.

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.

· We care about your development and success.

· A place where your leadership makes a real difference.

· A council that champions collaboration, innovation, and inclusion.

As you work hard for our county, we’ll look after you with plenty of benefits and wellbeing initiatives. Your work-life balance will be a priority, so you’ll get a generous annual leave entitlement as well as flexible working options. And we’ll also give you access to plenty of support, including our staff networks. Plus, you’ll be enrolled in our local government pension scheme and have the option to apply for a season ticket, our cycle to work scheme, and more.

If you’re ready to join us in our goal to create a better, more prosperous county for everyone in Nottinghamshire, apply now. For more information please visit: https://nottinghamshireseniorleadership.co.uk/

For a confidential discussion, please contact our consultant 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: 25th May 2025

Technical Interviews: TBC

Stakeholder Panel/ Member-led Interview: TBC

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

Closing date for applications: 18th May 2025

Preliminary interviews are expected to take place from week commencing 19th May 2025.

Final interviews with the ATF Panel are expected to take place during the weeks of 9th and 16th June 2025.

Flood, Drought, and Everything In Between

Be Part of the Solution!

Chief Executive - £Competitive

Water Management Alliance – King’s Lynn, Norfolk

The Water Management Alliance (WMA) is dedicated to maintaining and improving water level management across lowland environments. We provide flood and drought response services, surface water drainage, and water level management to safeguard communities, businesses, and the environment and reduce flood risk to people, property, infrastructure, and the natural environment. Through close collaboration with partners and stakeholders, we support sustainable land use, protect natural habitats, and ensure efficient water management across coastal zones and watershed catchment areas.

As our new Chief Executive, you will lead our operations delivery team and guide the strategic direction of our organisation and people working closely with a wide range of stakeholders, Management Authorities and regulatory bodies. The role is rich and varied from supporting emergency response efforts during flooding and drought conditions, collaborating with stakeholders, including landowners, environmental groups, and local authorities to advising on drainage and flood defence infrastructure and compliance with environmental and regulatory standards. We’re looking to raise the bar for the implementation of sustainable water management practices, and you will be passionate and ambitious about water management, engineering, and/or environmental science with a knowledge of flood risk management and drainage systems. Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of senior stakeholders will be key.

If you are passionate about water management and want to contribute to protecting our communities from flooding and drought, we would love to hear from you. Join us in making a difference in sustainable water management!

Candidate Briefing Pack

To find out more, please contact our retained consultants at Penna: Pete John on 07701 305617 or Kelly Ridley on 07709 512415