Chief Executive

About the Role

Norfolk County Council is seeking a distinguished Chief Executive to guide the organisation through its upcoming phase of transformation. This pivotal, full-time role offers a permanent contract with a salary around £215,000 annually, based in Norwich, England. The ideal candidate will be a commercially savvy, values-driven senior leader with visibility and gravitas across the council.

Key Responsibilities

The Chief Executive will unify strategy, workforce, performance, and place-based initiatives, while ensuring robust governance and financial management. The position demands keeping a sharp focus on service delivery, ongoing transformation, and continuous enhancement of public services. Leading large-scale culture change, strengthening organizational confidence, and fostering an accountable, customer-centric, and efficient workforce will be vital. Additionally, the role involves navigating complex financial and regulatory environments and fostering cross-sector partnerships including public, private, and voluntary organizations.

Candidate Profile and Requirements

• Experienced senior leader with a proven track record in leading executive teams and driving transformation in complex organizational settings.
• History of spearheading culture change, enhancing accountability, productivity, collaboration, and boosting organizational confidence.
• Strong commercial insight, sound financial judgment, and business acumen capable of making informed decisions amid challenging conditions.
• High political astuteness with an ability to consult, support, and collaborate seamlessly with elected Members.
• Excellent communication skills to inspire team members, influence partners, and represent the Council effectively at community, business, regional, and national levels.
• Skilled partnership builder who appreciates the roles of business, voluntary sector, and public services in driving better outcomes for residents.
• Resilient, emotionally intelligent, and strongly committed to public service, guided by core values.

Additional Information

This role offers an exceptional opportunity to guide meaningful change, uplift organizational performance, and forge critical partnerships that benefit local services, communities, and economic growth. Candidates are encouraged to submit a CV along with a supporting statement detailing how their expertise aligns with the role criteria. Interviews are expected to be scheduled in the week beginning 3 August 2026, with applications closing on 26 July 2026 at 23:55.