Executive Director of Place
Surrey’s ambitious 2030 vision is of a county of well-functioning and connected places, with healthy communities and a high quality of life. We’re an important growth engine not only for the region, but also for UK Plc: business density is some 25% above the national average, and we’re proud of our strong and growing economy.
But we also have a profound moral purpose. Alongside prosperous and flourishing places, Surrey contains communities and individuals in need of support. Our firm commitment is that ‘no one is left behind’, and the health and wellbeing of our environment and communities will always underpin our strategic objectives.
Under the leadership of our new Chief Executive, Terence Herbert, we believe that Surrey County Council is exceptionally well placed to be a sector-leading exemplar, hungry for improvement and always going the extra mile to enhance our residents’ lives. Our track record of innovation and resilience speaks for itself, and our approach to service design and delivery is relentlessly focused on securing the best outcomes for residents and communities.
Our new Executive Director Place will lead the delivery of an integrated portfolio of services, while fostering a culture of excellence, continuous improvement and collaboration. Responsible for over 800 employees and a combined revenue and capital budget of over £500m, you’ll be accountable for a major part of our overall organisational ambition to provide class-leading services with a relentless customer focus. As well as your significant strategic responsibilities within the council, advising the Leader, Cabinet and senior colleagues, you’ll play a pivotal leadership role in county-wide systems, convening and shaping positive partnerships to ensure that critical functions (Highways, Infrastructure and Planning, Economy & Growth, Land & Property, Environment and Waste) are managed and delivered efficiently, innovatively and sustainably.
Candidates will bring substantial experience at a senior level within a large and complex organisation and a commercial mindset is a must. Extensive knowledge of the operating context and emerging macro issues is essential, as is a track record of successfully delivering major infrastructure projects. Strong candidates will additionally be politically astute, analytical and have well-developed partnership skills. Highly credible with colleagues at all levels, your personal leadership style will be visible, dynamic and influential, and you will exemplify a culture of openness, accountability and continuous improvement.
Indicative Timetable
Closing date for applications: Sunday 27 October 2024
Preliminary interviews (via Microsoft Teams): w/c Monday 11 November 2024
Final interview panel with members (in Reigate): week commencing Monday 2 December 2024
For an informal conversation about this role, please contact:
Martin Tucker
Email: mtucker@faerfield.co.uk
Phone: 0121 312 3755
Rob Naylor
Email: rnaylor@faerfield.co.uk
Phone: 0121 312 3755
To apply:
To apply for this job please click on the Apply button below and fill out the requested information. When prompted, please submit your CV and a Supporting Statement (no more than four sides of A4 each).
With your CV, please also provide the names and contact details of two referees, one of whom should be your current or most recent employer. Referees will only be contacted if you reach the final stages, and we will not contact referees without your permission.
Your supporting statement should express why you are interested in this role and what experience you can bring to the organisation. The statement should tackle the specific requirements of the role; outlining examples and outcomes showing how you meet those requirements.
