Fresh thinking for a brighter future
Plymouth City Council is clear that both the challenges and opportunities ahead for local government can only be addressed through dynamism and a willingness to think beyond business as usual. Strong and well-managed finances underpin everything the Council wants to achieve. This role will be pivotal in overseeing a high-performing finance function, with resources deployed where they’ll make the biggest difference.
As the authority looks to recruit a new Section 151 officer and Service Director for Finance, it knows that the right person may emerge either from within another local authority or from a different sector altogether.
‘What we’re looking for is someone that brings a sense of innovation,’ says Chief Operating Officer Si Bellamy. ‘Innovation is a word that’s used often, but I think it really means being prepared to look at the challenges of local government, which are broadly universal, and to seek ways to deliver responses and services with the residents at the heart of our decision making. Budgets balanced with a critical eye on demand-led pressures and opportunities.’
At Plymouth, values and purpose aren’t just words for posters – they’re woven into the very fabric of the organisation.
As the home of the Royal Navy’s famous Devonport base, Plymouth is focused on being one of Europe’s most vibrant waterfront cities and providing an outstanding quality of life for all.
‘Plymouth is a super strong organisation in terms of its purpose and values,’ Bellamy explains, reflecting on his own journey into local government from a career spanning the Eden Project and the Royal Air Force.
It is a career that has been driven by purpose, service and assembling exceptional teams to face significant challenges, and Bellamy is considering all these elements in the selection of a new CFO.
The council actively wants to make room for professionals with diverse experiences, and Bellamy assures applicants that whatever their background they should see Plymouth as ‘a safe and empowering place to land’ and an opportunity to be viewed with excitement.
Set between a national park to the north and a national marine park to the south, Plymouth’s location is immediately striking.
‘Plymouth is an ocean city that seeks to make an impact at scale. It’s big enough to make strategic, systemic change and yet it’s not so big that you feel it’s difficult to make those changes; and all whilst being rooted to the communities we serve.’
For work-life balance, Plymouth is an obvious choice. As well as the sea and nature on your doorstep there is also a burgeoning cultural offering and excellent transport links to London, the rest of the South West
and Wales.
One of the most forward-thinking aspects of the council’s approach is the structured placement of the new CFO role within the Chief Operating Officer’s directorate. It’s a strategic move designed to enable the capacity for the s151 officer to excel. The role reports to the Chief Executive for strategic financial matters and is a member of the Corporate Management Team.
‘We’ve created capacity in the organisation, Bellamy explains. ‘That means you can actually undertake finance transformation within an environment that ensures the Service Director for Finance can focus on the finances without being overwhelmed by other responsibilities.’
‘This is a key strategic Corporate Management Team leadership role at the most senior level., ‘In addition, you’ll be part of a directorate that has a wider mission and wider purpose for how the organisation is aligned and working coherently. It reflects a One Council view of how finance comes together.’
While local government reorganisation looms in the background, Bellamy is clear that applicants should understand that Plymouth proposal is well developed.
‘We’ve presented a very strong rationale for our status and modest expansion along existing functional and economic areas, and we feel we meet all the objectives that the Government have set out.’
More broadly beyond Local Government Reorganisation, Plymouth is one of only five other places in the United Kingdom to be signposted in the Government’s Defence Industrial Strategy.
This brings long-term investment and strategic partnerships alongside major urban regeneration and housing projects with Homes England. The city’s robust planning and unique economic strengths mean that, even amid national change, Plymouth’s future looks especially bright.
‘It makes sense to retain Plymouth in that scope,’ adds Bellamy. ‘Because we’re very different to other authorities in terms of how that sits with the region’s future and national economic security and prosperity.’
It means that Plymouth is looking for people who view the city’s future as an exciting opportunity rather than a hurdle, despite the challenges facing the entire sector.
‘We’re looking for someone who is really passionate about systemic change, really passionate about delivery at the local level, really passionate about how purpose cuts through with your outstanding professional competencies,’ Bellamy emphasises.
In short, this is an opportunity for those with drive, imagination and a vision for what local government can achieve.
Bellamy concludes: ‘There’s never been a more exciting and impactful time to be a leader in the local government environment.’
Originally published in the MJ, 27 November 2025. For more information on the Service Director of Finance with Plymouth City Council, please visit https://faerfield.co.uk/jobs/permanent-roles/plymouth-cc/current-opportunities/service-director-finance-s151.
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