Job Description

Chief Executive | Permanent Contract | circa £215,000 per annum| 37 hours per week

We are seeking an exceptional Chief Executive to lead Norfolk County Council through the next stage of our transformation journey.This is a significant leadership opportunity for a commercially astute, values-led and highly visible senior leader.The role would suit someone who can build a high-performing culture, strengthen confidence across the organisation and who will ensure the Council continues to deliver effective, efficient, people-first public services.

The role

We are looking for a leader who can bring together strategy, people, performance and place. You will provide clear direction across the Council, support strong governance and financial stewardship, and lead the organisation with a sharp focus on delivery, transformation and continuous improvement.

Key aspects of the role include leading culture change at scale and providing strong commercial judgement and business acumen.You will create the conditions for a confident, accountable and productive workforce, embedding a customer-focused, can-do approach to public service delivery.And you will navigate financial and regulatory complexity to build strong partnerships across public, private and voluntary sectors.

What we are looking for

• A proven senior leader with experience of leading executive teams and delivering transformation in a complex organisation.
• A clear track record of culture change, including improving accountability, productivity, collaboration and organisational confidence.
• Strong commercial awareness, financial judgement and business acumen, with the ability to make sound decisions in a challenging operating environment.
• Excellent political awareness and the ability to advise, support and work effectively with elected Members.
• A confident communicator who can inspire colleagues, influence partners and represent the Council credibly with businesses, communities and regional or national stakeholders.
• A partnership builder who understands the role of business, the voluntary sector and wider public services in delivering better outcomes for residents.
• A resilient, emotionally intelligent and values-led leader with a strong commitment to public service.

This is an opportunity to lead meaningful change, strengthen organisational performance and build the partnerships needed to support communities, services and the local economy. If you are an inspirational, practical and commercially minded leader who can turn ambition into action, we welcome your interest.

How to apply

Please provide a CV and a supporting statement which evidences how your experience meets the criteria for the role.You can apply via here, or if you would prefer you can email your application directly to executiverecruitment@norfolk.gov.uk Please clearly identify which role you are applying for in the title of your application. All queries can be directed to the same email address.

Interviews are likely to take place week commencing 3 August 2026.

Closing Date: 26 July 2026 at 23:55