The roles

We’re seeking a brilliant Assistant Chief Executive to drive change through long-term strategic thinking and enabling policy implementation. In a newly created role, you will have the focus to work with every part of the council to shape our approach to transformation and lead a team that is the instrument of change. In particular, our new Assistant Chief Executive will focus on working closely with our Chief Executive, Dr Dave Smith, to:  

• Inject immediate pace and achieve the scale of change needed over the next few years 

• Develop the long-term shape of the council and the role of Members 

In taking this role on, you’ll have the unique opportunity to work in a high-profile position, collaborating with commissioners and other senior leaders from across local and central government, and wider partners to lead the transformation we need.  

Salary: £102,500 - £118,000
Job Description
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Our new Executive Director of Place will be central to helping shape the future of Thurrock as a place and how this improves the lives of our residents and businesses. This role will lead across public realm, economic development and regeneration, providing strategic leadership in order to drive meaningful change across all our communities. In particular, you’ll help us move away from being a direct deliverer to taking a strategic lead on place-based projects that are tailored to the needs of our unique communities.

It’s a seismic shift in how we operate – and will require an individual with the courage and innovative mindset to lead the radical transformation we need. You’ll understand how to work with partners and communities to enable change, using our asset base and resources to build services that meet the needs of our residents.

This is a once-in-a-career opportunity to rebuild a public service from the ground up, one that helps Thurrock reach its potential as a place where residents and businesses benefit from the opportunities that growth brings. As a natural collaborator, you will work with colleagues in SLT and beyond to create a Council that is sustainable, resilient and delivers for the residents of Thurrock. 

Salary: £123,000 - £144,000
Job Description
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We’re looking for a Chief Finance Officer (s151) to build financial sustainability in the organisation, setting us on a path that meets the short, medium and long-term financial pressures we face. We are seeking someone that will take responsibility for our finances, work closely with colleagues to build accountability and seize on opportunities to transform our financial future. We are looking for balanced innovation and someone that understands how to effect change in a Council. Given our recent history, this is a challenging, yet highly satisfying and important role that will be pivotal to our future and the lives of our residents. 

You’ll be willing to take carefully measured risks to achieve budget changes and make savings, and draw on substantial experience and expertise to manage these risks. This will come from changing how the council operates, rather than cuts to each service. You will support us in finding ways to improve our income base and work closely with Members and colleagues to spot opportunities for transformation and efficiencies. At the same time, you’ll always have one eye on the future – looking for opportunities at every turn to build financial resilience and sustainability. 

Salary: £123,000 - £144,000
Job Description
How to apply

Our new Executive Director of Corporate Services (and Monitoring Officer – MO) will bring together all our existing corporate services, including HR & OD, Digital & Customer Services, Legal & Governance, Fraud & Investigations, Audit, Community Safety, Emergency Planning & Resilience, and forge a new directorate. There is no equivalent position in the council at the moment and you will lead its development and the impact it will have on our ‘One Council’ approach and ensuring our residents receive the best customer service.

As such, you’ll need to have the specialist skills, knowledge and expertise to enable a strong, coherent, well organised and well-integrated set of corporate functions to both support the organisation and our elected members and embed best practices for governance and decision-making, a critical part of this role and our future Council. As our Monitoring Officer, you’ll understand good governance and be passionate about the need for transparency in our everyday operations. You will work in partnership with colleagues and elected members to celebrate the virtues of our One Council approach, where compassion and empowerment form the basis of effective and resilient decision-making. The scale of this challenge will not daunt you and you will be able to point to transforming governance in other organisations.

We know we need to ensure we have the right capacity and skills in the Council for our corporate core to enable the Council to achieve its ambitious objectives. As our new Executive Director of Corporate Services, you’ll be responsible for running the following services.

• Human Resources and Organisation Development:
  Ensuring that we are acting as an exemplary employer, and taking care of employees’ and the organisations’ development through a corporate lens. 

• IT:
  Modernising our approach to customer and digital services, ensuring we are open and visible to residents and making sure issues are resolved at the first point of contact. 

• Legal:
  Leading legal and democratic services that drive good governance and effective decision-making and enabling the Council to deliver the best outcomes possible for residents.

• Enforcement:
  Leading a well regarded set of services across community safety, emergency response, anti fraud, and our traded service NAFIS.

Salary: £123,000 - £144,000
Job Description
How to apply