Interim COO and S151 Officer – Local Government
Executive Director level | 6 Month Contract
We are working on behalf of a local authority seeking an experienced Interim Chief Operating Officer (COO) to join its Corporate Leadership Team at a pivotal time of organisational transformation and improvement.
This critical senior leadership appointment provides strategic oversight across key corporate services, including:
* Finance / Section 151 functions
* Legal & Democratic Services / Monitoring Officer functions
* People Services (HR & OD)
* Audit, Risk & Assurance
* Health & Safety
The successful interim will play a central role in ensuring robust statutory governance, financial resilience, operational delivery, and organisational performance while leading complex change programmes and embedding a high-performance culture.
The Role
Reporting directly to the Chief Executive, you will be a core member of the Corporate Leadership Team with responsibility for shaping strategic direction and driving delivery across corporate resources.
Key Responsibilities
* Providing visible leadership across large multidisciplinary directorates with significant revenue and capital budgets.
* Ensuring effective discharge of statutory responsibilities, including oversight of Section 151, Monitoring Officer, Audit and Risk Management, and Health & Safety functions.
* Strengthening governance frameworks to ensure compliance, transparency, ethical decision‑making and effective scrutiny.
* Driving transformation programmes to improve service efficiency, productivity, digital delivery and value for money.
* Leading organisational culture change fostering collaboration, empowerment, inclusion and continuous improvement.
* Building strong working relationships across political leadership, external stakeholders, partner organisations and trade unions.
* Translating political priorities into safe, deliverable operational programmes.
* Supporting financial recovery and long‑term sustainability planning.
This role requires a confident, credible leader with the judgement and diplomacy to operate within complex political environments and maintain momentum during periods of change.
Candidate Profile
Applicants will be experienced senior leaders from local government or complex public sector environments, with a proven record of managing large corporate portfolios and leading organisational transformation.
Essential Criteria
* Qualified accountant with membership of a recognised professional body (e.g. CIPFA, ACCA, ICAEW or equivalent).
* Proven track record operating at Director or Executive Director level within local government or similar public sector organisations.
* Significant experience covering corporate resources including finance, governance, legal/democratic services and people functions.
* Strong understanding of statutory governance responsibilities including Section 151 Officer duties, Monitoring Officer functions, Audit, risk and assurance frameworks and Health & Safety compliance.
* Successful delivery of large‑scale transformation or improvement programmes.
* Experience working with elected members and navigating political governance structures.
* Strong strategic planning, financial management and commercial skills.
* Demonstrable ability to create high‑performing cultures and lead multi‑disciplinary senior teams.
* Degree qualified with evidence of continuous professional development.
Personal Attributes
* Influential, collaborative leadership style with excellent stakeholder management skills.
* Calm, resilient and adaptable, with experience operating during organisational change.
* Politically astute with strong negotiation and communication capability.
* Delivery‑focused, pragmatic and commercially minded.
Why This Role?
This opportunity offers the chance to step into a high‑impact interim Executive position and play a key role in shaping governance, financial sustainability, and performance across a large and complex organisation. You will influence strategic direction, deliver meaningful change, and leave a lasting legacy.
How to Apply
If you are an experienced interim senior leader seeking a challenging and rewarding assignment, please apply via this advert or contact us for a confidential discussion.
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