Interim Chief Operating Officer - Local Government
Executive Director level | 6-12 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 during a key period of organisational improvement and transformation.
This is a senior leadership appointment providing strategic oversight across core corporate services including Finance (Section 151), Legal & Democratic Services, People/HR, Governance, Audit & Risk, and Health & Safety.
The Role
Reporting directly to the Chief Executive, you will provide visible, politically astute leadership across major service portfolios while strengthening governance frameworks and leading delivery-focused change.
* Leadership of large multi-disciplinary directorates and complex budgets.
* Oversight of statutory functions including Section 151, Monitoring Officer responsibilities, Audit & Risk and Health & Safety compliance.
* Driving organisational transformation to improve efficiency, performance and value for money.
* Embedding strong governance, financial controls and assurance frameworks.
* Building effective working relationships with elected members, senior officers, trade unions and partner agencies.
* Translating political priorities into safe, deliverable operational programmes.
* Creating a high-performance culture focused on collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement.
Candidate Profile
We are seeking an experienced senior leader from local government or a comparable public sector environment with a strong corporate background.
Essential requirements include:
* Fully qualified accountant with membership of a recognised professional body (CIPFA, ACCA, ICAEW or equivalent).
* Proven experience operating at Director or Executive Director level.
* Strong track record across corporate services including finance, governance/legal, HR and organisational development.
* Knowledge and experience of statutory governance including:
o Section 151 Officer duties
o Monitoring Officer functions
o Audit, risk and assurance frameworks
o Health & Safety compliance
* Experience leading large-scale improvement or transformation programmes.
* Proven ability to work effectively with elected members in politically complex environments.
* Exceptional stakeholder management, communication and leadership skills.
You will be credible, commercially focused and resilient - able to operate with pace while maintaining high standards of governance, ethics and public accountability.
Why Apply?
This is a rare opportunity to step into a high-profile interim executive role and make a genuine impact within a large and complex public sector organisation. The role offers real scope to drive change, strengthen governance and leave a lasting contribution.
Apply
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply via this advert or contact us for a confidential discussion.
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