Chief Executive Officer

Chief Executive Officer

Cornwall Council
£214,982

Cornwall is a place like nowhere else, with a proud identity, strong communities and a clear ambition to shape its own future. Following the Government’s announcement that Cornwall Council will become England’s first single strategic authority, securing deeper devolution on a Cornwall-only footprint, the Council is entering a significant period of change that offers a real opportunity to influence how Cornwall develops in the years ahead.

Cornwall Council is one of the largest unitary councils in England, serving more than half a million residents across a large rural area, and it has a strong track record of delivering good services and finding practical solutions to the challenges it faces.

THE ROLE

As Chief Executive Officer and Head of Paid Service, you will lead a workforce of around 5,800 people and a gross budget of around £1.6bn, working closely with the Leader and with Members across all political groups as principal adviser to the Cabinet, and acting as the Council’s most senior voice with Government, partners and the people of Cornwall.

The move to a single strategic authority brings a new dimension to the role, and alongside maintaining the quality of services that residents rely on, you will lead the changes needed to build the new authority, working with Members and partners to shape what it will look like and making the case to Government for further powers and investment. With partnership working across the public sector set to grow as the strategic authority develops, you will play a leading part in bringing organisations together around a shared ambition for Cornwall.

Members have set out their priorities for the next four years, and your focus will be on turning that ambition into delivery, leading the Strategic Directors with a shared sense of purpose and supporting Members to take difficult decisions well.

Cornwall feels like one big community, and its partners and communities value a Chief Executive who is present, approachable and invested in the place. The Council has talented and committed staff, and you will lead them in building an environment where the workforce can thrive.

We are looking for a proven senior leader who combines sound political judgement and financial grip with the warmth and credibility to lead a large workforce through change. We welcome applications from across local government and comparable sectors, and from anyone who would relish the chance to be part of creating the new Cornwall.

INFORMATION

For further details, please click on the role profile and useful links below, or for more information please contact Tim Farr on 07756 293292 or tim.farr@starfishsearch.com or Sunita Patel on 07561 708 023 or sunita.patel@starfishsearch.com

Role Profile     Candidate Pack     Timeline

Closing Date: Monday 7th December

Longlist Meeting (Candidates not required): 17th December 2026

Preliminary Interviews (Teams): Between 21st – 23rd December 2026

Shortlist Meeting (Candidates not required): 5th January 2027

Final Panel Interviews (In-Person): 12th January 2027

Useful Links

Council Plan 2026 - 2030 VIEW

LGA Corporate Peer Challenge VIEW

Cornwall Devolution Deal VIEW

How to apply

To make an application, please click on the apply now button below, with the following prepared:

• Your CV (no more than three sides of A4).
• A supporting statement (no more than three sides of A4) that sets out why you think this role is the right move for you and how you meet the knowledge and experience criteria.

If our client is a member of the Disability Confident Scheme and you would like to apply under the scheme, please state that clearly at the top of your supporting statement, along with any adjustments you require to be made if invited for interview.

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