Salary: Up to £135k.
These are exciting times for the Borough of Poole,and we are now looking for a new Chief Executive who can bring us out of the period of austerity with vigour and energy. We are looking for an ambitious leader who will share the commitment and passion of elected members, partners and staff to build a successful future for our Borough.
Poole is a successful, high-performing and hugely ambitious unitary authority on the south coast. We know we achieve most when we work in partnership, and we already have a range of strong partnerships in place. One of our primary aims is to further develop and strengthen existing partnerships, and to look for opportunities to form new ones that will benefit local people, businesses and visitors.
Economic development and regeneration will be among the most important challenges for the new Chief Executive. Our recently constructed TwinSailsBridge provides a second harbour crossing, crucial to opening up future development opportunities on brownfield sites in the heart of our town.
It has already opened up one of the largest regeneration sites anywhere in South-West England, and as Chief Executive you will need to work closely with the landowners and partners to seize this opportunity and deliver the Council's vision of a mixed development embracing leisure, housing, commerce and industry.
Poole has a vibrant and dynamic local economy. This includes burgeoning digital and creative economy, green businesses, developing port facilities and a thriving manufacturing sector, ranging from boat-building to high-tech industry.
Among premier businesses in Poole are Sunseeker, the internationally renowned designer and manufacturer of luxury yachts, Merlin Entertainments, Europe's largest operator of visitor attractions and Bright Blue Day, the UK's number 1 digital agency Other flagship businesses based in the town include Lush and Animal, and – in the third sector – Poole hosts the national headquarters of the RNLI.
There are two thriving universities located within Poole's boundaries – Arts University, Bournemouth, and the main campus of Bournemouth University. Our local universities work closely with the Local Enterprise Partnership and with local businesses and councils to develop the right skills for our local economy.
The Council works very closely with the LEP set up two years ago. Despite being a relatively new partnership, the LEP has already put forward bids for a City Deal, a Strategic Economic Plan and a European Structural and Investment Fund. You will be an essential part of progressing these and other initiatives with partners across Dorset.
Strong relationships are also in place with neighbouring local authorities. The major initiative "Better Together," shared with Bournemouth Borough Council, Dorset County Council and local NHS Trusts, will transform the local health and social care system. This follows the award of £750,000 transformation funding from the DCLG.
Other collaborative working includes the Adult Learning service provided by Poole for the whole of Dorset, including Bournemouth. Similarly, Poole is working with District partners to provide a joint Revenues and Benefits service covering eastern and northern parts of Dorset.
Living and working in Poole provides opportunities for excellent quality of life. PooleHarbour is one of the largest natural harbours in the world, and gives access to a variety of leisure activities, as do our wonderful beaches. Our surrounding natural environment of protected heathlands, sea cliffs and woodlands stands is second to none.
The Council's 2013 staff survey shows a workforce that is highly motivated and feels well informed about the organisation's priorities. It's a great place to work.
We need someone in this role who can bring energy and vigour to the role, think creatively and help us to develop a fresh vision and direction for Poole, implement best practice, motivate our excellent employees and engage the public in support of our change agenda.
You would be joining an organisation with a lean senior management,and one of your first tasks will be to review the shape of the senior leadership team to deliver this future vision.
For an informal discussion please contact Bryony Houlden, Chief Executive of South West Councils, who is the external adviser to the Council in this appointment process.
Bryony can be contacted on 01823 270101.
For more details and to apply please visit http://jobsatpoole.com/chief-executive-chief-executive/12012.job
For assistance with our online application please call 01202 633054 during council service hours or email recruitment@poole.gov.uk.
Closing date: 30 March 2014
Interview Dates: 25 April,15 & 16 May 2014
Previous applicants will automatically be reconsidered. This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and vulnerable adults. All applicants will be required to complete a Disclosure and Barring Service Check
