Surrey's ambitious 2030 vision is of a county of well-functioning and connected places, with healthy communities and a high quality of life. We're an important growth engine not only for the region, but also for UK Plc: business density is some 25% above the national average, and we're proud of our strong and growing economy.
But we also have a profound moral purpose. Alongside prosperous and flourishing places, Surrey contains communities and individuals in need of support. Our firm commitment is that 'no one is left behind', and the health and wellbeing of our environment and communities will always underpin our strategic objectives.
Under the leadership of our new Chief Executive, Terence Herbert, we believe that Surrey County Council is exceptionally well placed to be a sector-leading exemplar, hungry for improvement and always going the extra mile to enhance our residents' lives. Our track record of innovation and resilience speaks for itself, and our approach to service design and delivery is relentlessly focused on securing the best outcomes for residents and communities.
Our new Executive Director Place will lead the delivery of an integrated portfolio of services, while fostering a culture of excellence, continuous improvement and collaboration. Responsible for over 800 employees and a combined revenue and capital budget of over £500m, you'll be accountable for a major part of our overall organisational ambition to provide class-leading services with a relentless customer focus. As well as your significant strategic responsibilities within the council, advising the Leader, Cabinet and senior colleagues, you'll play a pivotal leadership role in county-wide systems, convening and shaping positive partnerships to ensure that critical functions (Highways, Infrastructure and Planning, Economy & Growth, Land & Property, Environment and Waste) are managed and delivered efficiently, innovatively and sustainably.
Candidates will bring substantial experience at a senior level within a large and complex organisation and a commercial mindset is a must. Extensive knowledge of the operating context and emerging macro issues is essential, as is a track record of successfully delivering major infrastructure projects. Strong candidates will additionally be politically astute, analytical and have well-developed partnership skills. Highly credible with colleagues at all levels, your personal leadership style will be visible, dynamic and influential, and you will exemplify a culture of openness, accountability and continuous improvement.
To arrange an informal conversation with our advising consultants at Faerfield, Martin Tucker and Ben Cox, please call 0121 312 3755.
Recruitment Timeline
- Closing date: Sunday 27 October
- Longlist meeting (no candidate involvement): Monday 4 November
- Preliminary virtual interviews: week commencing 11 November
- Shortlist meeting (no candidate involvement): Thursday 21 November
- Assessment day in person: Wednesday 27 November
- Final People, Performance and Development Committee panel (in person): Wednesday 18 December
