The Role

Chief Executive, City of York Council

Location: West Offices, York / Hybrid working
Salary: up to £177,821 per annum + Returning Officer fee

About us

At City of York Council, we are proud of our strong civic identity, heritage, and ambition. We do not just deliver services, we shape the future of a thriving, inclusive, and forward-looking city. Our Council Plan, "One City for All," sets out an ambitious, community-focused vision to improve the lives of our 200,000 residents and meet the challenges and opportunities ahead.

As our Chief Executive, you will be joining an organisation that is ambitious for the future, and determined to deliver inclusive growth, social justice, and environmental sustainability. This is a unique opportunity to lead a council at the heart of a devolution deal and on the cusp of transformative change across transport, housing, economic development, and health.

The role

As Chief Executive and Head of Paid Service, you will provide dynamic, visible, and strategic leadership across the council and city. You will work closely with elected members, partners, and communities to ensure high-performing, people-focused services that are innovative, inclusive, and value for money.

You will oversee a Corporate Management Team delivering key services across housing, social care, education, environment, and economic development. You will act as principal policy adviser to the council and represent York’s voice and interests at regional, national, and international levels.

You will champion transformation, drive culture change, and foster collaboration within and beyond the organisation, particularly as we maximise the opportunities offered through devolution and our partnership with the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority.

What we're looking for

We are seeking an outstanding leader with a proven track record of leading change at scale in a complex political environment. You will bring:

A strong sense of public service, purpose and values-led leadership
Substantial experience of strategic leadership and working with elected members
Deep understanding of the local government landscape and the broader public service economy
A commitment to inclusive growth, sustainability and equity
A collaborative approach with emotional intelligence, courage, and resilience
An ability to inspire trust, drive performance, and develop strong relationships with stakeholders

You will also be responsible for emergency planning and leading the council’s response in major incidents, as well as serving as the Returning Officer for all elections.

About York

York is one of the UK’s most historic and best-loved cities, and also one of its most dynamic. As well as being a heritage capital, we are an innovation hub, a university city, a place of culture and creativity, and a national exemplar of sustainable urban development.

With a long-term vision for inclusive growth, a Local Plan now in place, major developments like York Central progressing, and devolved powers coming onstream, this is a moment of genuine opportunity. We are looking for a Chief Executive who can help us seize that moment and deliver lasting, meaningful change.