Deputy Chief Executive
Chorley & South Ribble Councils
Salary circa £116,000
Chorley Council and South Ribble Borough Council serve a combined population of around 250,000 people and together are demonstrating what meaningful collaboration between local authorities can achieve. Both boroughs include a mix of urban centres, suburban communities, and rural landscapes. They are largely affluent areas with pockets of deprivation, where the councils play an important role in supporting inclusion and opportunities for all. Situated within Lancashire, both districts benefit from strong transport links to Manchester, Preston, Liverpool and regional airports, making them attractive and well-connected places to live, work, and invest in.
Each council has a distinct identity, vision, and set of priorities, but they share a common ambition to deliver excellent public services and positive outcomes for their residents.
Both councils are ambitious, confident and forward-thinking. They push boundaries, take on complex challenges and consistently punch above their weight, both independently and together.
The next few years will be shaped by Local Government Reorganisation across Lancashire, and Chorley and South Ribble are both committed to preparing proactively for this transition. Their shared-service arrangements, strong officer culture, and established partnership working place them in a strong position to influence and shape the future landscape.
THE ROLE
This is a key moment for Chorley and South Ribble as both councils prepare for Local Government Reorganisation across Lancashire. The Deputy Chief Executive role sits at the centre of this work, offering the chance to lead significant transformation across two ambitious, forward-thinking organisations and to shape the way services, governance and strategy evolve in the coming years.
Working across both councils, you will provide strategic leadership to a broad portfolio that brings together Finance, Governance, and Change & Delivery. You will ensure the corporate core operates with clarity, pace and purpose, supporting services to deliver on today’s priorities while building the conditions for long-term success. You will also play a leading role in organisational development and in strengthening the councils’ approach to change, improvement and accountability.
A key part of the role will be preparing both authorities for the transition into new unitary arrangements. You will guide the development of change programmes, support members as they navigate complex decisions, and ensure the councils are well-positioned for the opportunities and challenges ahead. This role represents a rare career opportunity to contribute meaningfully to LGR, developing experience that will support your progression as the new authorities take shape.
You will be a visible and confident leader, able to deputise seamlessly for the Chief Executive and to manage an intricate set of relationships across two distinct authorities. You will understand the realities of district councils and bring the judgement, resilience and communication skills required to support staff, elected members and partners through a period of significant change.
The breadth of the portfolio and the shared-service environment make this an excellent next step for Directors in other districts seeking broader responsibility, or for senior leaders in larger councils looking to step into a more influential role and be at the forefront of shaping local government in Lancashire.
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
ROLE PROFILE Shared Structure Chart Chief Executive Welcome LetterTimeline
Closing Date: Sunday 18th January 2026
Longlist Meeting: 19th January 2026
Preliminary Interviews (Teams): 22nd/23rd January 2026
Shortlist Meeting: 23rd January 2026
Assessment Centre: 28th/29th January 2026
Final Panel: w/c 2nd February 2026
Useful Links
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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