Chief Executive
Cornwall Council
£214,982
Cornwall is a place of real natural beauty, cultural richness and growing innovation, with strengths in renewable energy, critical minerals, defence, agri-food and space that are attracting investment and creating new opportunities for Cornish people. Cornwall Council is one of the largest unitary authorities in England, serving more than half a million residents and employing around 5,800 people, and delivers the full range of council services alongside its fire and rescue service, with its devolution deal providing a strong platform to turn Cornwall’s potential into good jobs, skills and investment.
THE ROLE
The Council is looking to appoint its next Chief Executive and Head of Paid Service to lead the organisation into its next chapter. Working closely with the Leader and with Members across all political groups as principal adviser to the Cabinet, you will be responsible for a gross budget of around £1.6bn. As the Council’s most senior voice with Government, partners and the people of Cornwall, you will also lead its workforce of around 5,800 people.
Members have set out their priorities for the next four years, and your focus will be on turning that ambition into delivery. That means building a corporate leadership team with a shared sense of purpose, supporting Members to take difficult decisions well and keeping the organisation focused on the outcomes that matter most to residents. You will also hold the Council’s shareholder responsibilities for its group of companies, making sure they are well managed and continue to improve.
The Council has set a balanced budget across all three years of its Medium Term Financial Plan, with significant investment in Together for Families and adult social care alongside a savings programme of more than £150m over the period and a long-term capital programme of around £1.8bn. You will lead the delivery of that plan at a time when demand for services continues to grow across a large rural area with an older population. You will also lead Cornwall’s relationship with Government, building on the devolution deal to make the case for further powers and investment, and working with partners across health, the economy and the voluntary sector.
Cornwall’s communities value leaders who are present, accessible and invested in the place, and you will be a visible figure in towns and communities across Cornwall, with the workforce and with partners.
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 ProfileTimeline
Closing Date: 9Am, Monday 7th December
Longlist Meeting (Candidates not required): 17th December 2026
Preliminary Interviews (Teams): w/c 4th January 2027
Shortlist Meeting (Candidates not required): 12th January 2027
Final Panel Interviews (In-Person): 1st February 2027
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.