Chief Executive
Share this role
- Employer:
- Basildon Borough Council
- Location:
- Essex
- Salary:
- Up to £186,560 + a monthly car allowance of £330.25
- Closing date:
- Friday 2nd October 2026, 12 midday
- Job Ref:
- GSe135635
Description
Lead Basildon now. Shape what comes next.
There are Chief Executive roles where the direction is already set. This is not one of them.
Basildon is looking for a Chief Executive who can bring clarity, confidence and stability at an important moment for the Council and the borough. You will lead an organisation that is addressing significant improvement priorities, but which also has committed people, real economic strength and ambitions extending far beyond the immediate challenges.
Your first responsibility will be to bring the organisation together. You will establish a clear sense of direction, build confidence between Members and officers and make sure that political ambition is translated into disciplined, visible delivery. You will lead an open and transparent response to the current Best Value work, ensuring that improvement is understood not as a short-term exercise, but as a lasting change in the way the Council operates.
Yet this role is about much more than organisational recovery.
Basildon has significant economic and regeneration potential. Its future is closely connected to the continued growth and prosperity of South Essex. You will ensure the borough has a strong voice, a clear proposition and an organisation capable of delivering for its residents while pursuing its ambitions for growth and improvement.
As Head of Paid Service, you will provide corporate and strategic leadership, support the Council’s statutory officers, work closely with Members and partners, lead organisational change and help sustain Basildon’s economic growth.
We are open to established Chief Executives and to exceptional directors ready to take their first Chief Executive appointment. What matters is that you bring political acuity, personal credibility and an ability to create trust without avoiding difficult conversations. You will be visible, calm under pressure and as comfortable discussing governance and organisational improvement as you are championing Basildon’s economy, communities and future.
This is not a role for someone looking simply to manage the next chapter.
It is for a leader who wants to help write it.
This is Basildon’s moment. Make it yours.
For a confidential discussion, contact our search partner at GatenbySanderson: Kembi Coakelin - kembi.coakelin@gatenbysanderson.com Frazer Thouard - frazer.thouard@gatenbysanderson.com and Duncan Collins - duncan.collins@gatenbysanderson.com
Closing date: Friday 2nd October, 12pm midday
To view the job description and person specification, please scroll to the bottom of the page, tick to agree to the privacy policy, then click 'Continue to full details'.
How to Apply
- Please submit your CV along with a Supporting Statement addressing the person specification criteria, evidencing how you meet the criteria.
- Detail any employment or education gaps.
- Be ready to provide the names, positions, organisations and contact details for two referees; one should be your current or most recent employer. Referees will be contacted for those proceeding to final stages. We will always gain your permission before we contact referees.
- Let us know any difficulty you may have with the indicative timetable.
- Check that your contact details are correct before you submit.
Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an automated email confirmation. If you do not receive, please email contactus@gatenbysanderson.com