Interim Chief Operating Officer Local Government

Interim Chief Operating Officer - Local Government

Executive Director level 6-12 Month Contract

We are working on behalf of a local authority seeking an experienced Interim Chief Operating Officer (COO) to join its Corporate Leadership Team during a key period of organisational improvement and transformation.

This is a senior leadership appointment providing strategic oversight across core corporate services including Finance (Section 151) Legal & Democratic Services People/HR Governance Audit & Risk and Health & Safety.

The Role

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive you will provide visible politically astute leadership across major service portfolios while strengthening governance frameworks and leading delivery-focused change.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leadership of large multi-disciplinary directorates and complex budgets.

• Oversight of statutory functions including Section 151 Monitoring Officer responsibilities Audit & Risk and Health & Safety compliance.

• Driving organisational transformation to improve efficiency performance and value for money.

• Embedding strong governance financial controls and assurance frameworks.

• Building effective working relationships with elected members senior officers trade unions and partner agencies.

• Translating political priorities into safe deliverable operational programmes.

• Creating a high-performance culture focused on collaboration accountability and continuous improvement.

Candidate Profile

We are seeking an experienced senior leader from local government or a comparable public sector environment with a strong corporate background.

Essential requirements include:

• Fully qualified accountant with membership of a recognised professional body (CIPFA ACCA ICAEW or equivalent).

• Proven experience operating at Director or Executive Director level.

• Strong track record across corporate services including finance governance/legal HR and organisational development.

• Knowledge and experience of statutory governance including:

  • Section 151 Officer duties

  • Monitoring Officer functions

  • Audit risk and assurance frameworks

  • Health & Safety compliance

• Experience leading large-scale improvement or transformation programmes.

• Proven ability to work effectively with elected members in politically complex environments.

• Exceptional stakeholder management communication and leadership skills.

You will be credible commercially focused and resilient - able to operate with pace while maintaining high standards of governance ethics and public accountability.

Why Apply

This is a rare opportunity to step into a high-profile interim executive role and make a genuine impact within a large and complex public sector organisation. The role offers real scope to drive change strengthen governance and leave a lasting contribution.

Apply

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply via this advert or contact us for a confidential discussion.