Title

WORKFORCE

Chief Executive - Borough of Poole

Chief Executive - Borough of Poole

Salary: up to £125k

Poole is a high-performing unitary authority on the south coast of England, which despite being the fourth-lowest funded council in the country has big ambitions, an enviable reputation and a record of success.

Our award-winning Twin Sails bridge, opened in 2012, is just one example of what we can achieve. This has provided our seafront town with a second harbour crossing, crucial to opening up future development opportunities on brownfield sites in the heart of our community.

The local authority and the Borough we serve both have great potential for further transformation, but alongside significant financial challenges.

For example, we have an expanding population of elderly and frail elderly local residents, and the impact of this upon the Council's limited budget is a constant challenge. We have strong and improving partnerships in place, and we aim to build upon these and make working effectively through partnerships the way in which we fulfil the potential of our town.

Although currently under no overall political control, Poole has elected members whose approach is always guided by what is best for the town and for our community, and who have shown time and again that they can work together very effectively towards that aim across different political groups.

Working relationships between Members and Officers are strong, respectful and productive, but there are challenges. Living and working in Poole provides opportunities for excellent quality of life.

Poole Harbour is the second-largest natural harbour in the world, and gives access to a variety of water-sports and other leisure activities, as do our wonderful beaches. Our surrounding natural environment of protected heathlands, sea cliffs and woodlands stands comparison with anywhere in the country.

Could you be our new Chief Executive who can help take us to the next level? As a smaller unitary authority, we think our new Chief Executive is likely to be someone who is on the way up in terms of career trajectory, someone who may only stay with us for a few years before moving on to even bigger challenges, but someone who will really make a difference however long they work with us.

We need someone in this role who can think creatively and help us to develop a fresh vision and direction for Poole, implement best practice, motivate our excellent employees and engage the public in support of our change agenda.

For an informal discussion please contact our current Chief Executive, John McBride, on 01202 633001.

For more details and to apply please visit www.boroughofpoole.com/jobs. For assistance with our online application please call 01202 633054 during council service hours or email recruitment@poole.gov.uk.

Closing Date:24 November 2013

Interview Date: 9 & 10 December 2013.

WORKFORCE

EXCLUSIVE: LGA moves closer to strategic authority offer

By Paul Marinko | 11 June 2026

The Local Government Association (LGA) is getting closer to making a membership offer to strategic authorities as Bury MBC’s leader prepares to take over as ...

WORKFORCE

How LATCos can solve reorganisation problems

By Simon Fletcher | 11 June 2026

Local government reorganisation is a once-in-a-generation service design moment – and LATCos can help deliver it, says Simon Fletcher.

WORKFORCE

Market-shaping councils, better housing outcomes

By Joanne Drew | 11 June 2026

Joanne Drew considers the role of councils in enabling housing delivery and shaping local housing markets and why Enfield LBC created a First Time Buyers Com...

WORKFORCE

Unlocking the true power of culture

By Heather Jameson | 11 June 2026

Bradford’s year as City of Culture may be over, but it has left an imprint on the people and place. The MJ, Gatenby Sanderson and Bradford City Council broug...