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

LGR: Scrutinising Surrey and beyond

By Rebecca Gilbert | 07 November 2025

Tiffany Cloynes and Rebecca Gilbert offer an update on local government reorganisation in Surrey and for the devolution priority programme, along with an ass...

WORKFORCE

New professional body should give ministers pause for thought

By Paul Marinko | 06 November 2025

The news that a professional body for monitoring officers will be launched later this month will be welcomed across the sector.

WORKFORCE

Professional body for monitoring officers to be launched this month

By EXCLUSIVE by Dan Peters | 06 November 2025

Launch of professional body for monitoring officers will add to those already established for chief executives and chief finance officers.

WORKFORCE

West and North Northamptonshire deserve equivalent debt forgiveness to Surrey

By Cllr Mark Arnull | 06 November 2025

Cllr Mark Arnull explains why the Government must extend equivalent debt forgiveness to West and North Northamptonshire as offered to Surrey, and ensure fair...