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The search is on for the chief executives who will lead the newly-created unitary authorities in the North East. The chief executive posts at the new Durham and Northumberland unitary councils are both advertised this week. Click here for the Durham post, and here for the Northumberland position. More unitary councils are expected to start their own searches for chief executives shortly. Recruitment consultant GatenbySanderson is handling the hunt for the new chief executive at Northumberland, which has a salary of up to £180,000, while Veredus is dealing with Durham on £200,000. The Government has insisted on an open recruitment process for all the new unitary chief executives. ‘Northumberland presents a terrific opportunity for someone who is looking for the challenge of transformational change,' said GatenbySanderson managing partner, Graham Goodwin. ‘Politically astute, and able to harness energy and support from all parties, our candidate will need to be a decisive thinker, and quick to identify and resolve issues, as well as being a visible leader who can motivate and gain buy-in from the wider organisation – a big thinker who won't allow detail to detract from the bigger picture. ‘These are some of the essential skills we will be looking for,' added Mr Goodwin. The chief executive's job at the Isle of Wight Council, with a salary of up to £165,000, is also advertised in this week's issue. The MJ reported last month (27 March) that Isle of Wight chief executive, Joe Duckworth, was leaving to take the top job at Newham LBC. Mr Duckworth pledged to put the Olympic borough ‘firmly on the London and national map'. He was previously deputy chief executive at Westminster City Council. Rashpal Kaur-Singh has joined GatenbySanderson as a partner, working within the executive search department.

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Unitaries begin hunt to fill top jobs

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