Wakefield is ambitious and enterprising, focussed on making a positive difference to resident’s lives and unlocking the potential of our district.

We are looking for an outstanding leader to deliver our commitment to make Wakefield a place where people thrive, businesses succeed and visitors are welcome.

Located at the heart of the UK, Wakefield has great connections and an envious visitor variety. Home to internationally-renowned iconic cultural flagships, including The Hepworth Wakefield and the Yorkshire Sculpture Park, our culture and heritage is part of what makes Wakefield a place of significance and surprise. We believe that by continuing to grow this offer, it will be an integral part of our economic growth and translate into real benefits for residents.

Our new Chief Executive will keep us ahead of the game, responding to the challenges of COVID-19 and ensuring successful economic, social and environmental recovery. Like all local authorities, we face financial challenges which is why we need a person who can build on our excellent record of strong and robust financial management, and will guide investment in the areas that we know matter most to our residents and support the future prosperity of the district.

Our progress on responding to challenges and continuous improvement has real momentum, which means by taking up the reins the scene is set for you to excel.

You will be someone who can enable Wakefield to be at the forefront of the West Yorkshire devolution deal and make the most of the opportunity to take greater control over regional decisionmaking and increase our fiscal autonomy – ensuring it translates into benefits for residents.

One of Wakefield’s strengths, in good times and bad, is its people and communities. Our new Chief Executive will be responsible for creating a better future for the people of Wakefield and ensuring every resident feels part of our plans going forward.

You will lead our longer-term approach to tackling poverty and deliver more early intervention, putting a greater emphasis on employment and education and raising skills and wages for local people.

Wakefield has strong ambitions to tackle climate change, which presents both challenges and opportunities, as Chief Executive you will lead a proactive approach to help ensure that it contributes to the creation of jobs, improvement in resident health and make Wakefield an even better place to live and work.

To apply for this role, please submit an up to date copy of your CV, contact details, along with a supporting statement that sets out how you meet the essential criteria set out in the role profile to Seniorrecruitment@wakefield.gov.uk.

All information is included on our microsite www.ourwakefield.co.uk

To find out more contact Jill Clayton on 01924 305854.

Closing Date: 12 November at 12 noon

Assessments: 25 November 2020

Member Panel: 3 December 2020