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Please apply online via the link provided.



Please note this role and the responsibilities of the position span the entire organisation and does not sit in a specific functional area of the council. The position will report into the Assistant Chief Executive whilst also being a key stakeholder to our Chief Executive
Key dates for this recruitment:
<ul>
<li>1st stage interviews: 3rd October 2025</li>
<li>Key partner engagement sessions: 13th October 2025</li>
<li>2nd stage interviews: 24th October</li>
</ul>
Essex County Council is a unique place in which to explore your potential. As one of the largest county councils, with one of the most ambitious change programmes in the country, Essex is at the forefront of re-thinking the future of public services for the good of our residents.
As Chief of Staff, you will act as the strategic anchor for the Chief Executive’s office, ensuring seamless operations and driving alignment across advisory, operational, and engagement functions. You will play a pivotal role in shaping policy, identifying opportunities and risks, and guiding executive decision making in close collaboration with senior leaders.
Working alongside the Corporate Leadership Team (CLT), senior officers, and political stakeholders, you will lead the delivery of key programmes, strengthen external partnerships, and ensure effective communication and policy development. You’ll monitor progress, commission updates, and provide contextualised briefings that align with broader organisational and policy frameworks.
This role will define the significant issues facing Local Authorities and wider public sector organisations, ensuring that the council is equipped with the capacity and capability to deliver innovative, impactful solutions.
Representing the Chief Executive’s interests, you will foster collaboration with other local authorities, government departments, and communications teams to enhance the Council’s visibility, influence, and strategic positioning.
You will also support the Chief Executive’s engagement across Boards, Committees, and Advisory Groups, ensuring they are fully briefed and prepared for high-level discussions that shape the future of Essex and beyond.
Skills, Knowledge and Experience
With strong senior leadership experience in a complex, multi stakeholder environment, you will inspire and motivate teams. You’ll be a strategic thinker and strong leader, with a focus on delivery and performance.
Naturally, you will have strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build trust and credibility with colleagues, senior officers and elected Members.
You should have a deep understanding of the current policy and regulatory environment in local government, with experience working at a senior level in a political environment, navigating differing perspectives and cross organisation views.
Above all else, you will be dedicated to improving the lives of Essex’s residents, and passionate about helping Essex fulfil its full potential.
This role requires you to be educated to degree level or equivalent.
In turn, we can offer you a highly competitive benefits package that includes generous annual leave (with the option to purchase additional days), access to our desirable Local Government Pension Scheme, life assurance and up to 4 days of volunteering leave – plus a range of staff discounts. You will also find lifestyle-friendly flexible working options.
To read more about us please visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://workingforessex.com/role/economy-investment-and-public-health?source=workingforessex.com" target="_blank">People, Policy, Economy and Public Health - Working for Essex</a>
Why Essex?&nbsp;We are ambitious and a place to be proud of. Our 1,300 square miles stretch from Constable Country to the Thames Estuary, from the dynamic M11 corridor to the traditional seaside resorts of Clacton and Walton. Essex is home to England’s oldest town, Colchester, and the two post war new towns– Basildon and Harlow. Along with the City of Chelmsford, our county town, they form our major population centres. It means real choice and makes Essex the ideal place for advancing your career. Read more about us&nbsp;<a href="https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https://www.workingforessex.com/about-us/&amp;data=04|01||fbbf1f73c05e49c1cc6c08da01a8bae3|a8b4324f155c4215a0f17ed8cc9a992f|0|0|637824121440121632|Unknown|TWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0=|3000&amp;sdata=zfRU3QS3IqV4+DyVjlkScHeQ90sceB1W8orZufhO0tg=&amp;reserved=0&amp;source=workingforessex.com" target="_blank">here.</a>
Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We’re committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements of the job. Please speak to our Recruiters if you require any reasonable adjustments during the process.
We’re also committed to interview all&nbsp;veterans&nbsp;and&nbsp;care leavers, who meet the minimum requirements of the role for which they are applying.
Essex County Council, we value integrity and ethical behaviour. As part of our team, we kindly ask that you embrace our code of conduct and the Nolan principles, not only during the recruitment process but also throughout your time with us. Your commitment to these standards helps us maintain a positive and respectful workplace for everyone.
Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.
What you should do next
If you are interested in finding out more about this role, please apply via the Working for Essex website.
If you would like to be kept up to date on other relevant opportunities, blogs, news, events and industry related news at Essex County Council, please join The Essex Talent Community&nbsp;<a href="https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https://essexcc.hollaroo.com/invitationrequest/create/e124bd94-bc5e-4d3c-9662-ad4400d257c8&amp;data=04|01||fbbf1f73c05e49c1cc6c08da01a8bae3|a8b4324f155c4215a0f17ed8cc9a992f|0|0|637824121440121632|Unknown|TWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0=|3000&amp;sdata=bzVl4hQAzNV60pNGdiJDri8Pu5LwVCWzPVUyTFquBQw=&amp;reserved=0&amp;source=workingforessex.com" target="_blank">here</a>.&nbsp;
If you have queries on this role or require anything further, please email <a href="mailto:alice.symes@essex.gov.uk" target="_blank">alice.symes@essex.gov.uk</a>

Chief of Staff - Essex County Council

<ul></ul>

Please apply online via the link provided.



Greater Essex is entering a transformative period through devolution, aimed at simplifying governance, improving service delivery, and empowering communities. Under the proposed changes, powers and funding will be transferred from central government to a new Mayoral Combined County Authority, enabling more local control over key areas such as transport, housing, and economic development.
Role Overview:
The Interim Chief Executive Officer will lead the formation and operational readiness of the interim Greater Essex Combined County Authority, translating the ambitions of devolution into a credible, outcome focused functioning Authority.
This role demands a visionary, politically astute leader with experience of operating successfully in complex public sector systems, capable of building trust, shaping strategy, and delivering transformation at pace.
The Interim CEO will act as the principal advisor to the Constituent Authority Chief Executives and Mayor once elected, providing advice to the interim board and ensuring GECCA is positioned to deliver inclusive growth, public value, and long-term impact for the people of Essex.
The role holder will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight during the critical establishment phase of the interim Greater Essex Combined County Authority and shape the Authority’s foundational structures, working across the Essex system and building trusted relationships, to ensure readiness to deliver on the ambitions of devolution.
Role Accountabilities:
Leadership &amp; Vision:
<ul>
<li>Provide confident, strategic leadership to shape the Greater Essex Combined County Authority’s identity, values, and long-term direction</li>
<li>Establish a high-performing executive team and organisational structure aligned to future delivery priorities</li>
<li>Foster a culture of collaborative, inclusive, and transparent leadership across the whole of Essex</li>
</ul>
Devolution Leadership
<ul>
<li>Lead the operational delivery of the devolution deal and assume devolved powers and responsibilities.</li>
<li>Translate strategic ambitions into impactful programmes tailored to Essex’s needs and opportunities</li>
<li>Develop internal capacity and governance for long-term devolution success</li>
</ul>
Public Impact &amp; Inclusive Growth
<ul>
<li>Champion inclusive economic growth, public service reform and improved outcomes for residents.</li>
<li>Ensure early programmes reflect community priorities and reduce inequalities</li>
<li>Embed evidence-based decision-making and a focus on public value</li>
</ul>
Political Acumen &amp; System Leadership
<ul>
<li>Navigate complex political environments with credibility and tact, working closely with elected leaders, councils, and stakeholders.</li>
<li>Build trust across the system, enabling shared ownership of the Authority’s mission and delivery.</li>
<li>Provide impartial, strategic advice to decision makers that balances ambition with realism</li>
</ul>
Strategic Advocacy &amp; National Influence
<ul>
<li>Represent the Authority at regional, national, and ministerial levels, influencing outcomes and securing investment and buy in.</li>
<li>Build strategic alliances with government departments, business leaders, and civic organisations.</li>
<li>Ensure national engagement translates into tailored, impactful outcomes for Essex communities.</li>
</ul>
Financial Management &amp; Governance
<ul>
<li>Establish robust financial systems, controls, and reporting mechanisms to support transparency and accountability.</li>
<li>Lead budget development and resource planning for the Authority’s initial operating phase.</li>
<li>Ensure compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements, including audit and assurance</li>
</ul>
People Management &amp; Culture
<ul>
<li>Set the tone for a values-led, inclusive workplace culture that attracts and retains top talent</li>
<li>Lead the change transformation process to embed, values, behaviours&nbsp;employee engagement during setup and transition.</li>
<li>Role model the interim GECCA’s core values and behaviours – ensuring all senior leaders to do the same to embed across the new organisation</li>
</ul>
Statutory Duties
<ul>
<li>Fulfil the statutory responsibilities of the Head of Paid Service, ensuring lawful and effective operation of the Authority.</li>
<li>Ensure GECCA meets all legal obligations during its formation, including governance, transparency, and public accountability.</li>
<li>Prepare the organisation for future statutory functions under the elected Mayor and permanent leadership.</li>
</ul>
Knowledge, Skills and Experience:
<ul>
<li>Strong track record of ongoing professional development and expert knowledge in a relevant professional area.</li>
<li>Inspirational leadership style with a commitment to inclusion, integrity, and public service.</li>
<li>Proven experience in senior executive leadership within complex public sector organisations, ideally during setup or transformation phases.</li>
<li>Proven ability to lead across complex systems, aligning functions and priorities across councils, agencies, and regional partners.</li>
<li>Experience in building shared ownership of strategic goals while respecting local autonomy.</li>
<li>Deep understanding of devolution, place-based leadership, and multi-agency governance.</li>
<li>Strong political awareness and ability to build trust across diverse stakeholder groups.</li>
<li>Track record of delivering strategic programmes with measurable public impact.</li>
<li>Experience in managing media, political relationships, and public-facing roles with tact and strategic intent.</li>
<li>Adept at ensuring that teams are equipped with the capacity, capability, and culture to deliver the statutory and strategic objectives of the Authority.</li>
<li>Deep understanding of workforce planning, financial stewardship, and cultural development in public sector contexts.</li>
<li>High-level political awareness and ability to operate effectively within multi-tiered governance structures.</li>
<li>Experience in advising elected leaders and navigating sensitive political environments.</li>
<li>Skilled in shaping public narrative and building stakeholder trust through clear, authentic communication.</li>
<li>Knowledge of statutory duties, regulatory frameworks, and public accountability requirements.</li>
<li>Communicates with clarity, authenticity, and strategic intent across diverse audiences.</li>
</ul>
*Please note: All role dimensions (budget, line reports, etc) will be established and subject to change during the set-up stage of the interim Combined County Authority
This appointment is being managed by Essex Shared Services. Should you have any enquiries or would like to request a confidential discussion please contact Joanna Mosaid , Head of Shared Services via email at&nbsp;<a href="https://workingforessex.com/apply/interim-chief-executive-officer-greater-essex-combined-county-authority-20671?source=workingforessex.com" target="_blank">joanna.mosaid@essex.gov.uk</a>&nbsp;or by telephone 07917 182037.
If you have an accessibility need, disability, or condition that means you might require changes to the application or recruitment process, please get in touch with Essex Shared Services at&nbsp;<a href="https://workingforessex.com/apply/interim-chief-executive-officer-greater-essex-combined-county-authority-20671?source=workingforessex.com" target="_blank">essexsharedservices@essex.gov.uk</a>&nbsp;
Closing date for applications: Sunday 5th October 2025 at 23:59pm

Interim Chief Executive Officer - Greater Essex Combined County Authority

<ul></ul>





Interim Chief Executive Officer - Greater Essex Combined County AuthorityFixed Term, Full TimeCompetitiveLocation: CountywideClosing Date: Sunday 5th October 2025Greater Essex is entering a transformative period through devolution, aimed at simplifying governance, improving service delivery, and empowering communities. Under the proposed changes, powers and funding will be transferred from central government to a new Mayoral Combined County Authority, enabling more local control over key areas such as transport, housing, and economic development. Role Overview: The Interim Chief Executive Officer will lead the formation and operational readiness of the interim Greater Essex Combined County Authority, translating the ambitions of devolution into a credible, outcome focused functioning Authority.This role demands a visionary, politically astute leader with experience of operating successfully in complex public sector systems, capable of building trust, shaping strategy, and delivering transformation at pace.The Interim CEO will act as the principal advisor to the Constituent Authority Chief Executives and Mayor once elected, providing advice to the interim board and ensuring GECCA is positioned to deliver inclusive growth, public value, and long-term impact for the people of Essex.The role holder will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight during the critical establishment phase of the interim Greater Essex Combined County Authority and shape the Authority's foundational structures, working across the Essex system and building trusted relationships, to ensure readiness to deliver on the ambitions of devolution.Role Accountabilities:Leadership &amp; Vision:<ul>
<li>Provide confident, strategic leadership to shape the Greater Essex Combined County Authority's identity, values, and long-term direction</li>
<li>Establish a high-performing executive team and organisational structure aligned to future delivery priorities</li>
<li>Foster a culture of collaborative, inclusive, and transparent leadership across the whole of Essex</li>
</ul>Devolution Leadership<ul>
<li>Lead the operational delivery of the devolution deal and assume devolved powers and responsibilities.</li>
<li>Translate strategic ambitions into impactful programmes tailored to Essex's needs and opportunities</li>
<li>Develop internal capacity and governance for long-term devolution success</li>
</ul>Public Impact &amp; Inclusive Growth<ul>
<li>Champion inclusive economic growth, public service reform and improved outcomes for residents.</li>
<li>Ensure early programmes reflect community priorities and reduce inequalities</li>
<li>Embed evidence-based decision-making and a focus on public value</li>
</ul>Political Acumen &amp; System Leadership<ul>
<li>Navigate complex political environments with credibility and tact, working closely with elected leaders, councils, and stakeholders.</li>
<li>Build trust across the system, enabling shared ownership of the Authority's mission and delivery.</li>
<li>Provide impartial, strategic advice to decision makers that balances ambition with realism</li>
</ul>Strategic Advocacy &amp; National Influence<ul>
<li>Represent the Authority at regional, national, and ministerial levels, influencing outcomes and securing investment and buy in.</li>
<li>Build strategic alliances with government departments, business leaders, and civic organisations.</li>
<li>Ensure national engagement translates into tailored, impactful outcomes for Essex communities.</li>
</ul>Financial Management &amp; Governance<ul>
<li>Establish robust financial systems, controls, and reporting mechanisms to support transparency and accountability.</li>
<li>Lead budget development and resource planning for the Authority's initial operating phase.</li>
<li>Ensure compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements, including audit and assurance</li>
</ul>People Management &amp; Culture<ul>
<li>Set the tone for a values-led, inclusive workplace culture that attracts and retains top talent</li>
<li>Lead the change transformation process to embed, values, behaviours employee engagement during setup and transition.</li>
<li>Role model the interim GECCA's core values and behaviours - ensuring all senior leaders to do the same to embed across the new organisation</li>
</ul>Statutory Duties<ul>
<li>Fulfil the statutory responsibilities of the Head of Paid Service, ensuring lawful and effective operation of the Authority.</li>
<li>Ensure GECCA meets all legal obligations during its formation, including governance, transparency, and public accountability.</li>
<li>Prepare the organisation for future statutory functions under the elected Mayor and permanent leadership.</li>
</ul>Knowledge, Skills and Experience:<ul>
<li>Strong track record of ongoing professional development and expert knowledge in a relevant professional area.</li>
<li>Inspirational leadership style with a commitment to inclusion, integrity, and public service.</li>
<li>Proven experience in senior executive leadership within complex public sector organisations, ideally during setup or transformation phases.</li>
<li>Proven ability to lead across complex systems, aligning functions and priorities across councils, agencies, and regional partners.</li>
<li>Experience in building shared ownership of strategic goals while respecting local autonomy.</li>
<li>Deep understanding of devolution, place-based leadership, and multi-agency governance.</li>
<li>Strong political awareness and ability to build trust across diverse stakeholder groups.</li>
<li>Track record of delivering strategic programmes with measurable public impact.</li>
<li>Experience in managing media, political relationships, and public-facing roles with tact and strategic intent.</li>
<li>Adept at ensuring that teams are equipped with the capacity, capability, and culture to deliver the statutory and strategic objectives of the Authority.</li>
<li>Deep understanding of workforce planning, financial stewardship, and cultural development in public sector contexts.</li>
<li>High-level political awareness and ability to operate effectively within multi-tiered governance structures.</li>
<li>Experience in advising elected leaders and navigating sensitive political environments.</li>
<li>Skilled in shaping public narrative and building stakeholder trust through clear, authentic communication.</li>
<li>Knowledge of statutory duties, regulatory frameworks, and public accountability requirements.</li>
<li>Communicates with clarity, authenticity, and strategic intent across diverse audiences.</li>
</ul>*Please note: All role dimensions (budget, line reports, etc) will be established and subject to change during the set-up stage of the interim Combined County AuthorityThis appointment is being managed by Essex Shared Services. Should you have any enquiries or would like to request a confidential discussion please contact Joanna Mosaid , Head of Shared Services via email at <a>joanna.mosaid@essex.gov.uk</a> or by telephone 07917 182037.If you have an accessibility need, disability, or condition that means you might require changes to the application or recruitment process, please get in touch with Essex Shared Services at <a>essexsharedservices@essex.gov.uk</a> Closing date for applications: Sunday 5th October 2025 at 23:59pm

3 Political Jobs in Chelmsford, UK