Build a Modern, Resilient LGA for a Defining Era

There has rarely been a more important - or more exciting - time to help shape the future of local government.

Local government is the backbone of strong, successful and thriving communities. As councils respond to devolution, public service reform and financial sustainability, the Local Government Association is at the heart of the national debate - championing the sector, influencing decisions and helping secure the powers, resources and support councils need to succeed.

We're now seeking an outstanding Deputy Chief Executive to join our Strategic Leadership Team in a pivotal new role, providing transformative strategic leadership to strengthen the LGA as the leading membership body for local government and as a modern business.

This is much more than a traditional deputy role. Working alongside the Chief Executive and wider Strategic Leadership Team, you will lead the 'engine room' of the organisation - spanning financial services, people, governance, digital and technology, procurement, transformation, member services and pensions. You will embed resilience and corporate grip so that the LGA can continue to deliver ambitiously for its members.

You will cultivate a culture of collaboration and trust with your teams, the Board and the wider sector, bringing people together behind shared priorities and ensuring the organisation has the capability, capacity and confidence to deliver. Your financial and commercial credibility will also position you as an influential voice on local government finance, reform, sustainability and sector improvement.

About you

We're looking for an exceptional leader with substantial experience in complex, high-profile and politically nuanced environments. You may come from local government, the wider public sector, a membership organisation or a closely related national institution. What matters most is your ability to combine strategic leadership, financial and commercial acumen and strong operational delivery - while inspiring confidence and trust.

You will bring:

• A track record of leading organisational transformation and improvement.
• Strong financial and commercial acumen, including experience of delivering financial turnaround, sustainability or major change.
• The credibility to build trust quickly with elected members, boards, senior leaders and external stakeholders.
• Political awareness and sound judgement in complex environments.
• Excellent people leadership skills and the ability to inspire confidence through periods of change.
• The presence and capability to act as a genuine deputy to the Chief Executive.

There is nowhere quite like the LGA. This is a rare opportunity to help build a modern, resilient and agile organisation with national influence - and to make a difference that is felt in councils and communities across the country.

For a confidential discussion, please contact our search partner GatenbySanderson: Rachel Salvia: Rachel.Salvia@gatenbysanderson.com and Tim Hills: tim.hills@gatenbysanderson.com

To view the job description and person specification, please scroll to the bottom of the page, tick to agree to the privacy policy, then click 'Continue to full details'.

Recruitment Timetable

Closing date
23.59 Sunday 18 October 2026

Longlist Meeting
w/c 26 October 2026

Technical Interviews
w/c 2 November 2026

Shortlist Meeting
w/c 9 November 2026

Stakeholder Panels
w/c 16 November 2026

Final Panel Interviews
w/c 23 November 2026

How to Apply

• Please submit your CV along with a Supporting Statement addressing the person specification criteria, evidencing how you meet the criteria.
• Detail any employment or education gaps.
• Be ready to provide the names, positions, organisations and contact details for two referees; one should be your current or most recent employer. Referees will be contacted for those proceeding to final stages. We will always gain your permission before we contact referees.
• Let us know any difficulty you may have with the indicative timetable.
• Check that your contact details are correct before you submit.

Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an automated email confirmation. If you do not receive, please email contactus@gatenbysanderson.com