Chief Executive Officer (Clerk)

Salary: SCP 43-48 (£54,495 - £61,198) + £1,045 London Fringe Allowance + £1,239 Casual Car User Allowance

Hours: Full‑time, 37 hours per week, with requirement for evening and weekend working as required to support council meetings and events

Location: Chorleywood, Hertfordshire - WD3 5SL

Lead a high‑performing council at a pivotal moment for Chorleywood

Chorleywood is one of Hertfordshire's most distinctive and desirable parishes, defined by its landscape, strong community identity and high‑quality environment. With an 87‑hectare Common designated as a Local Nature Reserve, vibrant village life and excellent transport links, the parish is proud of its heritage and ambitious for its future.

The Council has made significant progress over the past four years, strengthening transparency, culture and delivery. Resident satisfaction is high, and the organisation is well‑regarded for its governance, financial stewardship and commitment to community wellbeing. As Hertfordshire prepares for Local Government Reorganisation in 2027, and as pressures on the green belt continue to grow, this is a rare opportunity to help shape the next chapter for a confident, forward‑looking council.

What you'll be doing

As our most senior officer and Proper Officer, you will provide strategic leadership, strong governance and clear professional advice to councillors. You will guide delivery of the Council's new strategic action plan and Annual Objectives, ensuring decisions are informed, lawful and aligned with the needs of the community.

You will lead a committed team delivering a wide range of services and assets, including Chorleywood Common, Grovewood, the lawn cemetery, allotments, village halls (operated under a Charitable Scheme), community events and day‑to‑day parish operations. Working closely with the Responsible Financial Officer, you will oversee budgets, audits, risk, contracts and long‑term financial planning.

A key part of the role will be expanding the Council's reach, deepening engagement across generations, strengthening partnerships and exploring what residents want next as the parish evolves.

What we're looking for

We are seeking an experienced, confident and community‑minded leader who can balance strategic vision with practical delivery. You will bring:

Strong leadership experience, with the ability to motivate and develop staff
Sound judgement, political awareness and the ability to navigate differing viewpoints
Confidence in governance, statutory duties and regulatory frameworks
Experience managing budgets, risk, audits and organisational performance
Excellent communication skills and the ability to build trusted relationships
A values‑driven, resilient and solutions‑focused approach
Local government experience and CiLCA are preferable but not essential — we will support the right candidate to achieve CiLCA within 18 months.

What we offer

Chorleywood Parish Council offers a supportive, professional and community‑focused environment where your leadership will make a visible impact. You will join a dedicated team, benefit from strong councillor support and have the opportunity to shape the future of a parish that is proud of its identity and ambitious for its next chapter.

We offer:

A competitive salary + allowances
Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme
Professional development and training, including CiLCA support
Free on‑site parking
A role with genuine influence and community impact
To Apply

If you believe you are a suitable candidate and are interested in working for Chorleywood Parish Council, please click apply in order to receive a full candidate pack and application form.

Closing date: 5pm, Wednesday 8th April 2026

Interviews: w/c 20th April 2026

Chorleywood Parish Council is an Equal Opportunities Employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community