Interim Chief Operating Officer - Local Government
Executive Director level | 6-12 Month Contract
We are working on behalf of a local authority seeking an experienced Interim Chief Operating Officer (COO) to join its Corporate Leadership Team during a key period of organisational improvement and transformation.
This is a senior leadership appointment providing strategic oversight across core corporate services including Finance (Section 151), Legal & Democratic Services, People/HR, Governance, Audit & Risk, and Health & Safety.
The Role
Reporting directly to the Chief Executive, you will provide visible, politically astute leadership across major service portfolios while strengthening governance frameworks and leading delivery-focused change.
Key responsibilities include:
Leadership of large multi-disciplinary directorates and complex budgets.
Oversight of statutory functions including Section 151, Monitoring Officer responsibilities, Audit & Risk and Health & Safety compliance.
Driving organisational transformation to improve efficiency, performance and value for money.
Embedding strong governance, financial controls and assurance frameworks.
Building effective working relationships with elected members, senior officers, trade unions and partner agencies.
Translating political priorities into safe, deliverable operational programmes.
Creating a high-performance culture focused on collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement.
Candidate Profile
We are seeking an experienced senior leader from local government or a comparable public sector environment with a strong corporate background.
Essential requirements include:
Fully qualified accountant with membership of a recognised professional body (CIPFA, ACCA, ICAEW or equivalent).
Proven experience operating at Director or Executive Director level.
Strong track record across corporate services including finance, governance/legal, HR and organisational development.
Knowledge and experience of statutory governance including:
Section 151 Officer duties
Monitoring Officer functions
Audit, risk and assurance frameworks
Health & Safety compliance
Experience leading large-scale improvement or transformation programmes.
Proven ability to work effectively with elected members in politically complex environments.
Exceptional stakeholder management, communication and leadership skills.
You will be credible, commercially focused and resilient - able to operate with pace while maintaining high standards of governance, ethics and public accountability.
Why Apply?
This is a rare opportunity to step into a high-profile interim executive role and make a genuine impact within a large and complex public sector organisation. The role offers real scope to drive change, strengthen governance and leave a lasting contribution.
Apply
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply via this advert or contact us for a confidential discussion.
