In April 2027, West Surrey Council will become one of England's largest new unitary authorities, serving more than 650,000 residents and delivering services that shape people's lives every day.

But this is not simply a local government reorganisation. This is an opportunity to create something different.

To build a council that combines scale with genuine localism. A council where decisions remain close to communities. A council defined by accountability, ambition and delivery. A council that improves lives whilst earning the trust of residents, businesses, partners and elected Members.

West Surrey begins with tremendous strengths: internationally recognised businesses, thriving towns, outstanding natural environments, ambitious communities and significant economic potential. It also faces some of the most complex challenges in local government.

The new authority will inherit significant financial pressures, including substantial legacy debt. Demand for services continues to grow, particularly across areas such as adult social care, children's services, housing and support for vulnerable residents. At the same time, expectations are rightly high.

We are looking for a Chief Executive who embraces that reality.

You will not be joining a finished organisation with a settled blueprint. You will help create both.

Working closely with the Leader, Members, staff and partners, you will establish a new organisation, shape its culture and build confidence in its future. You will help create a council that remains deeply connected to its communities whilst delivering excellent services at scale.

Financial credibility will be essential. We need a leader who understands how to navigate complexity, engage confidently with central government and establish a sustainable platform for the future. Equally, this is not simply a finance challenge. We are seeking someone who understands that long-term resilience comes through transformation, innovation and better outcomes for residents.

This role requires courage, judgement and resilience.

You will need to work effectively within a politically-led environment, building strong relationships with Members across all parties whilst providing clear and independent professional advice. You will be visible, collaborative and authentic; someone capable of inspiring a workforce through significant change and creating a culture built on trust, accountability and high performance.

Most importantly, we are looking for a leader who wants to build something lasting. Not a short-term turnaround specialist. Not a caretaker. A Chief Executive who wants to invest in a place, its people and its future. If successful, you will help create an organisation that could become a model for modern local government: financially sustainable, community-focused and ambitious for the people it serves.

The challenges are substantial. The scrutiny will be intense. The opportunity is extraordinary.

Build the Future. Lead the Difference.

For an informal and confidential discussion contact: Frazer Thouard: frazer.Thouard@gatenbysanderson.com or Duncan Collins: duncan.collins@gatenbysanderson.com from GatenbySanderson.

West Surrey Council | 650,000+ residents | Career-defining opportunity | Lasting legacy

About Local Government Reorganisation

Local government in Surrey is changing to make services simpler, more connected and better able to respond to local needs. From April 2027, Surrey County Council and the existing district and borough councils will be replaced by two new unitary authorities: East Surrey and West Surrey.

West Surrey Council will bring together responsibility for essential local services including children's services, adult social care, housing, planning, highways, public health, environmental services, leisure and community services.

Alongside this, Surrey is working with government on plans to secure greater devolution and unlock new opportunities for local decision-making, investment and growth.

To find out more visit: www.surreylgrhub.gov.uk

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Recruitment Timetable

Closing date
Sunday 16th August 2026

Long listing
Thursday 20th August 2026

Preliminary interviews
Monday 24th and/or Tuesday 25th August 2026

Short listing
Thursday 27th August 2026

Final assessment day
Thursday 3rd September 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