Message from Laura Taylor, Chief Executive,

Thank you for your interest in our post of Strategic Director which is an important role in our leadership team with a focus on our universal services.

We are about to embark on a major transformation in Hampshire and Isle of Wight with the creation of a Strategic Authority and election of a Mayor in 2026, followed by local government reorganisation. You will lead our work on Place, Economy and Regulation, continuing our high-quality service levels and taking these services through change into a new unitary council. But we expect our Strategic Directors to be outward facing and working with partners across our region to negotiate best outcomes for our residents.

We are looking for a strategic leader with good operational experience, and highly attuned political ability. The areas you lead affect all our residents every day, so you need to have a strong approach to customer focus and engagement in addition to bringing strategic insight to continue to provide cutting edge advice to our Leader and Cabinet.

In return, we offer an excellent package of benefits including:

• Employer paid health cash plan
• Salary sacrifice scheme for cars and bikes
• 30 days annual leave per year rising to 34 days - dependent on length of service
• Flexible working arrangements
• 13 days additional flexi leave per year (subject to operational requirements)
• Option to buy up to 5 days additional annual leave
• Free parking at any Winchester Park and Ride (during work hours)
• Membership to the Local Government Pension Scheme
• Discounts at a range of major high street brands and the two leisure centres in the district
• Season Ticket loans
• Excellent working environment
• Support for continuous professional development

 We enclose the job description, and I look forward to receiving your application by CV and supporting statement. Please return your application to Mary Andrews via ExecutiveAssistants@winchester.gov.uk

The key dates in the process are:

Closing date: 1st April 2025

Interviews are provisionally scheduled for w/c 14 April & w/c 21 April 2025. These will be in person at the City Offices in Winchester.

If you have any questions or would like an informal conversation with me, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with Mary Andrews   ExecutiveAssistants@winchester.gov.uk or telephone 01962 848313

Laura Taylor (she/her)

To apply please click the Apply Now link below.