Assistant Chief Executive - Strategy & Communities

at  Southwark Council

About you
We are looking for a leader who can see the bigger picture while staying focused on delivering operational excellence, leveraging Southwark’s strengths to deliver high-impact, sustainable outcomes. With a proven track record in delivering strategies and transformation programmes at scale, your strategic thinking, political acumen, and financial oversight will be matched by your ability to inspire, influence, and collaborate across a range of stakeholders.
The role requires not just a commitment to public services, but a passion for shaping communities. You will have a deep understanding of the challenges facing local government, bringing innovative approaches to overcome them. As a natural leader, you will exemplify the values of integrity, inclusivity, and transparency which are core to Southwark’s ethos.
If you are ready to take on one of the most impactful leadership roles in London local government, we want to hear from you. Join us and help shape the future of Southwark.
The role
The Assistant Chief Executive for Strategy & Communities sits at the heart of the council’s corporate management team, who are instrumental in driving forward Southwark’s 2030 vision. Working closely with the Chief Executive, elected members, senior officers, and external stakeholders, the role takes responsibility for ensuring our long-term strategies reflect the needs of our diverse and growing borough.
Providing strategic leadership across a range of corporate services, you will have the opportunity to influence and shape policies, lead critical transformation programmes, and collaborate with our residents, businesses, and partners to achieve the best possible outcomes for the borough.
A key focus of the role involves embedding innovation and best practice across the council, supporting the effective delivery of Southwark’s core priorities. Ensuring financial sustainability and accountability, you will offer expert advice to guide evidence-based decision making, representing Southwark’s interests, and advocating for our communities, at local, regional, and national levels.
How to Apply
CLICK HERE to apply for this position. Applications received through the Southwark Careers website will not be reviewed.
For more information on all the roles we are recruiting to visit, https://join-southwark.co.uk/. For a confidential discussion about your suitability, please contact our recruitment partners at GatenbySanderson: Ben Parsonage (07530 578 921), Frazer Thouard (07384 810 743), or Duncan Collins (07586 705 475).

At Southwark, we believe in creating opportunities for everyone. As part of our ongoing commitment to building an inclusive and supportive workplace, we offer a Guaranteed Interview scheme for individuals from underrepresented backgrounds. If you meet the essential criteria for the role and identify with any of the following groups, you will qualify for the Guaranteed Interview Scheme:

• Current or former member of the armed forces
• Someone who is, or has previously been in care
• A person with a disability or long-term health condition

We value the unique perspectives and experiences you bring and are dedicated to ensuring that your potential is recognised.

• Current or former member of the armed forces
• Someone who is, or has previously been in care
• A person with a disability or long-term health conditio