Highland Council advertises £159K interim chief executive role as search for 'exceptional leader' begins

HIGHLAND Council is advertising to fill its top post on an interim basis for up to nine months with a salary of £159,499 for the successful candidate.

The job hunt – which has an application of deadline of January 9, 2023 – follows the resignation of Donna Manson who is leaving to take up the top job at Devon County Council in February.

The advert for an interim chief executive flags "an exciting opportunity for an exceptional leader that is ready to begin work immediately" to deliver the council’s organisational vision and strategy.

While the salary has attracted much comment, the advert notes the responsibility of overseeing the largest UK local authority landmass and a net revenue budget of £640m to deliver services to 235,430 residents and thousands of annual visitors.

That landmass takes in 7000km of roads – much of the network in desperate need of upgrading – and 199 schools and 14,500 council houses.

The post-holder will be faced with the challenge of helping guide through a £900m, 15-year capital programme and prioritising a significant backlog of repairs and new builds in that schooling network.

Would-be applicants are told: "Joining the business before the 23/24 budget is delivered allows contribution to council efficiencies and its long-term financial sustainability."

After setting out the big picture, the ad asks: "Are you the exceptional leader we are seeking? Could you marshal available resources to maximise our growth potential and positively influence our economic, social, and green recovery?

"Does the vision of engaging and taking forward our communities and partners to foster prosperity and wellbeing excite you?If so, then this is the perfect role for you so apply now."

The successful candidate will be interviewed on January 19 and can expect a contract of between six to nine months. Recruitment for a permanent chief executive will then be taking place with the interim CEO starting as early as the end of January.

Applications are through My Job Scotland at https://bit.ly/3Yy0sbf

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