Wrexham Council re-launch hunt for Chief Executive as job advert goes live

Wrexham Council have re-advertised for their top job, seeking an “an outstanding individual to lead our organisation and build on our success through the next phase of our journey”.

The well remunerated position has a guide salary range of £111,191 – £127,513 , plus ‘election fees’ for the Returning Officer role that is also undertaken.

Back in July last year the old Chief Executive Dr Helen Paterson ‘did a Keates‘ and announced she was moving to Walsall triggering the search for a replacement, and subsequently a debate over the cost of the process.

The recruitment process that appeared to be running smoothly hit the buffers in December when an appointment failed, through no fault of Wrexham Council. In January it was confirmed that a re-run was taking place, and the job would be therefore re-advertised ‘nationally’.

Although there are currently 36 jobs advertised on the Council’s own website, none are listing the Chief Exec role, with the advert appearing elsewhere in the UK.

The Council have also updated their dedicated information site on buildingonsuccess.wales, which is very similar to the previous application process but with updated dates and information.

Unfortunately if you view the ‘Apply’ page and click ‘application form‘, it is currently showing the old PDF with a pre-filled date error (below). Other documents have been updated for 2018, for example an extra table has been added into the new T&C’s compared to the old version.

The real closing date for applications is noon on Monday 23rd of April, with shortlisting taking place in the week starting the 30th of April, and the selection process kicking off in the week starting 14th May.

Next week at the Full Council meeting an item is due to be discussed: “To agree the temporary allocation of the statutory role of Returning Officer and Electoral Registration Officer pending permanent appointment to the role of Chief Executive” to ensure continuity while the process completes.

The overview of the advert is below…

Chief Executive
£111,191 – £127,513 + election fees

The Chief Executive is the key position within our Council. You will be responsible for providing the leadership and vision to ensure that the Council is structured, managed and resourced effectively to ensure that our priorities and objectives are delivered.

You will continue to build on the success we have achieved to date, by leading the Council on its improvement journey and your job will be to make it as smooth a ride as possible. There is an established team of senior officers in place, each employed because of their focus and commitment to Wrexham.

You will have the ability to make tough decisions and resolve issues as they arise. You will need to be adept at building relationships, working with Members and other public service officials including Welsh Government. This role requires the ability to operate in a political climate, so you will have the skills and experience to understand the Welsh political context, including devolved and legal matters as well as having an appreciation of the importance of the Welsh culture.

A role model that demonstrates the required values and behaviours and leads by example, we want an ambassador that will be passionate about Wrexham and embrace the culture and heritage of both the area and Wales as a whole.

You won’t be afraid to do things differently and challenge the current ways of working and we won’t be afraid to give you all the support you need in achieving our collective goals.