Chief Executive and Head of Paid Service for HEY Combined Authority
| Posting date: | 12 August 2025 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 31 August 2025 |
| Location: | HU1 2AA |
| Company: | Hull City Council |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 32976 |
Summary
This is a career-defining opportunity to become the inaugural Chief Executive and Head of Paid Service of the Hull and East Riding Combined Authority (HEYCA). You will be the most senior officer of the Authority, reporting directly to the Mayor and the HEYCA Board, and responsible for turning vision into reality.
You will lead the organisation through its formative years, establishing its strategic direction, operational effectiveness, and a values-led culture. You will be the Mayor’s principal adviser, helping to shape policy and delivery across all devolved functions, and acting as the key interface with central government under the “devolution by default” principle.
Your leadership will be instrumental in -
designing and scaling HEYCA’s teams, systems, and services
building a high-performing, collaborative organisation
driving innovation in areas such as -
new clean energy production and energy security
AI and digital transformation
place-based delivery
forging strong partnerships with -
government
business
education
the third sector
local people
representing HEYCA at regional, national, and international levels
This role demands strategic vision, political acumen, and a deep commitment to public service. You will be responsible for embedding robust governance, financial stewardship, and a culture of continuous improvement.
About the Candidate
We are seeking a dynamic and visionary leader who can bring credibility, energy, and strategic insight to this once-in-a-generation opportunity. You will be a values-led individual with a passion for place-based leadership and a track record of delivering transformation in complex environments.
We are genuinely open to, and actively interested in candidates from a wide range of professional backgrounds. Whether your experience is rooted in public service, the commercial sector, or spans both, what matters most is your ability to lead with purpose, navigate complexity, and deliver lasting impact for the region.
As the inaugural Chief Executive and Head of Paid Service, you will be -
a strategic thinker with the ability to translate long-term regional ambitions into practical delivery plans
a collaborative leader who can build trust and alignment across diverse stakeholders
politically astute and personally credible, able to navigate sensitive environments with integrity
resilient and emotionally intelligent, with the ability to lead through ambiguity and change
committed to inclusive leadership, equity, and public service excellence
Essential Skills and Experience
We are looking for proven experience as a senior strategic leader in a complex political and stakeholder environment, including -
experience working within or alongside -
strategic authorities
combined authorities
central government departments involved in devolution policy
track record of delivering organisational transformation and managing public services at scale
deep understanding of place-based leadership and the levers of economic growth
strong commercial awareness and financial management capabilities
exceptional partnership working and influencing skills across sectors and government levels
Knowledge and Qualifications
Deep understanding of the Hull and East Yorkshire region, including its opportunities and challenges, along with -
being educated to degree level or equivalent relevant experience
evidence of continuing professional development
membership of a relevant professional body is desirable
The role is politically restricted under the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 (as amended) and will be based full-time in Hull City Centre.
For a confidential discussion about the role, contact -
Marek Dobrowolski, Partner
telephone - 0121 654 5912
mobile - 07793 529 576
email - Marek.Dobrowolski@berwickpartners.co.uk
Corinne Attwood, Senior Researcher
telephone - 0121 654 5954
email - Corinne.attwood@berwickpartners.co.uk
Ruth Hernandez Turner, Principal Researcher
telephone - 0121 654 5936
email - Ruth.HernandezTurner@berwickpartners.co.uk
Closing date for applications is Sunday 31 August 2025
TO APPLY VISIT www.berwickpartners.co.uk/94266
Please also refer to the candidate document for further details.
You will lead the organisation through its formative years, establishing its strategic direction, operational effectiveness, and a values-led culture. You will be the Mayor’s principal adviser, helping to shape policy and delivery across all devolved functions, and acting as the key interface with central government under the “devolution by default” principle.
Your leadership will be instrumental in -
designing and scaling HEYCA’s teams, systems, and services
building a high-performing, collaborative organisation
driving innovation in areas such as -
new clean energy production and energy security
AI and digital transformation
place-based delivery
forging strong partnerships with -
government
business
education
the third sector
local people
representing HEYCA at regional, national, and international levels
This role demands strategic vision, political acumen, and a deep commitment to public service. You will be responsible for embedding robust governance, financial stewardship, and a culture of continuous improvement.
About the Candidate
We are seeking a dynamic and visionary leader who can bring credibility, energy, and strategic insight to this once-in-a-generation opportunity. You will be a values-led individual with a passion for place-based leadership and a track record of delivering transformation in complex environments.
We are genuinely open to, and actively interested in candidates from a wide range of professional backgrounds. Whether your experience is rooted in public service, the commercial sector, or spans both, what matters most is your ability to lead with purpose, navigate complexity, and deliver lasting impact for the region.
As the inaugural Chief Executive and Head of Paid Service, you will be -
a strategic thinker with the ability to translate long-term regional ambitions into practical delivery plans
a collaborative leader who can build trust and alignment across diverse stakeholders
politically astute and personally credible, able to navigate sensitive environments with integrity
resilient and emotionally intelligent, with the ability to lead through ambiguity and change
committed to inclusive leadership, equity, and public service excellence
Essential Skills and Experience
We are looking for proven experience as a senior strategic leader in a complex political and stakeholder environment, including -
experience working within or alongside -
strategic authorities
combined authorities
central government departments involved in devolution policy
track record of delivering organisational transformation and managing public services at scale
deep understanding of place-based leadership and the levers of economic growth
strong commercial awareness and financial management capabilities
exceptional partnership working and influencing skills across sectors and government levels
Knowledge and Qualifications
Deep understanding of the Hull and East Yorkshire region, including its opportunities and challenges, along with -
being educated to degree level or equivalent relevant experience
evidence of continuing professional development
membership of a relevant professional body is desirable
The role is politically restricted under the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 (as amended) and will be based full-time in Hull City Centre.
For a confidential discussion about the role, contact -
Marek Dobrowolski, Partner
telephone - 0121 654 5912
mobile - 07793 529 576
email - Marek.Dobrowolski@berwickpartners.co.uk
Corinne Attwood, Senior Researcher
telephone - 0121 654 5954
email - Corinne.attwood@berwickpartners.co.uk
Ruth Hernandez Turner, Principal Researcher
telephone - 0121 654 5936
email - Ruth.HernandezTurner@berwickpartners.co.uk
Closing date for applications is Sunday 31 August 2025
TO APPLY VISIT www.berwickpartners.co.uk/94266
Please also refer to the candidate document for further details.
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