Get on track with local government
South Ayrshire Council seeks an Executive Director for Resources, Governance and Organisation
IN THESE days of greater accountability for politicians, civil servants and local government officers alike, one Scottish council has set out its stall to recruit an executive director who can not only manage change within its organisation but also operate under scrutiny in the “democratic arena”.
That is how South Ayrshire Council describes the challenge awaiting the Executive Director for Resources, Governance and Organisation, the post which the council is currently advertising.
These are tough times for local government, with financial cuts likely to impact for some time, and since the new director will have responsibility for the Council’s finance arm, and oversee a budget of about £250 million, it is essential they are a qualified accountant.
Perhaps more interesting, however, is the responsibility the new director will have for not only challenging existing working practices, but leading changes and providing inspiration and guidance to more than 5,000 staff.
Working within a revised managerial team structure, the director will also have to be “politically sensitive” and “have the courage to make the right decisions and give the right advice to elected members”.
The Council is not necessarily looking for someone to transfer from another local authority – but candidates should have achieved significantly in “a multi-functional organisation”.
Based at the Council’s main offices in Wellington Square, Ayr, the position has an annual salary of £104,664 with generous annual leave and public holidays, and the usual pension benefits for senior local government employees.
As always when a council is seeking top-level staff, the local authority knows that quality of life in an area is an important consideration for candidates, and South Ayrshire surely gets the highest marks in that category.
Spanning more than 422 square miles and stretching from Symington in the north to Ballantrae and Loch Ryan in the south, South Ayrshire is home to approximately 112,000 people, with the majority of residents in the towns of Ayr, Prestwick, Troon, Maybole and Girvan.
South Ayrshire benefits from good transport links, affordable housing, and excellent educational standards – the University of the West of Scotland’s new state-of-the-art campus at Craigie in Ayr is a highly impressive addition to the local educational roster.
World-class leisure facilities are located in South Ayrshire – Turnberry and Royal Troon are Open Championship golf courses, while Ayr Racecourse is Scotland’s top track.
The area’s many attractions
“South Ayrshire has much to offer as a place to work, live and enjoy with a a rich history and
economic prosperity”
include the beautiful Culzean Castle and Country Park, while Scotland’s national bard Robert Burns is remembered across the area, but especially in his birthplace, the picturesque village of Alloway.
Councillor Bill McIntosh, South Ayrshire Council Leader, says: “Having recently appointed a new Chief Executive, we’re looking for someone who, as part of a four-strong executive team, will have a key role in helping establish strategic priority and direction, drive improvement and also ensure the delivery of high-quality FIRST PAST THE POST Ayr Racecourse is but one of the region's world-class leisure facilities and efficient support and front-line services.
“South Ayrshire has much to offer as a place to work, live and enjoy; we are an ambitious and forward-looking council, with strong communities, and outstanding natural beauty, with a rugged coastline, seaside towns and beautiful beaches, as well as a rich history and economic prosperity.”
The closing date for applications is Friday, 7 June. If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, visit www.myjobscotland.gov.uk/ south-ayrshire.