Didcot Town Council Chief Officer

Salary: £60,454-£92,021 per annum

Hours of work: Full time 37 hours per week

Contract: Permanent

A bit about us:

Didcot is a designated Garden Town in South Oxfordshire and the is due to peak at around 62,500 in ten years' time. Didcot Town Council is at the heart of the growth - with a team of dedicated Town Councillors and staff working hard to make a difference to the lives of our residents and businesses.

All about the role:

Your challenge is to merge the new Didcot with the established Didcot. It's a big job for a big town - steadily growing - and then there is the Local Government Reorganisation likely to increase the assets and facilities still further!

Read our pack to discover more about us. See how we embrace our diverse town. Discover some of our unique projects made possible by our talented staff. Then tell us what you can bring to the team - and most importantly why we need to meet you.

We are looking for a highly competent leader and excellent manager who brings sound judgement, political awareness and the ability to navigate complexity with calmness and emotional intelligence. Of course you will have strong diplomatic skills. You will be comfortable in presenting and engaging with your audience. You will know how to inspire others in a variety of situations. Good governance is second nature in running a competent Council with big ambitions.

We have elections in May 2027 so you will be starting your new position with a newly elected Council.

What we offer:

• Competitive salary
• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme
• Flexible working arrangements and a strong focus on well-being with access to independent
• Counselling, coaching and mentoring services
• Essential car users' allowance
• A relocation package - if required and individually negotiated
• The CILCA qualification should already be in place but outstanding candidates would be given
• Twelve months to achieve this. Preference will be given to those candidates who hold CILCA.
• The opportunity to continue your professional development.

Closing date (and time): 28th September :59pm

Interview date: 23rd October 2026

Commencement date: 28th August 2026

This school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

All applicants will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check before appointment is confirmed.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Applicants must disclose all spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and warnings that are not 'protected' under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013 & 2020). An enhanced DBS check will be required for the successful applicant.