Darlington Borough Council is looking for new executives amid a major upheaval of its senior leadership team.
The local authority is undergoing a restructuring after several department chiefs, including the chief executive Ian Williams, announced their retirements.
Job adverts for four high-paid roles have been published, with the council hoping to employ new bosses before the end of the year.
The new chief executive will be paid around £153,000 a year plus potential bonuses. A new Assistant Director for Environmental Services and Community Safety, and Executive Director of Economy and Public Protection roles will be created.
Meanwhile, an assistant director of law and governance is also sought.
The job advert for the new chief executive says the successful candidate will “work closely with the Leader and elected members to drive our strategic vision, ensure high-quality service delivery, and represent the needs of our communities and businesses.”
It adds that the ideal candidate will have a proven track record of delivering cultural change and leading through complex transitions.
The key roles and how much they will pay are as follows:
- Chief Executive – £153,160 per annum (plus pay award pending from 01/04/24)
- Assistant Director – Law and Governance – £85,883 – £102,652 per annum
- Assistant Director, Environmental Services and Community Safety – £85,883 – £102,652 per annum
- Executive Director, Economy and Public Protection – £122,247 – £137,930 per annum
Earlier this year, Darlington Conservatives questioned the restructuring of the top jobs at the local authority and asked whether they are worth the money.
Councillors were previously told the new roles would cost an extra £25,000 but would be key in achieving the council’s ambitions for Darlington.
“In this day and age, it seems really bizarre that we’re going to put more chiefs into the council rather than people on the ground,” said Tory Jonathan Dulston.
The leader of Darlington Conservatives questioned whether the role of chief executive should continue. He added: “I don’t believe the size of this council warrants a standalone chief executive. I don’t think the workload is there and this was something you identified years ago. I believe that the next chief executive of this council needs to be a joint role.”
Cllr Dulston warned how advertising for the new roles would look ahead of potential future cuts to council jobs.
The Eastbourne councillor said, “That does not sit well and it’s not consistent with the narrative that you’re trying to make councillors and the public believe, by saying the council’s on its knees, yet you’ve found the money down the couch to invest even more to the top jobs of the council.”
Council leader Stephen Harker said the local authority’s proposed restructure is required and said a like-for-like replacement is “wholly unrealistic”.
The Labour councillor said, “It’s really important that we find a chief executive with particular skills in terms of relationships and partnership working and will successfully achieve the Darlington Council Plan.
“Part of the solution to Darlington tackling inequality going forward is the success of our economic development.”
