New Derbyshire County Council manager role comes with salary of up to £176,000

County Hall has announced a proposal to establish a permanent managing director role, following the decision in December 2020 to appoint a managing executive director on a temporary basis.

Councillors from all political parties will discuss the proposal at a full council meeting on September 15.

Councillor Barry Lewis, leader of Derbyshire County Council, said the move was essential.

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“The changing world of local government – which includes leading the post-pandemic economic and social recovery, the integration of health and social care, driving forward Vision Derbyshire to develop a collaborative working model across all local authorities, and harnessing the opportunities that a devolution deal for Derbyshire presents – means we have to adapt and respond at every level across the organisation,” Coun Lewis said.

“And in order to be at the front of the queue for the opportunities that the changing relationship between local and national government are bringing, Derbyshire now needs a strategic lead officer to give it profile and impact at a national level.

“Our collective leadership model, with four equal executive directors, was absolutely right for the challenges of 2017 when it was introduced and continues to deliver benefits in terms of collaborative and transparent decision-making.

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"Our approach in 2017 did away with the inefficiencies we inherited and we continue to take a streamlined approach to management at the council.”

“So much has changed in the world since 2017 which means the council now requires a permanent managing director working closely with the council’s cabinet and executive directors, to ensure that the council delivers its ambitious plans including those in our manifesto.”

The authority says the salary for the new post has been ‘externally benchmarked’ against the same role at comparable councils and set within the range £161,000 to £176,000.

The managing director will set clear strategic direction, drive performance and provide accountability to councillors and residents, the council says.

The role will also lead on relationships with key partners locally, regionally and nationally, ‘ensuring Derbyshire has influence at every level’.