Chief Executive

Overview

Salary of £208,116 per annum (April 2026 pay award pending)

This job post will be advertised for a minimum period of two weeks on Linked In. After this time please apply directly to  until the closing date of 10 June 2026 12:00pm.

Lead the next chapter of a capital city on the rise. This is a moment. Not just a role.

Cardiff stands tall as the capital city of Wales, a major Core City and a place of growing national confidence. Over recent years, under its current leadership, the Council has stabilised, strengthened and earned recognition as a good, ambitious organisation with a ‘can‑do’ culture. The foundations are firm. The organisation is confident. The ambition is clear.

Now, Cardiff is ready for its next Chief Executive and are seeking a leader who will build on this success and support the political administration to take the city to the next level.

Cardiff is a city of opportunity, energy and diversity, home to more than 383,000 residents and a workforce of 15,000 people delivering over 700 vital services every day. Major regeneration, economic growth and cultural vibrancy sit alongside real pressures: rising demand, financial constraint, inequality, climate responsibility and the increasing expectations of citizens.

Our challenge is not whether we can lead change, it is whether we can sustain it, deepen it and deliver it at scale.

As Chief Executive, you will inherit an organisation that is stable, ambitious and outward facing.

Your task will be to:

• Consolidate and extend the progress made in recent years
• Translate political ambition into delivery that residents can see and feel
• Ensure Cardiff continues to perform as a confident capital city and Core City
• Lead transformation that is bold, inclusive and financially sustainable

This is one of the most significant Chief Executive roles in local government.

Working in close partnership with the Leader of the Council and Cabinet, you will provide clear, politically astute and values‑led leadership, ensuring the delivery of Cardiff’s Stronger, Fairer, Greener agenda. You will empower an experienced senior management team, set high standards of performance and governance, and create the conditions for innovation and collaboration to thrive.

Beyond the organisation, you will help shape Cardiff’s relationships across government, the city region, public services, business and the third sector, ensuring the capital city plays a leading role regionally and nationally.

This is not about managing decline or holding the line. This is about leadership with confidence, credibility and conviction.

We are seeking an outstanding, experienced and resilient Chief Executive with a proven track record of leading complex, politically‑led organisations through change and transformation.

You will bring:

• Gravitas and authenticity, with the ability to command trust across political boundaries
• A strong delivery mindset, grounded in sound governance and financial stewardship
• The confidence to challenge constructively and the skill to unite people behind a shared direction
• A deep commitment to equality, inclusion and public service values
• An ability to thrive in a Member-led, professionally-managed and policy-driven environment

Most of all, you will be motivated by the opportunity to build on the legacy of success already achieved, and to shape Cardiff’s future at a defining point in its journey.

For a confidential discussion, please contact Gary Evans ) or Delicia Coutinho ) at Gatenby Sanderson or for further information click Apply.

Closing date 10 June 2026 12:00pm

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