Director of Finance; Section 151 Officer

Director of Finance (Section 151 Officer)

Hours: 37

Contract Type: Permanent

Salary: Chief Officer Grade 3

Pts 11- 15 £ 111,342 -£122,494

Closing Date: 29th June 2026 at 5pm

Location: No. 1 Bickerstaffe Square, Talbot Road, Blackpool

Are you an influential, forward-thinking finance leader ready to shape the future of a bold and ambitious local authority? Blackpool Council is seeking an exceptional Director of Finance to join our Corporate Leadership Team as our Statutory Section 151 Officer, driving financial strategy and ensuring robust governance at the heart of one of the UK’s most unique and high-profile places.

This is a rare and exciting opportunity to lead a high-performing finance function in a council embarking on major transformation—supporting both a thriving tourism economy and a growing, resilient year-round community.

As our Director of Finance, you will:

• Provide strategic leadership for all finance, procurement, audit, risk, and exchequer services.
• Lead the authority’s statutory financial responsibilities under the Local Government Acts.
• Shape and steer the Council’s Medium-Term Financial Strategy
  , driving innovation and strengthening financial sustainability.
• Oversee a significant financial portfolio, including:
• £567m gross revenue budget (2026/27)
• £197m capital programme
• £100m turnover across wholly owned companies
• Offer authoritative advice to the Chief Executive, Cabinet, Corporate Leadership Team, and elected members.
• Drive transformation, champion high-quality data, and lead cultural and organisational change.
• Represent the Council at local, regional, and national levels, including professional networks and consultations with Government.

You will also directly lead a team of Heads of Service and be accountable for the performance, development and clear strategic direction of the entire Directorate.

We are looking for an enthusiastic, credible, and politically astute leader who can operate confidently in a complex environment. You will bring:

• CCAB (or equivalent) accountancy qualification
• Extensive senior-level experience in local government finance
  , including strategic planning, revenue, capital and cash accounting.
• Strong understanding of government finance frameworks and the broader public sector landscape.
• Exceptional leadership, influencing and communication skills.
• Proven ability to navigate high-pressure environments, balancing competing demands and delivering under tight deadlines.
• A talent for innovation, partnership working, and problem-solving.
• Demonstrable experience leading transformation, workforce development, and service improvement.

This is a role for someone who wants to make a measurable difference — financially, strategically, and culturally.

Blackpool is a place undergoing bold regeneration and reinvention. Our Council Plan (2024–2027) sets out a clear, exciting vision:

• A thriving, diverse economy
• Stronger, more resilient communities
• Investment in growth, skills, infrastructure and opportunity

We are proud of our history, committed to our future, and driven by our values:
Quality | Fairness | Accountability | Compassion | Trust

• A high-profile leadership position with genuine influence
• Collaborative and supportive senior leadership team
• The opportunity to lead major financial strategy and transformation
• Commitment to professional development, inclusion and wellbeing
• A powerful opportunity to leave a lasting legacy for Blackpool

If you are an inspiring and experienced finance leader ready for a strategic role with real impact, we would love to hear from you.

Closing date for Applications: 29th June 2026 at 5pm

Assessment / Interview Date: 10th July 2026

Final Interview with Chief Officer 16th July 2026

Employment Committee

Help us shape Blackpool’s future — and be part of something extraordinary.