Shape something new. Secure the future of a new council.



Strong financial leadership, robust governance and effective stewardship of public assets are fundamental to delivering excellent local services. In East Surrey, we are creating a new council from the ground up, and we are looking for an exceptional executive leader to help shape its future.



Local government in Surrey is being reshaped for the first time in more than 50 years. From April 2027, East Surrey Council will become a new unitary authority serving around 560,000 residents, bringing together vital local services under one organisation with a budget of up to £700m. This is a rare opportunity to help build a new council while leading one of the most strategically important corporate portfolios in local government.



As Executive Director Finance, Governance and Assets and Statutory Section 151 Officer, you will play a pivotal role in establishing the financial, governance and organisational foundations of the new authority. As a member of the Corporate Leadership Team, reporting directly to the Chief Executive, you will help shape the council's long-term vision, ensure its financial sustainability and build the confidence of residents, members, partners, auditors and regulators.



East Surrey is a place of strong communities, distinctive towns and villages, thriving businesses and significant opportunity. With excellent transport connections, internationally recognised employers, outstanding natural environments and ambitious regeneration plans, it offers an exciting environment in which to lead and influence place-based outcomes for residents and communities.



The new authority will inherit a complex mix of financial arrangements, assets, contracts, systems and governance frameworks. Your challenge will be to bring these together into a coherent, resilient and high-performing organisation. You will lead the development of a financially sustainable operating model, ensuring resources, governance, commercial activity and assets are aligned to support the council's ambitions and deliver long-term public value.



Your portfolio will encompass strategic finance, corporate governance, risk and assurance, legal and democratic services, commercial strategy, procurement and contract management, as well as strategic asset management and estate transformation. A significant early priority will be understanding, rationalising and optimising the council's inherited asset base, ensuring it supports service transformation, community benefit and financial resilience.



As the council's statutory Chief Finance Officer, you will fulfil the responsibilities of the Section 151 Officer, providing independent professional advice, challenge and assurance to elected members and senior leaders. You will ensure robust financial management, sound governance and effective stewardship of public resources while supporting ambitious transformation and organisational change.



We are seeking an accomplished executive leader with substantial experience across complex corporate resource functions within local government or similarly large, complex and publicly accountable organisations. You will bring a strong track record of financial stewardship, organisational transformation, commercial leadership, asset management and delivering sustainable outcomes at scale.



You will possess expert knowledge of local government finance and governance, alongside the professional credibility, judgement and influence required to operate at the most senior levels. Full membership of a recognised CCAB accountancy body, or equivalent qualifications and experience capable of meeting statutory requirements, is essential.



Collaborative, politically astute and highly credible, you will build trusted relationships with elected members, partners, regulators, auditors and stakeholders. Most importantly, you will be inspired by the opportunity to create a modern, ambitious and sustainable organisation that delivers excellent services, maintains public trust and secures long-term value for East Surrey's communities.



This is a career-defining opportunity to shape a new council, establish its financial and governance foundations, and leave a lasting legacy for residents, communities and businesses across East Surrey.



For a confidential discussion, please contact our search partners
GatenbySanderson at:




Camille Revuelta: camille.revuelta@gatenbysanderson.com or




Alex Hayes: alex.hayes@gatenbysanderson.com



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Recruitment Timetable



Closing date

23.59 - Sunday 22nd November 2026



Longlist Meeting

w/c 23 November 2026



Technical Interviews

w/c 30 November 2026



Shortlist Meeting

w/c 30 November 2026



Stakeholder Panel

w/c 7 December 2026



Final Panel Interviews

w/c 7 December 2026




How to Apply

• Please submit your CV along with a Supporting Statement addressing the person specification criteria, evidencing how you meet the criteria.


• Detail any employment or education gaps.


• Be ready to provide the names, positions, organisations and contact details for two referees; one should be your current or most recent employer. Referees will be contacted for those proceeding to final stages. We will always gain your permission before we contact referees.


• Let us know any difficulty you may have with the indicative timetable.


• Check that your contact details are correct before you submit.

Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an automated email confirmation. If you do not receive, please email contactus@gatenbysanderson.com