Head of Chief Executive Office
£62,706 - £76,131 per annum
1-year Fixed Term - with an opportunity to extend

Newham is entering a pivotal new chapter. We are delivering a new Council Plan, driving improvement across the organisation, and working to ensure that every decision we make improves outcomes for residents. To help us achieve this, we are looking for an exceptional leader to become our new Head of Chief Executive's Office.

This is a rare opportunity to work at the heart of one of the most dynamic local authorities in the country, providing strategic support to the Chief Executive and helping shape the future direction of the organisation.

We are looking for someone who is committed to inclusion, thrives in a collaborative environment and is motivated by public service. You will be comfortable tackling complex challenges head-on, managing sensitive issues and responding to high-profile organisational priorities with sound judgement, discretion and confidence. As an active and visible leader across the Chief Executive's Office and wider Council, you will role-model Newham's HEART values of Honesty, Equality and Equity, Ambition, Respect and Togetherness, helping to foster a high-performing, inclusive and values-led culture.

You will lead the Chief Executive's Office and act as a trusted adviser to the Chief Executive, ensuring they are equipped with the insight, information and support needed to lead the organisation effectively.

You will be responsible for:

Leading the day-to-day operation of the Chief Executive's Office.
Providing strategic advice, research, briefings and policy support to the Chief Executive.
Managing forward planning, governance and business planning processes.
Providing oversight of complaints, enquiries and casework on behalf of the Chief Executive.
Supporting the delivery of key corporate priorities and organisational improvement activity.
Managing the Newham Transformation and Improvement Board and supporting relationships with external assurance bodies.
Leading and developing a high-performing team.
Working closely with the Mayor's Office, Corporate Leadership Board, councillors, government departments, partners and stakeholders.

We are looking for a highly credible and politically aware leader who can quickly build trust, exercise sound judgement and operate with confidence in a fast-paced environment. Most importantly, we are looking for someone passionate about public service and motivated by the opportunity to help deliver better outcomes for Newham residents.

Newham is a borough of ambition, opportunity and transformation. We are determined to build a high-performing council that delivers excellent services, strengthens communities and creates opportunities for our residents.

If you are looking for a role where you can genuinely influence organisational direction, work alongside senior leaders and contribute to the future of one of London's most exciting boroughs, we would love to hear from you.

If you have questions about the role, please contact Abigail.Baker@newham.gov.uk.

Please view JD here

closing date: 19th August 2026

Additional Information

We are committed to creating an inclusive, anti-racist environment for all. When you apply for a job at Newham, your application is considered on its merits regardless of your age, disability, ethnicity, faith, gender identity or sexual orientation. If you share our vision and values, and you bring the experience and skills we need, that’s all that matters to us.

The London Borough of Newham has important responsibilities for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. If you are appointed to a job that involves working with these groups, you may be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Please attach your supporting statement, explaining in no more than x2 A4 sides why and how you meet the criteria for this role.

We practice anonymised recruitment. Please ensure that you remove all personal information from any documents that you upload.

The personal information we have collected from you will be shared with Cifas who will use it to prevent fraud, other unlawful or dishonest conduct, malpractice, and other seriously improper conduct. If any of these are detected you could be refused certain services or employment. Your personal information will also be used to verify your identity. Further details of how your information will be used by us and Cifas, and your data protection rights, can be found by https://www.cifas.org.uk/fpn.