Executive Director of People

Bath & North East Somerset Council is seeking an outstanding Executive Director of People, an inspirational, strategic and forward‑thinking leader who will shape, modernise and champion services that truly Improve People’s Lives.
This is a rare opportunity to join the Council’s Strategic Leadership Team and hold decisive influence over some of the most critical services we provide: Adult Social Care, Children & Education, and Public Health & Prevention. With a workforce of around 1,200 staff, significant transformation underway, and a net budget of over £90m, this role demands vision, courage, and a deep commitment to better outcomes for our residents.

About the Role
As Executive Director of People, you will:

• Provide visible, empowering and values‑driven leadership across all People services.
• Deliver high‑quality, inclusive and cost‑effective services that meet local needs and statutory responsibilities.
• Work in close partnership with the Chief Executive, elected Members and system partners to translate political priorities into clear, achievable and affordable plans.
• Drive continuous improvement and major transformation programmes across complex and high‑profile service areas.
• Champion a culture of innovation, collaboration and accountability — ensuring teams are motivated, supported and able to deliver their best.
• Act as a key system leader for safeguarding, public health improvement, education outcomes and integrated health and social care.
• Build strong relationships locally, regionally and nationally to secure opportunities and influence the wider system.

About You
You will be a seasoned and confident senior leader with:

• Significant experience leading large‑scale, complex frontline services in Children’s, Adults or Public Health.
• A track record of delivering transformation, value for money and high‑performing teams.
• Deep understanding of the national policy landscape, regulatory frameworks and emerging trends across People services.
• Exceptional partnership skills, with the ability to negotiate, influence and work successfully across organisational boundaries.
• Strategic foresight and the ability to anticipate future challenges and shape innovative responses.
• The resilience, emotional intelligence and authenticity to lead through complexity and change.

Why Join Us?
This is an exciting leadership post in a council committed to modern, effective and resident‑focused services. You will have the freedom and support to shape long‑term strategy, lead major system change, and deliver real impact for children, adults, families and communities across Bath and North East Somerset.

If you are motivated by public value, driven to improve lives, and ready for a role with real strategic influence, we would love to hear from you.

For more information visit:

https://jobsandcareers.bathnes.gov.uk/two-executive-directors-bnes-council

For a confidential conversation, please contact: 

• Helen Alwell - helen.alwell@tile-hill.co.uk / 07931 543313
• Anita Denton - anita.denton@tile-hill.co.uk / 07725 554802

Closing Date for Applications: Midnight on Sunday 12th April  

To apply:
To apply, please submit an up-to-date copy of your CV (three sides of A4 maximum), along with a supporting statement (three sides of A4 maximum) detailing your experience, and achievements and addressing the key criteria for the role set out on this site and using examples to demonstrate how you meet the requirements. Documents should be uploaded via our website, please include and upload the below information in two documents only. If you experience any issues whilst applying, please contact matthew.ashby@tile-hill.co.uk 

Applications should include:

• Full contact details;
• Names, positions, organisations and contact details for two referees (we will ask your permission before contacting referees);
• Details of your notice period
• Notification of any dates when you are not available for an interview

At Tile Hill, we are committed to inclusion and accessibility. We champion and support all individuals to ensure everyone feels valued, listened to and motivated to get the very best out of each recruitment process and that processes are designed to meet the needs of individuals. If you have any specific requests and would like a confidential discussion with the Tile Hill team, then please email inclusion@tile-hill.co.uk