Deputy Chief Executive

Closing Date
23.59 hours GMT on Sunday 01 March 2026

Reference
CODI01001

Are you an inspirational, forward thinking leader with the passion and vision to shape the future of a proud and ambitious city?

Preston City Council is seeking a Deputy Chief Executive to play a pivotal role in driving positive change for our residents, communities, and partners.

As a key member of our Corporate Management Team, you will help lead the organisation through a period of significant transformation, including supporting the Council's role in Local Government Reorganisation. You will provide strategic leadership across services including Communities, Health and Wellbeing, Digital Services, Customer Contact, Policy, Performance and Transformation - ensuring the delivery of high quality, innovative, and customer focused outcomes.

Acting as a visible ambassador for Preston, you will confidently engage with local, regional, national, and international partners, championing the city's ambitions and strengthening relationships that help our communities thrive. You will also deputise for the Chief Executive, providing senior leadership across the organisation.

• Lead strategic direction and transformation across services including Communities, Health and Wellbeing, Digital Services, Customer Contact, Policy, Performance and Transformation to deliver high quality, innovative, and customer focused outcomes.
• Act as a visible ambassador for Preston, engaging with local, regional, national, and international partners to champion the city's ambitions and strengthen relationships.
• Deputise for the Chief Executive, providing senior leadership across the organisation.
• Inspire, motivate, and empower people at every level; drive a culture of excellence and continuous improvement; provide strategic clarity to Members and senior colleagues; build strong partnerships with government, agencies, and communities.
• Support the Council's role in Local Government Reorganisation.

Joining Preston City Council means becoming part of a values driven organisation that takes pride in its place and its people. We offer a highly collaborative and supportive senior leadership environment and a strong, people centred ethos that puts communities at the heart of what we do.

If you are an inspiring leader who wants to make a lasting difference in a vibrant and fast developing city, working for a Council known nationally for community wealth building and innovative public service delivery, we would love to hear from you.

Under the Local Government and Housing Act 1989, this is a politically restricted post.

For a confidential informal discussion about the role, please contact Adrian Phillips, Chief Executive on .