Chief Executive Officer

Overview

Chief Executive (Town Clerk)

Location: Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL10 0AN

Salary: £64,374 – £72,307 (SCP 50–54) plus Local Government Pension Scheme

Contract: Permanent, 37 hours per week (with some evening and weekend work). Part time hours will be considered at a minimum of 25 hours per week over 3.5 days.

Hatfield Town Council is seeking a strategic, resilient and community-minded Chief Executive to guide the organisation through an evolving local government landscape and support councillors in delivering for the town.

About The Role

Hatfield Town Council is one of the larger community‑level councils in England, responsible for a broad range of services that support local life and community wellbeing. These include around 35 play parks and open spaces and sports pitches, and other community centres supported by a team of approximately 50 staff.

The role combines strategic leadership, strong governance and operational oversight. Working closely with councillors, you will support them to shape priorities, make informed decisions and plan for the future. Exciting projects include a phased programme to develop community football stand infrastructure, a refreshed halls strategy to secure the long-term sustainability of our assets, and ongoing partnership work to ensure Hatfield’s interests are represented as the regional governance landscape evolves. You will also help prepare the organisation for future electoral cycles and provide clear, confident leadership through a period of change.

About You

You will bring:

• Proven leadership in a governance-led or regulated setting, with the confidence to support and advise elected members.
• Political awareness and sound judgement, able to navigate sensitive or complex issues with balance and discretion.
• Strong people leadership, creating a positive, inclusive and high-performing culture.
• Solid financial acumen, with experience of budgets, planning, risk and value-for-money decision-making.
• Excellent communication and partnership skills to represent the Council professionally and build constructive relationships.
• Strategic clarity, translating priorities into practical, deliverable plans.
• Resilience, calmness and a grounded approach, bringing steadiness when political or organisational challenges arise.
• CiLCA (or equivalent) is advantageous, and full support will be provided to achieve this within 24 months.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary
• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme
• Generous annual leave
• Access to an Employee Assistance Programme and support for professional development
• Free parking and use of the onsite gym at Birchwood Leisure Centre
• Opportunity to shape Hatfield’s next chapter and work with a committed community

If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for Hatfield Town Council, please click apply to receive the candidate information pack and application form.

Closing date for applications: 9am, 15 May 2026

Interviews: 1st and 2nd June for shortlisted candidates.

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