Chief Executive and Head of Paid Service for Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority

This is a career-defining opportunity to become the inaugural Chief Executive and Head of Paid Service of the Hull and East Riding Combined Authority (HEYCA). You will be the most senior officer of the Authority, reporting directly to the Mayor and the HEYCA Board, and responsible for turning vision into reality.

About HEYCA

We are a newly formed Mayoral Combined Authority, combining Hull City Council and East Riding of Yorkshire Council with devolved powers from central government. Led by a directly elected Mayor, HEYCA delivers regional priorities in transport, skills, housing and economic growth - shaping the future of Hull and East Yorkshire through inclusive investment and strong leadership.

About the role

Working hours - Monday to Friday

Job type - Permanent

Salary - £150,000 per year

Location - Hull City Centre

You will lead the organisation through its formative years, establishing its strategic direction, operational effectiveness, and a values-led culture. You will be the Mayor’s principal adviser, helping to shape policy and delivery across all devolved functions, and acting as the key interface with central government under the “devolution by default” principle.

Your leadership will be instrumental in -

  • designing and scaling HEYCA’s teams, systems, and services
  • building a high-performing, collaborative organisation
  • driving innovation in areas such as -
    • new clean energy production and energy security
    • AI and digital transformation
    • place-based delivery
  • forging strong partnerships with -
    • government
    • business
    • education
    • the third sector
    • local people
  • representing HEYCA at regional, national, and international levels

This role demands strategic vision, political acumen, and a deep commitment to public service. You will be responsible for embedding robust governance, financial stewardship, and a culture of continuous improvement.

What we're looking for

We are seeking a dynamic and visionary leader who can bring credibility, energy, and strategic insight to this once-in-a-generation opportunity. You will be a values-led individual with a passion for place-based leadership and a track record of delivering transformation in complex environments.

We are genuinely open to, and actively interested in candidates from a wide range of professional backgrounds. Whether your experience is rooted in public service, the commercial sector, or spans both, what matters most is your ability to lead with purpose, navigate complexity, and deliver lasting impact for the region.

As the inaugural Chief Executive and Head of Paid Service, you will be -

  • a strategic thinker with the ability to translate long-term regional ambitions into practical delivery plans
  • a collaborative leader who can build trust and alignment across diverse stakeholders
  • politically astute and personally credible, able to navigate sensitive environments with integrity
  • resilient and emotionally intelligent, with the ability to lead through ambiguity and change
  • committed to inclusive leadership, equity, and public service excellence

Eligibility Requirements

We are looking for proven experience as a senior strategic leader in a complex political and stakeholder environment, including -

  • experience working within or alongside -
    • strategic authorities
    • combined authorities
    • central government departments involved in devolution policy
  • track record of delivering organisational transformation and managing public services at scale
  • deep understanding of place-based leadership and the levers of economic growth
  • strong commercial awareness and financial management capabilities
  • exceptional partnership working and influencing skills across sectors and government levels

You will have a deep understanding of the Hull and East Yorkshire region, including its opportunities and challenges, along with -

  • being educated to degree level or equivalent relevant experience
  • evidence of continuing professional development
  • membership of a relevant professional body is desirable

The role is politically restricted under the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 (as amended) and will be based full-time in Hull City Centre.

How to apply

You can apply for the role through the Berwick Partners website (link opens in a new window).

Deadline

Sunday 31 August 2025

For a confidential discussion about the role, contact -

Equality, diversity and inclusion

HEYCA is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion.

We welcome applications from all backgrounds and guarantee fair consideration based on merit for all candidates regardless of age, gender, disability, ethnicity, sexual orientation or faith.
Ready to bring your insight to the heart of public governance?

Apply now - and help ensure public decisions remain transparent, principled, and accountable in Hull and East Yorkshire!