Chief Executive & Head of Paid Service

Chief Executive & Head of Paid Service
Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority (HEYCA)
£150,000 - £170,000 | Permanent | Hull and East Yorkshire

Shape an organisation. Influence a region. Leave a legacy.

Sellick Partnership has been exclusively appointed by Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority (HEYCA) to support the search for its next Chief Executive & Head of Paid Service.

This is a rare opportunity to lead an organisation at a defining point in its development and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Hull and East Yorkshire.

HEYCA is a developing Combined Authority, established through the region's devolution agreement to drive economic growth, skills, transport, investment and regeneration.

With strengths across clean energy, ports and logistics, advanced manufacturing, housing, infrastructure and digital innovation, the region is well positioned to play an increasingly important role in regional and national growth.

The opportunity

As Chief Executive & Head of Paid Service, you will be HEYCA's most senior officer and principal adviser to the Mayor and Executive Board.

You will provide strategic and organisational leadership, creating the culture, capability and partnerships needed to translate ambition into meaningful outcomes.

Your focus will include:

• Translating the Mayor's vision and HEYCA's ambitions into clear strategies, investment priorities and deliverable outcomes
• Building a high-performing, agile, accountable and commercially aware organisation
• Driving economic growth, regeneration, infrastructure investment and place-based development
• Strengthening relationships with Government and HEYCA's influence within the national devolution agenda
• Building effective partnerships with businesses, investors, local authorities, education providers and communities
• Ensuring programmes and investments deliver measurable impact, value for money and lasting benefits
• Maintaining strong governance, financial stewardship, transparency and accountability
• Representing Hull and East Yorkshire confidently at regional, national and international level

Who are we looking for?

We are deliberately taking a broad view of the market.

You do not need to have followed a traditional local government Chief Executive career path.

You may currently be a Chief Executive, Managing Director, Chief Operating Officer, Executive Director or equivalent senior leader within local government, a Combined Authority, the wider public sector, a regulated environment or a complex commercial organisation.

Your experience could span infrastructure, transport, investment, regeneration, property, development, energy, utilities or technology, or another complex organisation operating across significant investment and multiple stakeholders.

We are particularly interested in individuals who can demonstrate:

• Significant leadership experience at executive or board level
• A strong track record of transformation, growth or major programme delivery
• Strong commercial and financial acumen
• Experience managing significant investment, resources or complex portfolios
• The ability to operate effectively with Boards, elected members, Government and senior stakeholders
• Outstanding influencing, relationship-building and negotiation skills
• The judgement, resilience and political awareness to succeed in a high-profile environment
• Experience leading through growth, complexity and change
• A strong commitment to governance, accountability and public value

You will build relationships and consensus while having the confidence and judgement to constructively challenge, provide clear advice and navigate competing priorities.

Why Hull and East Yorkshire?

Few senior leadership opportunities offer the chance to shape both a developing organisation and the future trajectory of an entire region.

Devolution provides the opportunity for greater local decision-making, investment and sustainable economic growth.

As Chief Executive, you will influence how devolution is delivered locally, strengthen the region's voice nationally and help create long-term growth and prosperity.

Success will be visible through:

• Investment secured
• Infrastructure delivered
• Economic growth accelerated
• Stronger regional and national partnerships
• New opportunities for residents and businesses
• Improved outcomes for communities

How to apply

Sellick Partnership has been exclusively appointed by Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority to support this senior executive appointment.

For a confidential and considered discussion about the opportunity, please contact Nikki Kinsey, Group Director at Sellick Partnership.

Closing date: 2 November 2026
Interview date: 20 November 2026

Shortlisted candidates will participate in a structured assessment and selection process, including stakeholder engagement, presentations and interviews. The preferred candidate will be subject to formal appointment by the Combined Authority.

This post is politically restricted under the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 (as amended).

Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from candidates from all backgrounds and communities.

Sellick Partnership is proud to be an inclusive and accessible recruitment business and we support applications from candidates of all backgrounds and circumstances. Please note, our advertisements use years' experience, hourly rates, and salary levels purely as a guide and we assess applications based on the experience and skills evidenced on the CV. For information on how your personal details may be used by Sellick Partnership, please review our data processing notice on our website.