An ‘Inspiring, effective leader’ is being sought for the £124,000 a year job of Argyll and Bute Council chief executive.
Last week it was revealed that Cleland Sneddon, who had held the post since 2016, had resigned.
Now the authority is inviting applications for the post, which an advert describes as 35 hours per week.
The advert adds: “We are looking for a dynamic, confident chief executive who will be an ambassador for Argyll and Bute and who will drive forward the kind of innovation and ambition that we and our communities share.
“Argyll and Bute is recognised as one of Scotland’s most diverse regions offering economic opportunities, future prosperity and an unparalleled quality of life.
“As an experienced leader of people, you will demonstrate a commitment to excellent service delivery, transformative change and an ability to turn vision into results.
“With a proven track record in financial management, partnership working and in inspiring and delivering transformation and progress, you will lead the organisation to achieve its strategic objectives.”
The selection process will take place in Lochgilphead and will include:
- An assessment centre with psychometric testing, reasoning and written assessments.
- Early evening informal reception with elected members.
- An interview with the appointments panel of elected members, including a ten-minute presentation
- Short interviews with the council’s community planning partners and a group of employees and trade union representatives.
The council’s leader Aileen Morton said Argyll and Bute was ‘a great career and lifestyle choice’.
“Beautiful, ambitious, welcoming – that’s how I would sum up Argyll and Bute,” she said..
“We have stunning scenery, award-winning businesses and services, and warm, tight-knit communities.
“We have more inhabited islands than any other council in Scotland. Add to that more than 3,000 miles of amazing coastline making us the most diverse local authority area in the UK. We are also closer to Scotland’s central belt than is often thought.
“Our chief executive will play a key role in developing a successful future for this wonderful area.
“As well as dealing with the financial challenges facing all Scottish local authorities, we are focused on working with our partners to achieve sustainable economic and population growth.”
The deadline for applications is October 21 – for more details see
What can you say. The last guy moved on to a higher paid job and to get someone with the desired qualities it may be necessary to increase the measly salary of only £124,000. These jobs are filled on a rotating way by similar people. They stay for a while, add the CE ticket to their CV and move on up the salary ladder.
What do they really do? In the last guy’s tenure they advertised for a couple of sickness managers; I ask you, what does a sickness manager do that a decent line manager shouldn’t already be doing.
Our officials scratch their head to decide which service to cut next and tell the councillors that there is no alternative. We get ludicrous charges proposed for things that are used by visitors like the car parks on Mull or Arrochar; attractions, like Helensburgh’s pier are neglected to the point of closure. Then we are surprised that visitor numbers are falling.
What is the ratio of “managers” to those that get their hands dirty? Rather than employ workers we pay contractors large amounts to do half a job and ask consultants to tell us what to do next. Are there no sensible people “on the ground” that can pass up through the long management chain what is needed to be done. Should the next CE take a scythe to the present bloated management and give people on the coal face more authority to make decisions?
On the way to Lochgilphead I suggest the new CEO pop into the hardware store in Helensburgh and buy a new broom.