Melksham Town Council - Vacancy for a Chief Executive Officer (Town Clerk)

Melksham Town Council is a local authority serving a population of approximately 19,000 in Wiltshire. It provides essential services and extensive support to the community. We are seeking to appoint a new Chief Executive Officer to support Councillors in addressing current challenges and guiding the Council through future changes.

A new Council will be elected in May, and the successful candidate will play a key role in supporting and advising the new administration. It is anticipated that the role will commence in July, with a three-month handover period provided by an experienced Locum Clerk to ensure a smooth transition.

As the Council’s chief officer and principal adviser, the Chief Executive Officer will be responsible for policy formation and the effective management of the Council’s business, resources, staff, and operations. The Council has a budget of nearly £1.5 million.

Key Responsibilities

• Overseeing the operation of the Town Council, including its buildings (Town Hall, Assembly Hall, and leased properties), play parks, allotments, and open spaces.
• Supporting the Council in managing devolved services and overseeing large asset transfers and project management.

Important Notes

• This role does not include Section 151 Responsible Finance Officer duties.
• Applicants must demonstrate significant managerial experience and ideally have a strong understanding of local government law and procedures.
• A CILCA qualification is required allowing the Council to exercise the General Power of Competence.

If you are a dynamic and experienced leader ready to make a meaningful impact, we encourage you to apply.

As we are seeking the right candidate for this post to start as soon as possible, Melksham Town Council reserves the right to withdraw this job advertisement without prior notice.

Application Pack

• Salary: £56,708 – £60,903 by annual increment (subject to satisfactory performance) depending on qualifications and experience (pay award pending)
• National Pay Scale SCP 46 – 49
• Local Council Grade 4 (below substantive benchmark)
• Full-time: 37 hours per week (five days per week)
• Onsite based at Melksham Town Hall
• 23 days’ annual leave plus 2 extra statutory days plus public holidays and an additional MTC day (rising to 26 days’ annual leave plus 2 extra statutory days plus public holidays and an additional MTC day after 5 years’ continuous service)
• Local Government Pension Scheme (Wiltshire Pension Fund)
• Flexible Working Arrangements considered
• Closing date: Thursday 3rd April 2025 (midnight)

Recruitment Process

Closing date: Thursday 3rd April 2025 (midnight)

Interviews: Tuesday 22nd April / Wednesday 23rd April 2025 – details will be provided to shortlisted candidates.

Application is strictly via the application form contained in this pack. Please do not send a generic CV. Completed applications should be returned via email to: people@melksham-tc.gov.uk

More information about Melksham Town Council can be found on their website.

If you would like an informal chat about this vacancy, please contact our current Locum Clerk, Tracy Predeth, at locum@melksham-tc.gov.uk

This recruitment pack can also be downloaded from the Melksham Town Council website: https://www.melksham-tc.gov.uk/about-melksham-town-council/vacancies