Financial Director

Shropshire Climate Action Partnership; England; Hybrid; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government financial department in Shropshire is seeking an experienced financial expert to enhance cost-effectiveness and sustainability. The candidate will collaborate with senior leadership, provide strategic financial guidance, and execute immediate cost-saving measures while maintaining essential services. Strong leadership and communication skills are essential. This role offers both flexible and hybrid working arrangements within a six-month contract period.

Qualifications

• Proven history of financial leadership within local authorities, especially during challenging periods.
• Experience developing and implementing strategic financial plans.
• Ability to work within a senior leadership environment.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Chief Executive and senior Leadership Board.
• Provide expert guidance to enhance financial efficiency.
• Identify and implement cost-saving measures while maintaining service integrity.

Skills

Financial leadership

Technical and analytical skills

Exceptional communication

Stakeholder engagement

Results-driven focus

Collaborative approach

Job description

Location: Shropshire (with flexible and hybrid working arrangements)

Grade & Salary: To be discussed upon application

Contract: Six months, Shropshire Council are happy to look at a day rate or a fixed term appointment to be discussed upon application

Accountable to: Executive Management Team

Overview

An opportunity has arisen for an experienced financial expert to play a pivotal role in driving efficiency, improvement, and cost-effectiveness within Shropshire Council. Working alongside the Chief Executive, Section 151 Officer and a dedicated senior team, the appointed individual will be instrumental in supporting the current financial stability, future sustainability and operational resilience.

Context

Shropshire Council has committed to a bold and comprehensive approach to cost reduction, building upon its history of driving efficiencies across all service areas. Having declared a financial emergency in September 2025, Shropshire’s new administration has set an ambitious goal to establish financial stability within the first year of their four-year term. This strategy aligns with the government’s forthcoming initiatives to reform local government funding mechanisms and introduce multi-year settlements starting from 2026/27. An Improvement Plan is in place, overseen by a voluntary Improvement Board, to become financially sustainable.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate closely with the Chief Executive, Section 151 Officer and senior Leadership Board to critically review the current and proposed approaches to financial stability and sustainability
• Provide expert guidance to enhance financial efficiency, ensuring resources are allocated effectively to support the authority’s long-term objectives
• Identify and implement immediate cost‑saving measures while maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of essential services
• Engage with stakeholders across functional areas to promote financial discipline and strategic budgeting
• Apply a results‑driven approach to optimise financial performance, streamlining processes without compromising necessary operational standards
• Bring forward innovative solutions that drive sustainable financial health and long‑term stability
• Proven history of financial leadership within local authorities, particularly in periods of exceptional challenge requiring decisive financial management
• Strong technical and analytical skills linked to the ability to develop and implement strategic financial plans with measurable outcomes
• Experience of applying a results‑driven focus to financial management in a large organisation, delivering innovative solutions to achieve success
• Ability to work within a senior leadership environment, providing expert advice while fostering a collaborative and goal‑oriented approach
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement skills, ensuring key decisions are well‑informed and effectively implemented
• A pragmatic yet forward‑thinking mindset, with the ability to balance immediate cost reductions with future financial resilience
• Demonstrated experience in collaborating closely with elected members, ensuring clear communication, informed decision‑making, and alignment with organisational objectives
• Proven ability to navigate the political landscape of local authorities, fostering strong relationships and building trust with key stakeholders

How to Apply

For more information, please email [e-mail]. To apply for the role please submit an up‑to‑date CV.

Shropshire Council is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.