Become our Chief Operating Officer
Purpose. Progress. People. Become our Chief Operating Officer.
We’re setting our sights high – transforming our services with ambition and putting our communities at the heart of everything we do.
This is a pivotal moment for us. As Chief Operating Officer, you will be a key member of our Executive Leadership Team, providing strategic oversight of a significant proportion of our workforce and leading the frontline services that residents rely on every day. This is a big, influential, and exciting role – one where you will see real-world results, drive visible improvements, and help shape the future of local government.
Alongside delivering operational excellence, you will provide visible leadership across diverse service areas, championing a culture of accountability, innovation, and high performance. You will also be instrumental in driving commercial opportunities across our leisure centres, theatre, and extensive property portfolio, ensuring these assets are used creatively and sustainably to benefit our communities and strengthen our financial resilience.
With responsibility for frontline delivery, you will be at the forefront of making tangible differences to people’s lives – seeing firsthand how your leadership translates into better experiences and outcomes for our residents.
But this role is about more than managing operations. It’s about inspiring change, fostering strong partnerships, and steering transformation at scale. You will bring strategic clarity, resilience, and a collaborative mindset to help us deliver on our bold vision for the borough.
We’re looking for someone who:
- Thinks strategically and influences confidently at the highest level
- Leads with authenticity, inclusion, visible leadership, and a spirit of collaboration
- Delivers results that improve lives and strengthen communities
- Brings commercial acumen to unlock value and maximise the potential of our key assets
If you’re ready to take on a role with real impact – one where your leadership will shape services, empower people, and help define the future of our borough – we would love to hear from you.
A video from Kate Blakemore our Chief Executive about this exciting opportunity.
Working at the Borough Council of King's Lynn and West Norfolk
Kate Blakemore joined as our Chief Executive in September 2024 and is leading an exciting programme of organisational transformation alongside shaping our place-based agenda, working closely with the Senior Leadership Team and Cabinet.
We are ambitious to make this council fit for the future and ensure all projects and services run effectively and align with the needs of our communities, maximising the significant opportunities for the borough while proactively addressing our challenges.
Our Corporate Strategy has four priorities:
- Promoting growth and prosperity
- Providing efficient and effective delivery of our services
- Protecting our environment
- Supporting our communities
See our Action Plan 2025-2027 for more information.
Politically, the local elections in May 2023 enabled the first minority administration in 20 years to be formed and it is the first in West Norfolk to be made of up a partnership of independent councillors and other parties. See our constitution for how the Council operates.
This role is crucial in ensuring smooth, effective governance and operational efficiency. The Chief Operating Officer focuses on managing the operational delivery of the organisation’s strategy, overseeing key operational functions, and supporting the wider Executive Team in driving organisational performance.
Whilst supporting our operational services this is a strategic leadership role that sits as part of the Council’s Executive Team and wider Corporate Leadership Team, giving you the opportunity to contribute to the council’s strategic direction and act as an ambassador for the Council and borough.
Recruitment timeline
| Date | Process |
|---|---|
| 26 January 2026 | Advert closes at 12 noon |
| W/C 2 February 2026 | Invites sent out to candidates |
| 11 February 2026 | Assessment Centre |
| 12 February 2026 | Formal Interview with presentation |
Relocation package
We offer a relocation package of up to £8k to newly appointed officers who move their home into the borough.
The package includes financial assistance with relocation expenses including such items as temporary accommodation expenses, removal expenses and travelling and house purchase expenses.
Other benefits
- A competitive salary with performance related pay
- A generous annual leave entitlement of 36 days, increasing to 39 days with continuous service (including bank and general holidays)
- A comprehensive benefits package including discount schemes, cycle to work, online GP and more
- Employee Assistance Programme including access to counselling services
- A good work/life balance with an agile working environment
- Relevant Professional subscription payment
- Committed training programme and development opportunities
- Membership of the local government pension scheme
Job description
You can view the full job description below.
Chief Operating Officer job description
Apply
If this sounds like the perfect opportunity for you, then we would love to hear from you.
Application is through our applicant tracking system (ATS) to provide your details and upload a CV together with a supporting statement – please save these as one document before submitting.
Please use the link below to take you directly into our ATS.
For an informal conversation before you apply, contact:
- Kate Blakemore, Chief Executive: Chief.ExecutiveandLeaderPA@west-norfolk.gov.uk
The closing date for this role is 12 noon on 26 January 2026.