£200,000 on offer for the new States chief executive

Current incumbent Mark de Garis is set to leave the role early next year, after holding the post since July 2022.

The advert states the successful job applicant will need to have a proven track record of strategic leadership experience within a large, complex organisation, with evidence of the achievement of successful outcomes.

‘The post holder is ultimately accountable for the safe, effective and efficient provision of the public services provided by the States of Guernsey, and for ensuring that strategic and operational plans are developed and implemented effectively for the benefit of the community,’ it states.

A States spokesman confirmed that the net was being spready widely to find the right candidate.

‘The role is being advertised locally, nationally and internationally, using print, online publications and social media,’ he said.

‘This includes The Times and Times online, Guernsey Press, LinkedIn and online advertising.’

The States is the island’s biggest employer, with more than 5,500 employees, ranging from teachers and gardeners, to nurses and civil servants.

The chief executive is the most senior officer in the organisation.

A leaflet for the job advert has been drawn up with a background on Guernsey, and includes a welcome note from Policy & Resources president Lyndon Trott.

‘With a number of initiatives underway to ensure the long-term sustainability of the public service, we are looking for an experienced and credible leader, with the ability to drive forward a programme of continuous improvement and respond to the external challenges facing the organisation,’ he said. ‘This will require close collaboration with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, with the ability to effectively manage relationships with tact and diplomacy.’

The right candidate will need to develop an excellent understanding of the Guernsey constitution.

The expected £200,000 salary is slightly up on the last time the job was advertised, when it was £190,000.

If the successful candidate needs to move to the island, there can be a relocation package to help with the cost of moving, and an eight-year long-term employment permit, which will enable a successful candidate to bring immediate family with them.

Relocation packages can include a £5,000 grant, £50 per week for up to six months for the storage of furniture while house-hunting, an additional relocation allowance of up to £260 per week for four years towards rent and a house purchase grant of £8,750 to help to buy within two years of taking up the role.

The closing date for applications is Monday 26 August, with interviews to be held locally on 19 September. The States wants the new person to start work in January.