Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council has officially announced the forthcoming retirement of its esteemed Chief Executive Mrs Jacqui Dixon MBE, who steps down at the end of October after a highly successful tenure, marking the end of an era for the local authority. The Council has now commenced its search for a new Chief Executive to lead the organisation on its ongoing journey of strategic excellence.
The outgoing Chief Executive’s exceptional leadership has significantly contributed to the development, prosperity and shaping of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council into a thriving and progressive organisation.
Throughout her 24 years’ service, Mrs Dixon has demonstrated unwavering dedication, commitment, and visionary leadership. Under her guidance, the Council has achieved remarkable milestones and fostered positive change and growth within the local community, while also securing major investment, both locally and worldwide, earning the Borough the reputation of being an economic powerhouse.
In light of her imminent retirement, the Council is searching for an individual capable of building upon this legacy of success. To ensure a seamless transition and to secure an exceptional leader, the Council has initiated a rigorous recruitment process to find a Chief Executive with a proven track record as a strategic leader.
The position demands an experienced professional who can navigate the complex landscape of local government and possess unparalleled management experience, strategic planning ability and a forward thinking mind-set to provide clear guidance to the Council.
The successful candidate will be responsible for collaborating closely with Elected Members, the local community and local businesses to advance the Council’s vision and strategic goals. They will work towards driving progress, enhancing service delivery, and fostering a continued commitment to creating inclusive and sustainable communities.
The Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Mark Cooper BEM, thanked the outgoing Chief Executive for her significant contribution to local government.
He said; “We owe a debt of gratitude to Jacqui for her outstanding service and transformative leadership. Jacqui’s vision, passion, and commitment has had a profound impact on our community, and we are confident that her legacy will endure. As we embark on this search for a new Chief Executive, we seek an individual who can build upon this foundation and lead us into an even brighter and more prosperous future.”
The recruitment process will be comprehensive, transparent and fair and will include a thorough assessment of candidates’ qualifications, experience, and alignment with the Council’s corporate strategic objectives. A panel, comprised of Elected Members, will be overseen by external experts from the Local Government Staff Commission, ensuring a broad perspective and a robust evaluation of each candidate.
Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council looks forward to appointing a new Chief Executive who will continue to promote the Council’s performance, locally, regionally and nationally, while facilitating progress, and shaping the future of the region. The Council remains committed to serving the community and ensuring a smooth transition to new leadership.
The Chief Executive Recruitment campaign will be launched imminently with the process independently administered by the Local Government Staff Commission on behalf of the Council. To have an informal discussion about the job role, please contact The Local Government Staff Commission: Diana Stewart, Director of Corporate Services by email at diana.stewart@lgsc.org.uk or by telephone;
T: 028 9031 3200.
To apply please visit www.lgsc.org.uk to begin your online application through the Local Government Jobs platform GetGot.
