A council is stepping up its search for a new permanent chief executive.

Southampton City Council is recruiting a successor to Andrew Travers, who has held the role on an interim basis since January last year.

The job was advertised in recent months with a salary of £172,719 to £204,736.

The closing date for applications was December 8, 2024.

Now a chief officer employment panel is due to hold a shortlisting meeting on Wednesday, January 8, with interview dates to follow.

A preferred candidate will then be agreed at a further chief officer employment panel at a date to be confirmed.

Councillor Lorna Fielker, leader of Southampton City Council said: “As a council we are going through a number of changes.

“This is why the appointment of our next chief executive officer is a major priority.

“The position will be permanent and we are looking for someone that shares our key values, a visionary leader with positive energy that can deliver a sustainable council, whilst leading and shaping the culture of the organisation.”

Cllr Fielker said the successful candidate will demonstrate “grit and resilience” in the role, leading with a “humble yet humorous and balanced mindset”.

She added: “I really believe that Southampton’s time is now, and I look forward to working alongside an exceptional chief executive officer to continue to provide the best service to the people of Southampton.”

Mr Travers, who previously served as chief executive of Barnet Council and the London borough of Lambeth, was appointed on an interim basis after Mike Harris resigned from the role, citing the “significant toll” managing the council through a challenging financial period had on his health.

This decision brought an end to more than 25 years working at the council for Mr Harris, who was in post as chief executive for 18 months.

The new chief executive will also be the head of paid service and take on the responsibility as returning officer.

In September last year, councillors approved moving the key role in Southampton elections to become part of the chief executive’s remit in place of Mark Heath, who held the statutory electoral role since 1994.