Eastleigh Borough Council offers huge sum in search for new Chief Executive
A council is offering around £150,000 a year for someone to take the helm
A council is offering around £150,000 a year for someone to take the helm during a period of major change.
Eastleigh Borough Council has launched its search for a chief executive, with applications closing on November 15.
The successful candidate will replace interim chief executive David Williams, who was brought in following the departure of James Strachan earlier this year.
The council’s advert says the new chief executive will provide the “leadership, vision and drive” to maintain services while ensuring the authority remains resilient and financially sustainable.
The appointment comes as the council faces significant financial pressures.
Its latest accounts, obtained by the Local Democracy Reporting Service in August, show total borrowing stood at £620.1 million on March 31, 2026, up from £585.3 million a year earlier.
Council leader Keith House said the authority had “always been prepared to think differently” when taking on challenges.
In a promotional video for the vacancy, he highlighted One Horton Heath, where the council is delivering a new community of 2,500 homes, alongside infrastructure, green spaces and schools.
He also pointed to the authority being selected as one of three councils in England as a strategic partner by Homes England, securing £154 million to help deliver more than 1,000 social and affordable homes over the next decade.
But Cllr House acknowledged the next chief executive would take over amid financial pressures and changes to how councils operate due to local government reorganisation.
He said: “Whatever the future of local councils in Hampshire, we’re determined to continue delivering for our residents, and to play a positive role in shaping what comes next.
“That’s why this is such an important appointment.”
James Strachan left the authority at the end of March after almost four years as chief executive.
He joined in May 2022 from Southampton City Council and previously held senior roles at Hampshire County Council and in central government.
By February 2026, the chief executive post had a published salary band of £124,354 to £136,183.
James Strachan said he was leaving ahead of changes brought about by government reorganisation and subsequently joined the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman as director of corporate services.
He was replaced on an interim basis by David Williams, the former chief executive of Portsmouth and Gosport councils, who previously spent 17 years as Portsmouth’s chief executive.
The permanent position is being advertised at around £150,000, with applications closing on November 15.