City of York Council is delivering an ambitious agenda for one of the UK's most historic and forward-looking cities. Guided by our One City, for All vision, we are committed to creating a fairer, greener and more prosperous future for everyone who lives, works and studies in York.

This is an exciting time to join us. We are driving major regeneration and infrastructure projects, strengthening regional partnerships through devolution, investing in innovation and transformation, and tackling some of the most important opportunities and challenges facing local government today. From shaping the future of York Central to delivering sustainable growth and climate ambitions, our work is making a real impact.

You will join a workforce that is passionate about public service, proud of the city it serves and committed to making a real difference. With more than 2,600 employees working across a wide range of professions and services, our people bring together diverse skills, experiences and perspectives, helping us deliver better outcomes for residents and communities. We are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of York and where everyone feels they belong.

We are a values-led organisation, guided by Working Together, Improving and Making a Difference. These values shape our culture, our leadership and the way we work with colleagues, residents and partners every day. We are ambitious for York and ambitious for our people, fostering a positive environment where innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement are encouraged.

We invest in our people through a strong leadership and development offer, wellbeing support, coaching, mentoring and career development opportunities. We are proud of our inclusive culture and our commitment to equality, diversity and employee wellbeing.

You  would be based in the award-winning West Offices and supported by flexible and hybrid working arrangements, we offer a modern, collaborative and supportive working environment. Many of our colleagues choose to build long and rewarding careers here because of the breadth of opportunities, the visibility senior leaders enjoy, and the genuine ability to influence and improve the city.

Our priorities and ambitions are re articulated in the Council Plan 2023-2027, entitled "One City, for all". This plan sets out seven strategic priority areas for the council's work; each aimed at improving quality of life and ensuring shared prosperity (aligned to York's longer-term 10-Year City Plan):

Delivering on our ambitious agenda for York will require senior leaders who can successfully navigate a number of significant challenges and opportunities facing the Council and the city. We want to be candid about this because it will form an important part of the context in which you will work.

Like most local authorities, City of York Council faces very real financial constraints in the coming years. Rising costs and growing demand, particularly in social care for adults and children, are creating pressure on our budgets. The Council’s budget acknowledged an extremely challenging fiscal environment, requiring difficult decisions to prioritise essential services and protect the most vulnerable. We are looking to drive efficiency through our transformation programme, finding innovative income sources, and making smart choices about resource allocation. At the same time, we must continue investing in critical services and deliver improvements promised in the Council Plan.

Not everyone in York currently benefits equally from the city’s success. Tackling inequality – whether in health outcomes, educational attainment, or economic opportunity – is a major priority for the Council. For example, parts of the city experience significant poverty and disadvantage, which require targeted action with partners to improve outcomes (such as in skills, housing and early intervention services). There is a real opportunity to harness York’s strong sense of community and collective action in this effort.

Our final message is this is a place where you can be part of something bigger. Make your next career step to be Made in York where you can be part of the city's potential, values its people and be part of the commitment to creating a brighter future for everyone who calls York home.

If you are looking for a role where you can combine professional challenge with purpose, work with exceptional partners, and help shape the future of a thriving and ambitious city, City of York Council is a fantastic place to build your career.