Runners and riders in the running for one of the best jobs in Manchester

It’s only been a week since news broke that one of Manchester’s most powerful men is set to leave the city. But rumors about who could replace her are already rife.

The Manchester Evening News revealed on Wednesday (5 June) that Manchester council chief executive Joanne Roney CBE is leaving the town hall after seven years in the post. She will return to her home city to lead Birmingham council later this year.

Ms Roney, who started her career as an apprentice in Birmingham council’s housing department at the age of 16, is the first woman to serve at the helm of Manchester City Hall. She took over from Sir Howard Bernstein in 2017 while Sir Richard Leese chaired the board.

READ MORE: Manchester City Council confirms chief executive Joanne Roney is leaving to lead Birmingham council

The search for Ms Roney’s replacement will officially begin on Friday (June 14) at a meeting of the council’s personnel committee. A board report revealed the new chief executive will receive a salary of £220,982 a year – the same amount Ms Roney received.

The outgoing boss will remain in office for several months. But speculation about who might take his job has already begun.

Several sources have suggested Tom Stannard, chief executive of Salford council, could be a candidate. The London-born local government boss took the top job in Salford three years ago after serving – in less senior roles – at Wakefield and Oldham councils.

He worked closely with Manchester council leader Bev Craig, leading the portfolio for economy, business and inclusive growth at Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA). Rochdale council chief executive Steve Rumblelow could also be in the running.

Two sources are casting doubt on any internal promotion to the top job at Manchester council, which has recently lost some of its most senior bosses. That includes Deputy Executive Director and City Treasurer Carol Culley and Public Health Director David Regan.

A source suggested that Trafford council boss Sara Todd, who was Manchester council’s deputy chief executive until 2019, would be suitable for the job. However, it is unclear whether the Mancunian – who is in his fifties – would be interested in a move at the moment.

Some have suggested Manchester council may have to look further afield. Katherine Fairclough, who is chief executive of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, is said to be highly regarded in Greater Manchester and could be interested in the job.

There could also be interest from local government chiefs in London, where some councils are comparable in size to Manchester. Some sources say that Manchester’s size and stature leaves a small pool of potential candidates who would be qualified for the job.

Another factor that could tighten the talent pool is timing. With polls suggesting next month’s general election will result in a change of government, some of the top names in English councils could be looking for new opportunities in civil service departments.

The formal search will begin with the establishment of a “subcommittee of the (committee) on personnel to act as a nominating committee for the purpose of recruiting and appointing an executive director.” The sub-committee’s first job will be “to appoint an executive search firm with experience in local government recruitment to help the council identify suitable candidates to apply for the role and work alongside the HR team of board to manage aspects of the recruitment process. “, says a Manchester council report.

After the shortlisted candidates have completed a series of assessments and job interviews, the subcommittee will recommend a new chief executive who will need the approval of a majority of councilors to take the job – but this is usually considered a formality.