£133k top salary as Mid and East Antrim Council launches search for new chief executive
Thursday 29 October 2026
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has launched a recruitment process to appoint a permanent chief executive, offering an annual salary of up to £133,618 to lead the local authority responsible for Ballymena, Carrickfergus, Larne and surrounding communities.
The appointment would bring an end to more than four years of interim leadership under Valerie Watts, who has held the position since June 2022.
The permanent, Ballymena-based role carries an advertised salary of £123,477 to £133,618, with applications closing at 12 noon on Monday 2 November 2026.
The successful candidate will take responsibility for an organisation employing nearly 700 people, managing an annual expenditure budget of £102.2 million and delivering services to more than 140,000 residents.
Council seeks experienced leader
In its recruitment advertisement, the council says it is seeking an exceptional candidate to help shape the borough's future.
It states:
“With a workforce of nearly 700 and an annual expenditure budget of £102.2million, we are looking for an experienced leader with the vision, integrity and determination to guide the organisation through all the opportunities and challenges local government brings.”
The successful applicant will be expected to provide strategic leadership, maintain strong governance, oversee public finances and ensure the effective delivery of council services.
The advertisement adds:
“As chief executive, you will provide strategic leadership across the organisation, ensuring strong governance, financial stewardship and the effective delivery of services.
“You will work closely with elected members, staff, partners and stakeholders to drive innovation, improvement and organisational success.”
The chief executive is the council's most senior officer, responsible for overseeing the implementation of decisions made by elected representatives and providing professional advice on policy, finance and organisational management.
The appointment will therefore have a significant influence on the future direction of the borough, including the delivery of local services, economic development and the management of public resources.
Four years under interim leadership
Interim chief executive Valerie Watts
The recruitment process follows a prolonged period of changes at the top of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council.
Valerie Watts was appointed interim chief executive in June 2022 and has remained in the position since then.
Her appointment followed the brief tenure of Mark Parkinson, who was appointed interim chief executive in February 2022 but left the role after less than a fortnight.
Mr Parkinson had previously served as deputy chief executive at Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council.
The leadership changes followed the absence of former chief executive Anne Donaghy, who went on sick leave in September 2021 and was subsequently suspended.
Ms Donaghy's employment with the council ended on 11 January 2023, following a period of suspension. Her departure was publicly confirmed later that month.
The council's latest recruitment exercise represents an opportunity to restore permanent leadership to the organisation following several years of interim arrangements.
Applications close on Monday
The position is being advertised through the Local Government Staff Commission, with the successful applicant expected to oversee both the council's day-to-day operations and its longer-term strategic priorities.
The council describes the vacancy as “a significant leadership opportunity and unique chance to lead one of Northern Ireland’s most ambitious councils.”
Applications must be submitted by 12 noon on Monday 2 November 2026.
The recruitment process marks an important step for Mid and East Antrim Borough Council as it seeks to appoint a permanent senior officer to lead services and help shape the borough's future.
