A SERIES of top jobs for Blackburn's new unitary council has gone on offer.

The council is 'head hunting' five directors to take charge of key departments when the authority wins single status next April.

Two are needed to take control of social services and education in the new borough. Each job comes with a salary package of around £64,000 per year.

Council chiefs also want suitable candidates to take control of three newly-created departments.

The directors, who will be paid around £74,000, will answer directly to the chief executive.

They will each head policy units with special responsibilities which include:

Legal, personnel and finance issues.

Leisure, social services, education and training.

Technical, regeneration and technical issues.

The advert reads: "Blackburn Council intends not only to provide high quality, cost effective services but also lead new, multi service initiatives which will address the many strategic issues we face, from alleviating poverty and fighting crime, to fostering economic development and equal opportunities.

"For this reason we require three accomplished Executive Directors to plan and develop these initiatives."

The new chief executive's £80,000 a year job was also recently advertised by the council.

Swansea-based consultant Andrew Boatswain is handling all the job applications and more top posts are set to be advertised in the coming months.

The new chief executive is likely to be appointed in late summer and a shadow council will hold meetings following elections next month.

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