POLICE and crime commissioner Bill Longmore is hunting for a chief executive – and says the role will pay up to £103,000 a year.

The region’s elected crime boss is looking to replace David Brierley, the old police authority’s chief executive, who is stepping down in March.

The six-figure salary, which is in line with what assistant chief constables earn, is being advertised on Mr Longmore’s website and will be based in Shropshire.

It comes despite concern in recent years over high senior management police salaries, with Mr Brierley’s pay scale leaping £16,600 to £108,800 three years ago – an 18 per cent hike.

Mr Longmore said the new job will be a small saving on that wage and that the selected candidate will be taking on a massive role.

They will be responsible for Mr Longmore’s office, which has a £1.4 million budget and employs 14 staff, as well as overseeing the efforts of 4,000 West Mercia Police workers led by chief constable David Shaw.

The chief executive will be responsible for managing Mr Longmore’s office, developing his police and crime plan, and forming a close bond with top brass at West Mercia Police.

Mr Longmore said he is after someone with the “personality” to work with the rest of the public sector across the force area, and advise him on policy.

He said: “The chief executive role is absolutely key in helping the commissioner hold the chief constable to account, work towards the aims of the police and crime plan and continue our excellent work with the police to keep West Mercia a safe place to live and work.

It is a very involved role, and candidates would need to have excellent legal, financial and technical knowledge, particularly of the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011, as well as management experience at a very senior level in large organisations.

“The chief executive would also lead and manage the office staff, who are vital in providing support for myself and my deputy to do our jobs effectively.

I am looking for a strategic thinker who has a first-rate knowledge of the policing landscape, and someone who has excellent leadership, vision and drive.”

He said he expects to go through a “very high standard” of applications once the deadline of Friday November 1 has passed.

The job will guarantee earnings of between £88,000 and £103,000, plus a pension option.

It has been criticised by the Taxpayers Alliance, which says public sector bodies need to end six-figure salaries.