A MONEY-saving restructure of the chief executive’s department at Bury Council is now complete.

The smaller number of senior managers is expected to save £520,000 towards budget savings of £12.2 million for the financial year 2011-12.

The changes were triggered by the decision last September of the current chief executive to take early retirement.

Savings will be achieved through the deletion of the assistant chief executive’s position and three directors’ positions, plus five heads of service.

The new chief executive and deputy chief executive will take up their roles on lower pay than those who previously held the positions.

The following appointments have been made effective from March 1: Mike Kelly, chief executive designate; Ruth Fairhurst, deputy chief executive designate; and Mike Owen, executive director for resource.

From April 1, the following posts will be filled: Guy Berry, assistant director for human resources; and Jayne Hammond, assistant director for legal. An assistant director for finance and efficiency is to be appointed, as are further appointments lower down the scale.

Mr Kelly said: “Savings have to be made right across the council, and these reductions to senior management are a direct and purposeful response to that challenge. These are unprecedented challenges facing Bury Council and no member of staff is exempt.”

Council leader Cllr Bob Bibby, said: “We want to make sure that every opportunity to reduce costs is taken and that our management structure is lean and is seen to be fit for the future.”