Following a series of high-profile departures, Breckland Council will seek to fill its most senior management vacancy next week after the preferred candidate for the post of interim chief executive was named.

Geoff Rivers, the former chief executive of South Norfolk and St Edmundsbury councils, was the only candidate to be interviewed for the role, after a shortlist of applicants was drawn up to replace Trevor Holden, who will leave the post on October 9.

Breckland's full council will meet on October 3 to discuss a recommendation that Mr Rivers be offered an initial five-month contract as interim chief executive and head of paid service, in a joint appointment with South Holland District Council under the two authorities' shared management structure.

The recommendation, contained in a report by assistant director for democratic services Vicky Thomson, is for the appointment to be effective from October 4.

If his appointment is confirmed by the council, Mr Rivers will fulfil the role until a permanent chief executive can be found for Breckland and South Holland.

The previous post-holder, Mr Holden, was appointed in January, contracted on a part-time basis from his employers at Luton Borough Council.

The announcement of the end of that contract came shortly after the news that deputy chief executive Mark Stokes would also be leaving the council. He will leave on October 18 to become Norfolk police and crime commissioner's new chief executive.

The report to the council says: 'The council has a shared establishment of only three chief officers with all but one vacant, it is therefore strongly recommended the council appoint an interim chief executive and head of paid service as soon as is practically possible.

'The appointment of chief officers is important to allow the authority to continue to be provided with the leadership required.'

Mr Rivers was chief executive of South Norfolk District Council from 2000 to 2008 and St Edmundsbury Borough Council from 2008 to 2012.

During his most recent council role he oversaw changes including the move to shared services – and a shared chief officer – with Forest Heath District Council.