Aberdeen City Council's next chief executive is expected to be "on the ground in the city every day" as the search begins for a successor to Angela Scott, who leaves in October to become principal of the University of Dundee.
Alex McLellan, who chairs the appointment panel, said the successful candidate would be expected to have a strong presence at Marischal College, although he stopped short of saying an external appointee would have to relocate to Aberdeen.
He told the P&J: "The council does have flexible working practices that apply to all members of staff. But I think we would be setting expectations quite high in terms of the chief executive being in the building. I am not criticising anyone.
"It’s really important that the person we appoint as the next chief executive of the council is laser-focused on delivering the council priorities."
Ms Scott has faced criticism for working remotely during her tenure. The appointment panel is expected to meet this month before advertising the post, with interviews anticipated ahead of Ms Scott's departure in mid-October.
Click here to read more int he P&J.