Perth and Kinross Council has failed to appoint a new chief executive.
It is understood the top job at the council will be readvertised after the Scottish Parliament elections in May.
The role was advertised earlier this year following Karen Reid’s departure to become chief executive of NHS Education for Scotland on February 1.
The deadline for applications closed on February 15.
It had been hoped - following a rigorous selection process - a candidate would have been appointed following an interview at the end of March.
But PKC has confirmed it was unable to select a candidate.
A spokesperson for PKC said: “Following a rigorous recruitment and selection exercise which concluded on March 30, 2021, it has not been possible to make an appointment to the vacant post of chief executive.
“The vacancy will be advertised again later in the year. Meanwhile the current arrangements will continue with Barbara Renton as interim chief executive.”
Barbara Renton stepped in as interim chief executive on February 1.
Conservative council leader Murray Lyle said some prospective candidates may have been busy because of the pandemic and not applied.
He said: “We went through the process but were aware it was a difficult time to advertise in the midst of COVID.
“It was done in haste to some degree but it’s better to take time and make sure we have done it right. It’s a really important position for the council.”
He added: “I have every confidence in the ongoing effective leadership arrangements which will continue to provide executive leadership, advice and support to councillors and staff as the council continues its response to the COVID pandemic and again focuses on recovery and renewal through the Perth and Kinross Offer.”
Earlier this year SNP group leader Cllr Grant Laing - who sits on the sub-committee tasked with interviewing candidates - raised concerns about advertising in the middle of a pandemic.
But Cllr Laing said - despite those concerns - he fully understood the reasoning for advertising the post earlier this year.
He said: “I can understand the desire to get someone in post.”
A spokesperson for PKC told the LDRS: “The appointment sub-committee will meet again to consider arrangements for filling the vacancy and the timing of further advertising.”
PKC’s appointment sub-committee consists of: Conservative council leader Murray Lyle, Conservative councillor John Duff, SNP councillors Grant Laing and Fiona Sarwar, and Lib Dem councillor Peter Barrett.
