R2R102931 - Service Manager - Policy and Performance - South End City Council

Your New Organisation

Southend on Sea City Council is a Unitary local authority, providing vital services to meet the needs of the local community. We employ around 1,800 staff who are working alongside our partners and local communities to deliver the city vision and make lives better for the people of Southend. Southend itself is a vibrant place to live and work, offering coastal living alongside excellent and fast transport links into London.

Working for Southend-on-Sea City Council offers a challenging and rewarding career in local government within a collaborative and innovative environment.  As a Unitary Authority we are responsible for all local government functions ranging from regulatory services, transport, public health, and parks through to planning, social services, community safety and education, so we offer a wide range of career opportunities.  The diversity of our economy, communities and investment in several exciting regeneration projects makes our Council a great place to work, learn and make a difference.

Your new role

Southend on sea city council has a fantastic opportunity for a Service Manager to join the Corporate Strategy Group on a fulltime and permanent basis. This role is within an established team, and it is being offered on a flexible and hybrid contract.

We are seeking an exceptional and committed individual to join us as Service Manager for Policy & Performance. This is a key role at the heart of Southend-on-Sea City Council's corporate centre. You will act as the recognised policy, performance; business planning expert; and risk management, providing regular advice and expertise in briefings. You will drive and shape our newly formed Policy & Performance function within our organisation to provide support and challenge to our senior leadership team and political leadership to drive high performance.

You will be responsible for but not limited to the below:

• Advancing the strategic direction and delivery of policy products including local and regional activity
• Providing leadership and direction to the council on business and performance management
• Overseeing the council's risk management framework
• Leading the organisation's response to the Public Sector Equality Duty
• Specific projects, like the next stage of our Ward Boundary Review.
• Line managing a team of 5 advisors and officers.
• Other duties within the scope of the post may be required from time to time.

Although this role is hybrid and flexible, this can change depending on the needs of the business.

For further enquiries, please contact uzo.nebechi@hays.com

What you'll need to succeed

To be successful in this role, previous policy and strategy experience in local government and/or experience of working with senior leadership is highly essential. It is vital that you have excellent written and communication skills and strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate across the organisation, with our senior leadership team, political leaders and regional counterparts.

It is essential that you have a strong understanding of policy development as well as strong analytical skills. The policy landscape is constantly evolving, so the ability to quickly learn, adapt strategies, and stay updated on emerging policy trends is essential for this role. As a manager you will be responsible for leading a team and collaborating with colleagues across different departments. Demonstrated leadership skills, the ability to motivate others, and a collaborate mindset are essential.

Relevant degree / management qualification or three years’ experience is required to be considered for this role.

What you'll get in return

If you join the Council, you will enjoy a range of benefits including flexible working, salary sacrifice schemes, 25 days holiday in a full-time contract (excluding bank holidays) and excellent training and development opportunities. A full list of benefits provided by Southend-on-Sea City Council can be found on the Jobs at the council web page under the "Why Work for us Tab".

What you need to do now

If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV.

Please note: Applications for this vacancy may close prior to the date advertised above so you are advised to apply as soon as you are able to. 

If you would like a copy of either the Job Description , please click here

The Council is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications, regardless of race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, age or religion or belief.