R2R93 Senior Lead Democratic Services, Civic and Elections

Southend on Sea City Council is a Unitary local authority providing vital services to meet the needs of the local community. We employ around 1800 staff who are working alongside our partners and local communities to deliver the city vision and make lives better for the people of Southend.

Working for Southend on Sea City Council offers a challenging and rewarding career in local government within a collaborative and innovate environment with the benefit of flexible working practices to support a positive work life balance. As a Unitary Authority we are responsible for all local government functions ranging from social services transport public health and parks through to planning trading standards community safety and education so we offer a wide range of career opportunities. The diversity of our economy and communities and investment in a number of exciting regeneration projects makes our Council a great place to work learn and make a difference.

Southend-on-Sea City Council is seeking a senior manager to lead a talented team on a permanent basis across key areas including democratic civic and elections services. The Council is going through an exciting phase of modernisation in preparation for Local Government Reorganisation and the establishment of a Mayoral Combined County Authority for Greater Essex. Southend has recently undertaken a complete review of its constitution and this post presents an excellent and attractive opportunity for a highly motivated person to work at the heart of the authority in collaboration with elected councillors and senior leaders.

You will be responsible for managing and delivering the servicing of Council Cabinet committees and all other councillor level bodies. You will act as a key advisor on a range of governance matters ensuring compliance with the relevant legal requirements the constitution and other procedures and practices.

As a Senior Lead you will have a lead role in the management and delivery of Parliamentary Greater Essex mayoral and local elections as well as supporting the preservation of the ceremonial mayoralty and City and ancient Borough status for Southend-on-Sea.

This role will be offered on a hybrid basis (blend of working from home and office). To meet the demands of this role the successful candidate will be expected to be in the office at least twice a week with attendance at evening meetings as necessary.

N:B Please be aware that this is a politically restricted post.

We are interested in applicants with strong leadership skills with significant experience in wider democratic services and a deep understanding of the law and procedures relating to this area. Exposure to the elections would also be an advantage. This role has direct contact with elected Members so excellent inter-personal skills and the ability to work in a complex political environment are also important.

If you are passionate about local democracy a confident leader and not afraid to embrace innovative ways of working then we would love to hear from you.

When joining the council you can enjoy a range of benefits including: 25 days annual leave flexible working and excellent training and development opportunities. They are committed to ensuring that you are supported in this varied and challenging role with the appropriate level of training. A full list of benefits provided by Southend Council can be viewed on the Why Work For Us tab.

If you are interested in this role please click apply online to make your application. Applications must be made with a supporting statement setting out how you meet the criteria in the personal specification.

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

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.

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.