Vacancy for Council Manager

Duties and Responsibilities

Ensure decisions made by Council are implemented This includes (but is not limited to):

• liaise with Councillors, contractors, stakeholders and others to make sure that Council decisions and projects are implemented within agreed budget and timescales

Maintain effective and positive communications.  This includes (but is not limited to):

• preparing and sending press releases about the activities of, and/or decisions of, the Council

• make appropriate arrangements for civic functions and occasions

• developing effective working partnerships with other relevant public, statutory and voluntary bodies, to ensure that the Council plays a full and effective role in issues affecting the community

• managing the Council’s online presence (e.g. website and social media platforms) – ensuring they are up to date and relevant, improving where necessary 

• promoting, enhancing and protecting the views/interest of the Council with all relevant external organisations or individuals 

• responding to and actioning all necessary and appropriate correspondence on behalf of the Council within service level standards

Stay informed on current and proposed legislation, regulations, policies, and procedures by reviewing relevant updates and attending required training or seminars per your Training Plan.

Act as the Council’s chief policy adviser, ensuring compliance with all statutory and relevant regulations.  Unless otherwise agreed/instructed, this includes (but is not limited to):

• planning and development issues as they affect the Council area 

• financial risk assessment and insurance 

• health and safety obligations 

• ensuring data is held legally and safely

• recruitment of Councillors

• awarding of contracts 

• advising on matters of ceremony and civic protocol

Continuously review Council services and activities for quality, efficiency, and effectiveness, ensuring they are achieving the desired result and recommending changes where needed

Ensure all Council meetings, including Working Parties and the Annual Meeting, comply with statutory and regulatory requirements – attending personally unless otherwise agreed.  This includes (but is not limited to):

• preparing and publishing notices and agendas for Council and other meetings

• preparing minutes for approval

• preparing and publishing the Council’s Annual Report 

Manage the Council’s financial and contractual obligations.  This includes (but is not limited to):

• signing and delivering any agreements, contracts, approvals etc. on behalf of the Council

• ensuring the Council’s planning obligations are met 

• completion of internal and external audit requirements

• manage the Council’s accounting process

• managing all contractors within legal constraints to ensure they meet their contractual obligations.

• taking action to remedy shortfalls in contractual performance

• preparing and publishing the Council’s Annual Training Plan

Oversee the management, maintenance, and use of all Council properties and facilities directly or through external agreements or partnerships with other parties or providers.

Ensure that Councillor vacancies are managed efficiently and effectively.  This will include advertising and the running of elections and/or managing co-option. 

Act as the official representative of the Council.  This includes (but is not limited to):

• representing the Council at meetings of other relevant organisations as required

• attending and/or representing the Council on any ceremonial occasions as required

Essential Qualities & Attributes

• Self-reliant and self-motivated with the drive, determination and initiative to achieve results and motivate others with minimal supervision.

• Flexible, pro-active and hands on approach to tasks.

• Trustworthy with confidential information.

• Ability to demonstrate tact and diplomacy.

• Community focussed.

• Proven ability to develop and maintain good relationships with councillors and stakeholders.

• Commitment to the delivery of quality service.

• Demonstrable ability to work as part of a team

Essential Skills, Abilities and Experience

• Relevant organisational and administrative experience in a structured environment.

• Project management experience.

• Excellent organisational and administrative skills.

• Ability to operate effective systems and procedures.

• Ability to organise and prioritise own work without supervision.

• Management skills with ability to monitor performance of others to achieve targets and meet deadline

• IT literate

Desirable Skills, Abilities and Experience

• Experience of working for a public body

• Experience of dealing with the public

• Familiarity with accounting systems

• Familiarity with email marketing systems

Other Essential Conditions

• Commitment to work and/or attend Committees and other meetings and functions in evenings.

• Prepared to work varied hours to meet the needs of the post.

• Commitment to undergo training to acquire relevant new skills or knowledge relevant to the job.