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.
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.
Your new role:
Southend-on-Sea City Council is seeking a senior manager to lead a talented team across key areas including democratic services, elections and services to the Mayor.. The Council has been included in the Government’s Devolution Priority Programme (Devolution revolution: six areas to elect Mayors for first time - GOV.UK) which will make this an exciting time to work for one of the main unitaries in Greater Essex. In addition, the Council has recently rewritten its Constitution and is progressing with an ambitious phase of modernisation. 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 Deputy Returning Officer, you will have a lead role in the management and delivery of Parliamentary, Police Fire and Crime Commissioner and local elections.
You will also Lead the Council’s Civic Team which provides services to the Mayor and Deputy Mayor in their civic and ceremonial duties.

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.

What you’ll need to succeed:
We are interested in applicants with strong leadership and relationship-building skills with significant experience in democratic services and a deep understanding of the law and procedures relating to this area. Experience of working for a Combined Authority or for a council at a time of Local Government Reform will be an advantage.
If you are passionate about the democratic process, a confident leader and not afraid to embrace innovative ways of working then we would love to hear from you.
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.
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.