About the job

Leicester City Council is a Mayoral Authority, we work together to serve the people, communities and businesses within our diverse and ambitious city. We take decisions that affect thousands of lives every day. It is vital to enhance people's confidence and pride in our city, because when people feel proud about where they live, they become part of it. From social services and schools, to housing, roads and regeneration, to public health, skills and business support.

We are now looking for a highly motivated, ambitious and talented leader who will join us as chief operating officer.

As the head of our fantastic leadership team, you will lead the organisational development and management of the authority to deliver our strategic vision. Reporting directly to the City Mayor you will be responsible for a broad-ranging programme of delivery across the councils corporate and statutory functions, ensuring that we remain financially stable. You will also oversee the organisation’s internal policy control, risk management and governance to ensure we operate as a responsible, effective and transparent authority with a strong reputation and profile.

The role

As chief operating officer your role is to lead the Corporate Management Team and all council services and functions, working with the City Mayor and the Executive to deliver the council’s vision that we will work with creativity and drive for the benefit of the people who live and work in our city. 

As head of the councils paid services you will be responsible for securing the staff and other resources needed to deliver high quality, cost effective services to the people of Leicester. This will involve creating strong relationships to work in collaboration with stakeholders, the Executive, all Councillors, and the Corporate Management Team to develop and deliver the strategic vision, preferred direction of travel for the City and the Council, and to provide clear and visible leadership across the Council so resources are brought together in a coherent way.

Having accountability and responsibility for areas of activity which by there nature require a council wide focus in planning and delivery, specifically but not exclusively covering Public Health and Smart Cities. Being responsible for the functions and resources which support these areas.

You will also lead our corporate services department providing strategic direction, support, inspiration and management. Following our values of: Accountability, Clarity, Confidence, fairness and respectfulness you will promote the effective management and development of all Council staff. To ensure that all staff are appropriately inspired, empowered, trained and developed.

What you'll need

As chief operating officer you’ll have a successful record of strategic leadership. Running a significant programme of activity or as a member of the senior leadership team in a large, complex and service critical multifunctional organisation. Being experienced working in partnership with other agencies / organisations to improve the quality of life of local people and support the regeneration of the city.

Leading from the front you will have knowledge of the legal framework in which Local Authorities operate including in relation to the services managed. Demonstrating a strong understanding and knowledge base around the interrelationship between the services of the Council and how to most effectively address the benefits this can bring. Utilising your experience of and ability to deliver a performance management culture to increase the capacity of the council and to provide focussed and effective solutions. Creating a positive environment for everyone.

To apply

If the above sounds like you, then we would love to hear from you!

Please complete our online application form referring to the attached person specification for all the job requirements and ensure you tell us about your experience and knowledge, where this is being measured by application form.

Should you wish to attach your CV, please also ensure that this is tailored to reflect the job requirements which will give you the best possible chance of being shortlisted.

For an informal discussion, or further information regarding this job please contact Joanne Allen at 0116 454 4377 or email joanne.allen@Leicester.gov.uk

Closing date: 18th January 2021