Person Specification

Qualification

• Educated to degree level or equivalent.
   
• Professional qualification within at least one of the disciplines covered by the Council and evidence of continued professional development.

Experience

• Consistent achievement at a senior management level within a local authority or equally complex public/not for profit organisation.
   
• A successful track record of working in a political environment, with elected Members, developing effective and productive relationships, and of translating political objectives and priorities into managerial strategy. Experience of handling complex and politically sensitive issues.
   
• A proven track record of working innovatively and successfully at all levels with partner organisations, including private sector, public agencies, voluntary, statutory and non statutory bodies.
   
• Experience of managing and controlling complex budgets and capital programmes, producing medium term financial strategies and advising Members.
   
• An appreciation of the role of the media and of advising Members/spokespeople of the opportunities of liaising and working with the media to promote positive images, both internally and externally, of a large organisation.
   
• A successful track record of establishing a strong performance management culture which is customer focused, quality driven and allows objective measurement of outcomes.
   
• Experience of working to achieve equality of opportunity in both employment and service delivery within a complex organisation and of personal leadership in the demonstration of valuing diversity.

Knowledge and Skills

• Understanding of the statutory role of a local authority and a commitment to ethical standards in both personal and professional management.
   
• Understanding of national and regional policy issues relating to local government and an ability to develop strategies and solutions to address these effectively.
   
• An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity in relation to employment and service provision.
   
• First class oral and written communication skills including the ability to compile and deliver complex strategic plans and implement long term goals.
   
• An ability to think in the longer term and translate long term vision into realistic strategy

Personal Attributes

• Flexibility and willingness to drive continuous improvement and manage change.
   
• The ability to provide inspirational leadership, support and motivation to a diverse staff in a culture of change and continuous improvement, with an emphasis on customer focused services, collaboration and innovation.
   
• Robust, resilient and committed enough to work in a challenging, pressurised and complex political environment.
   
• A highly visible leader with an approachable style both internally and within the District community in general.
   
• Capable of acting as a trouble shooter, arbitrator, problem solver and crisis handler and using sound judgement on all occasions.

Political Sensitivity

• Ability to relate appropriately to elected Members, the local community, employees and outside organisations.
   
• Understanding of and ability to work effectively in a politically sensitive environment, where there is no overall political control.
   
• An understanding and appreciation of the political relationships and processes within and outside local government and the implications for policy making and planning.

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