At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic initiatives to enhance employment and community opportunities in Brent.
- Company: Join Brent Council, a diverse and inclusive workplace dedicated to improving lives.
- Benefits: Generous leave, pension scheme, flexible working, and health support.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the lives of residents and drive positive change.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in employment and community services with strong partnership skills.
The predicted salary is between 90865 - 111270 £ per year.
Salary range: £90,865 - £111,270 per annum inclusive of London weighting
Contract: Fixed term (2 years)
Hours of work: 36 hours per week
Location: Civic Centre and other locations from time to time
Shape opportunities. Change lives. Transform Brent.
Brent is one of the most diverse boroughs in the country, with communities, ideas and experiences from across the world helping to shape who we are. Working here means joining a council that is focused on fairness, open to new thinking and committed to improving life for local people.
Our values shape how we work and what people can expect from us. We collaborate proactively, lead inclusively, embrace change, are bold and curious, and celebrate and share our success. For people who care about public service and want their work to matter, Brent offers the chance to make a meaningful difference.
About the role
This is a unique opportunity to shape the Council’s strategic approach to employment, skills, migration and community opportunity, helping residents access quality jobs, lifelong learning and pathways to prosperity. As the Council’s principal adviser in this area, you will lead a high-profile service that works across departments and with regional and national partners to deliver meaningful change for Brent’s diverse communities.
Sitting within the Community Development and Employment & Opportunity service, this leadership role combines strategic influence, partnership development and service transformation. You will work closely with senior leaders, elected members, employers, education providers, funders and community organisations to drive innovation, secure investment and champion inclusive growth.
This role matters because it directly contributes to improving residents’ lives by raising skills, increasing employment opportunities, supporting disadvantaged communities and ensuring Brent remains a borough where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. For an experienced and ambitious leader, it offers the chance to make a lasting impact at both a local and regional level while leading a talented team committed to delivering excellent outcomes.
In this role, you will:
- Lead strategy and policy for employment, skills, migration and community opportunity, ensuring the Council delivers ambitious outcomes that improve residents’ lives.
- Build and influence partnerships with employers, education providers, community organisations, regional bodies and government to secure investment and create new opportunities for Brent residents.
- Drive service performance and innovation, ensuring services are responsive, financially sustainable and deliver high-quality employment, learning and support outcomes.
- Lead and inspire high-performing teams, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement while championing inclusion and opportunity across the borough.
About you
We are looking for someone who:
- A track record of leading strategic employment, skills, education or community-based services, delivering measurable outcomes and continuous improvement.
- Experience of developing and influencing policy and strategy, translating ambitious priorities into successful operational delivery and lasting impact.
- Strong partnership-building and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence senior leaders, elected members, employers, funders and community organisations.
- Experience of managing complex budgets and securing external funding, ensuring services are financially sustainable and deliver value for money.
- An excellent understanding of employment, skills, adult learning and social inclusion agendas, including the challenges and opportunities facing diverse and disadvantaged communities.
- Inspirational leadership skills, with the ability to motivate, develop and empower teams to deliver outstanding services and achieve ambitious goals.
Why join us?
We know people do their best work when they feel valued, supported and able to grow. At Brent, you will benefit from:
- 27 days’ annual leave, rising with length of service, plus bank holidays
- Local Government Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions
- Hybrid and flexible working options for most roles
- Supportive family-friendly policies
- Health and wellbeing support, including eye test support and a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
- Financial wellbeing support, including education sessions, childcare deposit loans, and season ticket loans
- Travel support, including affordable parking nearby, a Cycle to Work scheme, and onsite facilities
- Learning and development opportunities to support your career
- Access to My Brent Rewards with exclusive discounts on shopping, travel, leisure and entertainment
To learn more about our benefits, visit Our offer to you.
How to apply
Interested in applying? Click "Apply Now" to begin your application.
You will need to submit a supporting statement demonstrating how you meet the essential criteria in the job description. This is a key part of the selection process, and applications without a supporting statement may not be considered. You may also upload a CV to support your application, but it cannot replace the supporting statement.
Closing date: 27 August 2026 (23:59)
Brent Council values the diversity of its community and aims to have a workforce that reflects the people we serve. We welcome all applications from all sections of the community and encourage applicants to complete the diversity survey section of the application.
We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone is treated with dignity, respect and fairness. We expect all employees to demonstrate a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and to promote inclusive, non-discriminatory practices in their work. This commitment forms part of our recruitment process, and candidates may be assessed on their understanding of and ability to contribute to an inclusive working environment.
As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. This includes people with hidden disabilities, long term health conditions, diagnosis, and mental health conditions. We also guarantee an interview to care-experienced applicants who meet the essential criteria. Information shared for this purpose will be treated fairly and used only to confirm eligibility under these schemes.
If you need reasonable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact recruitment@brent.gov.uk.
Brent has a positive approach to flexible working.
Head of Employment and Opportunity employer: Borough of Brent
The Borough of Brent is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment where employees can thrive in their political careers. With a strong emphasis on flexibility and work-life balance, the role of Policy & Communications Assistant provides generous annual leave and opportunities for professional growth within a supportive team dedicated to making a positive impact in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Employment and Opportunity
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Borough of Brent, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Borough of Brent and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Employment and Opportunity
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Borough of Brent and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Borough of Brent
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Borough of Brent, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Borough of Brent.
