Town Centre Manager in Henley on Thames

About the Council
The Town Council represents the thriving and picturesque Henley-on-Thames, bordered by both the Chilterns and the River Thames. Henley is renowned for its beautiful market town facilities, its sporting achievements, and an ever-growing programme of cultural and recreational events. The Town Council is the first tier of local government, with 16 councillors and a staff of c.30. We are one of the busiest town councils in the country, providing a wide range of quality services including parks, recreation grounds, open spaces, sports and arts facilities, allotments, cemetery, moorings, car parks, a visitor information service, and community buildings. We also have an extensive property portfolio and significant financial investments.

We are a very ambitious town council, dedicated not only to fulfilling our statutory functions, but leading on a wide range of projects and services to benefit the community. Recent and ongoing projects include a new adventure playground and installation of air source heat pumps and solar panels on Council-owned buildings; a new 3G football pitch; provide a new sports pavilion, parks depot, and more affordable housing for the town; expanding the town bus service; renovating several Council buildings; creating new pedestrian crossings; improving the Christmas Festival and lights; and campaigning for better water quality in the Thames. The Council has also declared both climate and nature emergencies and is dedicated to leading on schemes to improve biodiversity, sustainability and reduce emissions throughout the town.

Purpose of the role
This is an exciting opportunity for a community-focussed individual experienced in economic development, events, and/or town centre management to join our team and help us support and develop our vibrant community. The successful candidate will be responsible for driving the economic heart of Henley, ensuring it remains a secure, dynamic and vibrant market town, serving the needs of businesses, residents, and visitors alike. This includes overseeing economic development and markets; the visitor economy; the town’s bus service; community safety; civic ceremonies; and community events and projects. Projects include organizing the Christmas Festival and other high-profile town-wide events; introducing new markets and events; reviewing commercial waste collection; tackling graffiti and antisocial behaviour; and improving banking facilities. The successful candidate will also manage, and be assisted by, the Markets and Events Manager and Mayor’s PA/Office Manager.

Responsibilities

• To facilitate meetings of Council committees and sub-committees, including setting agendas, and producing reports.
• To manage the Town & Community team, including the Markets & Events Manager and Mayor’s PA.
• To work in collaboration with local tourist attractions and twinning associations to promote and improve Henley as a visitor destination.
• To oversee the running of the regular charter market, and other Council-facilitated markets.
• To manage the programme of Council-run events, including overseeing civic ceremonies, and working in partnership with other organisers to ensure a comprehensive programme of year-round activities to create greater community cohesion and town centre vibrancy.
• To take the lead on managing the visual attraction, amenity, and cleanliness of the town centre, including liaising with other stakeholders to manage projects on street cleaning; street furniture; bunting, lights, hanging baskets, planters and Christmas trees; litter bin and other waste collection; signage; and on-street advertising.
• To engage with local businesses, retailers, and service providers to improve the vibrancy of the town centre; support existing businesses; and attract more commerce and footfall.
• To manage the running and economic viability of the Council-run bus service.
• To work in partnership with the Police and other local authorities and agencies to assist them in improving community safety, and reducing antisocial behaviour, crime, and the fear of crime.
• To work in partnership with all key event partners to facilitate the smooth running of external events for visitors, residents, and businesses.
• To work in partnership with South Oxfordshire District Council to improve their amenities and services, including economic development, street cleaning, environmental health, car parking provision, and public conveniences.
• To work in partnership with Oxfordshire County Council to improve the public highway and on-street parking provision, especially in the town centre.
• To manage and report on all budgets falling under the Town & Community team.
• To carry out other such duties as the Council may require from time to time.

Person Specification

• A proven successful track record in delivering community services and/or economic development initiatives.
• Experience in successfully managing events with a keen eye for detail.
• Impeccable IT skills, including experience of website management.
• Self-motivated and able to work under own initiative.
• Experience of successful project management and delivery.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Awareness of the role of the Town Council in local government.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to present sound, well-presented advice to a variety of audiences.
• Flexibility in order to attend occasional evening meetings.
• The ability to operate with impartiality in a political environment.
• Educated to degree level or equivalent professional training.
• Membership of the ATCM or similar professional body.
• Experience of line managing/supervising staff.
• Experience working with different tiers of local government or the third sector.
• Experience in running markets.
• Experience of coordinating meetings and preparing agendas and reports.