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- Tasks: Lead performance improvement projects and develop data-driven strategies for the council.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking council dedicated to making a real difference in the community.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, flexible working, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make an impact on local governance while developing your career in performance management.
- Qualifications: Experience in local government performance management and strong analytical skills required.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to the Luton 2040 Vision.
The predicted salary is between 50300 - 53200 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced and forward‑thinking Principal Performance Manager to play a pivotal role in strengthening a culture of continuous, evidence‑led performance improvement across the organisation.
Salary: £60,379 – £63,721 a year plus £3,203 car benefit allowance
Hours per week: 37
Contract type: Permanent
You will have specific responsibility for corporate performance, ensuring there is a clear and consistent line of sight between our performance framework and the council's key strategies, priorities and outcomes. You will lead the development and ongoing management of our performance management systems, monitor outcomes, and translate complex data into clear, meaningful insight that drives improvement.
- Lead and deliver performance‑related projects that support organisational priorities
- Develop and implement strategies to improve how the council uses data and evidence
- Act as the council's lead for statutory performance returns
- Provide expert performance support to inspections, reviews and external assessments
- Manage and develop staff within the performance function, building capability and confidence across the organisation
You will bring highly specialist, in‑depth knowledge of local government performance management, statistics and information analysis, underpinned by substantial experience working at a senior level within complex and diverse organisations. You will be confident in developing and delivering robust performance frameworks, with highly developed analytical, interpretation and report‑writing skills, and the ability to present complex information clearly and concisely to a wide range of audiences. You will have a proven ability to plan and deliver complex projects and programmes, providing timely and effective solutions to a broad range of analytical and methodological challenges. As an experienced leader, you will inspire and motivate people across a service, managing performance effectively and building capability. Your expertise will be supported by advanced knowledge of performance analytics and the practical use of specialist tools such as Power BI, Python and/or R, alongside postgraduate‑level education in statistics, business or a related field (or equivalent experience), and a strong commitment to continued professional development in performance.
Our ambitious Luton 2040 Vision – that no‑one in Luton will have to live in poverty – is at the heart of everything we do. We recognise that our people are remarkable, talented, committed and passionate about serving our residents. The people of Luton depend heavily on this council – and that means our workforce! Are you ready to realise the remarkable and help us deliver our vision?
We welcome applications from all sections of the community and are committed to developing a workforce that reflects the diversity of our borough.
Because of the nature of this job, it will be necessary for the appropriate level of criminal record disclosure to be undertaken. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore applicants are required to declare all unspent cautions and convictions; and also any adult cautions (simple or conditional), and spent convictions that are not protected as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2020). A person's criminal record will not in itself prevent a person from being appointed to this post. Applicants will not be refused posts because of offences which are not relevant to, and do not place them at or make them a risk in, the role for which they are applying. However in the event of the employment being taken up, any failure to disclose such offence, as detailed above, will result in dismissal or disciplinary action by the Authority.
On occasions, we may close a vacancy early due to a very high number of applications being received.
Benefits:
- 25 to 32 days' annual leave, linked to length of service and grade
- Buying annual leave scheme: buy up to 20 days additional annual leave
- Careerways: step in your career or move into a specialist area
- Pension scheme: generous employer contributions of up to 20.2 per cent (at July 2023) and 3× salary death in service grant
- Generous relocation package: up to £8,000 (subject to eligibility)
- Employee Assistance Programme: a free, 24/7 confidential counselling and wellbeing support service available to all employees, their partner or spouse and dependent children over 16 still living at home
- Work/life balance: flexible working options including working from home where possible. We welcome requests for flexible working arrangements including part‑time hours and alternative working patterns
- Training and support: unlimited access to development courses, mentoring and support and clear career pathways
- Staff offers: includes discounts on your MOT, gym and fitness, restaurants and salons
- Arriva Travel Club: great value savings on local bus travel
We understand that job applications take time and effort, but a high‑quality application shows that you are professional with a good attention to detail. The recruiting manager may receive a number of applications for each job advertised so you want yours to stand out!
Our 'How to apply' page has more tips to help with your application.
Principal Performance Manager in London employer: Luton Borough Council
Contact Detail:
Luton Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Performance Manager in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, attend industry events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its performance goals. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their vision, especially around evidence-led performance improvement. Show them you’re not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and boost your confidence. Focus on articulating your analytical skills and how you can translate complex data into actionable insights.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can leave a lasting impression. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Performance Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Principal Performance Manager. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your skills; demonstrate them! Provide examples of how you've used your analytical and performance management skills in previous roles. We want to see how you can bring value to our team.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is key. Avoid jargon and keep your language straightforward. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us without any hiccups. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Luton Borough Council
✨Know Your Performance Frameworks
Make sure you’re well-versed in performance management frameworks, especially those relevant to local government. Brush up on how these frameworks align with organisational strategies and outcomes, as this will be a key topic during your interview.
✨Data is Your Best Friend
Prepare to discuss your experience with data analysis tools like Power BI, Python, or R. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've used data to drive performance improvements and make informed decisions in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Performance Manager, you'll need to inspire and motivate teams. Think of instances where you've successfully managed staff or led projects, and be prepared to discuss your approach to building capability and confidence within your team.
✨Practice Clear Communication
You’ll need to present complex information clearly to various audiences. Practice explaining intricate data insights in simple terms, as this will demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively and ensure everyone understands the key points.
