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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: Generous annual leave, pension contributions, flexible working options, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission to eliminate poverty in Luton and inspire change.
- Qualifications: Expertise in performance management, statistics, and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Dynamic role with excellent career growth and a commitment to diversity.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 64000 £ 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.
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!
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!
Principal Performance Manager 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
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in local government or performance management. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral, which can give you a leg up in the application process.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to performance management. Think about how you can showcase your experience with data analysis and project delivery. We want you to shine when it comes to discussing your skills!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise with tools like Power BI, Python, or R during interviews. Bring examples of how you've used these in past roles to drive performance improvements. This will demonstrate your hands-on experience and make you stand out.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Performance Manager
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 report-writing skills in previous roles. We want to see how you can translate complex data into meaningful insights.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Avoid jargon and ensure your points are easy to understand. Remember, we appreciate clarity, especially when presenting complex information!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people. Plus, you’ll find more resources there to help you along the way!
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.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to discuss your experience with data analysis tools like Power BI, Python, or R. Be ready to provide examples of how you've used these tools to translate complex data into actionable insights that drive performance improvement.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
As a Principal Performance Manager, you'll need to inspire and manage teams. Think of specific instances where you've successfully led projects or developed staff capabilities, and be prepared to share these stories to highlight your leadership style.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in real-world scenarios. Practice articulating how you would approach performance-related challenges, ensuring you demonstrate your strategic thinking and ability to deliver effective solutions.
