At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and redefine customer service excellence across the Council.
- Company: Plymouth City Council, focused on improving public services and community outcomes.
- Benefits: Flexible working arrangements, opportunity for cultural change, and impactful leadership role.
- Other info: Collaborative office environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact on residents' experiences and drive significant organisational change.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in customer service strategy and leadership at a senior level.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
With significant investment, growth and regeneration underway, the city is evolving rapidly. We are focused on delivering high-quality public services, improving outcomes for residents and creating a sustainable, inclusive future.
This is a pivotal leadership role with a clear and uncompromising focus on customer service. As Service Director for Customer Services, you will define, lead and embed a Council-wide approach to customer service excellence. This is not simply about overseeing services, it is about owning and delivering the Council’s Customer Service Strategy, redesigning services around the customer, and building the capability, leadership and training needed to deliver it consistently across the organisation.
You will lead a broad portfolio including the contact centre, customer experience, complaints, business support and city-wide customer access through our ‘front doors’. You will ensure services are simple, inclusive and effective, balancing digitally enabled delivery with high-quality human interaction where it matters most.
Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, you will operate as a key member of the senior leadership team, working closely with elected members, partners and stakeholders to drive a step-change in customer experience across the organisation.
- Define and deliver a clear Customer Service Strategy, setting the standard for what good looks like across the Council.
- Act as the organisation’s customer services lead, shaping direction and holding services to account for delivery.
- Embed a strong, consistent customer-focused culture across all front-line services.
- Establish and lead a customer service training and development approach, building capability and confidence across the organisation.
- Drive service redesign using data and insight to improve experience and reduce avoidable demand.
- Ensure services are digitally enabled and accessible, while remaining inclusive for those who need additional support.
- Oversee key enabling services including contact centre, complaints and business support, ensuring high performance and value for money.
This is an opportunity to define how customer service is delivered across the Council, lead cultural and organisational change, and position Plymouth as a high-performing, customer-focused authority.
We are looking for a strategic customer services leader who can operate effectively at Chief Officer level. A strong track record of defining and delivering customer service strategy at scale.
Significant experience of leading customer service or customer experience functions, with a clear focus on outcomes.
Experience of building organisational capability, including designing and delivering customer service training and development.
A strong understanding of how data, insight and digital approaches can improve customer experience.
A focus on performance, outcomes and continuous improvement.
Plymouth City Council is committed to delivering better outcomes for our residents and communities. This role offers the opportunity to redefine how we serve our customers, lead significant cultural change and make a lasting impact on the experience of every resident who interacts with the Council.
The expectation is that the role will be office-based for 3 to 4 days per week to support collaboration and visibility, with flexibility around how the remaining time is worked. As a flexible employer, we are open to discussing working arrangements to balance service needs with individual circumstances.
Service & Customer Service Coordinator in Devon employer: PLYMOUTH CITY COUNCIL
Contact Detail:
PLYMOUTH CITY COUNCIL Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Service & Customer Service Coordinator in Devon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, or even hit up LinkedIn. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its customer service strategy. Understand their values and how they deliver services. This will help you tailor your answers and show them you're the perfect fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable with common questions. Focus on showcasing your experience in leading customer service functions and driving improvements.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Service & Customer Service Coordinator in Devon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the role of Service & Customer Service Coordinator. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant customer service strategies you've implemented in the past.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share your successes! Use concrete examples to demonstrate how you’ve improved customer service outcomes or led successful projects. Numbers and data can really make your achievements stand out.
Keep It Clear and Concise: While we want to know all about you, it’s important to keep your application clear and to the point. Avoid jargon and ensure your writing is easy to read. A well-structured application shows your attention to detail!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. This way, you’ll ensure your application reaches us without any hiccups, and you can easily track its progress!
How to prepare for a job interview at PLYMOUTH CITY COUNCIL
✨Know the Customer Service Strategy Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the Council’s Customer Service Strategy. Familiarise yourself with their goals and how they aim to improve customer experience. This will help you demonstrate your alignment with their vision and show that you're ready to take ownership of this pivotal role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully led customer service initiatives or teams. Highlight how you’ve built capability and fostered a customer-focused culture. This is your chance to illustrate your strategic thinking and leadership skills, which are crucial for this position.
✨Emphasise Data-Driven Decision Making
Be ready to discuss how you've used data and insights to drive improvements in customer service. Share examples of how you've redesigned services based on customer feedback or performance metrics. This will show that you understand the importance of data in enhancing customer experiences and reducing avoidable demand.
✨Prepare Questions About Inclusivity and Accessibility
Think about questions you can ask regarding how the Council ensures its services are inclusive and accessible. This demonstrates your commitment to serving all residents effectively. It also gives you insight into their current practices and shows that you’re serious about making a positive impact in the community.