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- Tasks: Lead the Councillor Services Team and manage the Leader's Office for efficient operations.
- Company: Join a dynamic local government team committed to making Reading a vibrant place.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holidays, flexible working, and a supportive environment for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in local government, strong organisational skills, and a proactive approach required.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative team that values innovation and ambition.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
In this highly visible position, you will oversee the day-to-day running of the Leader's Office and lead the Councillor Services Team, ensuring an efficient, professional, and responsive service to Councillors across all political parties. You will act as a trusted advisor and first point of contact for the Leader and Deputy Leader, manage sensitive communications, and coordinate a wide range of meetings, events and key democratic functions.
Responsibilities
- Manage and motivate a high-performing team to deliver excellent support to all Councillors
- Oversee casework management systems, ensuring timely responses and high service standards
- Coordinate complex diary and inbox management with the utmost confidentiality
- Prioritise enquiries, manage high-level communications, and maintain strong relationships with senior stakeholders
- Plan and deliver meetings, briefings and events, handling end-to-end logistics
- Champion continuous improvement, using data and performance insights to enhance service delivery
- Collaborate across teams to influence and enhance working practices
Are you an experienced leader with exceptional organisational skills, political awareness, and a passion for delivering high-quality support in a fast-paced public sector environment? If you enjoy working collaboratively while also taking initiative and thinking on your feet, we would love to hear from you. We are looking for someone who can operate with confidence, tact, and diplomacy at senior levels, bringing:
Qualifications
- Strong experience in local government or political environments
- A proven track record of managing teams in fast-paced, high-pressure settings
- Exceptional organisational skills, including complex diary and event management
- Outstanding interpersonal and communication abilities
- A proactive, solutions-focused approach, with the ability to navigate sensitive and confidential issues
- High levels of initiative, resilience, and adaptability
This role requires a significant office presence and occasional evening work. You will be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you will also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place.
Our vision and values
Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success. Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this:
- Work Together as one team - work collaboratively, with each other and with our partners, and demonstrate the Team Reading values in everything we do
- Drive Efficiency - show initiative, be adaptable to change and put forward ideas to help improve delivery and efficiency. Take responsibility for our own learning and development and for reaching our potential
- Be Ambitious - be demanding of our own performance - striving to be even better - and be prepared to engage with and challenge leaders in a constructive and positive way
- Make a Difference to Reading - maintain the highest levels of customer service and be flexible and willing to provide the services needed at the time they are needed
Our offer
We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition is strongly encouraged, and you will get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment.
A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including:
- Generous holiday entitlement - 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays - rising to 33 days after 10 years' service, with the option to buy additional leave
- A wide range of flexible working opportunities
- Modern working environment at the Civic Offices in the heart of Reading
- Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
- Life Assurance - three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS)
- On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted
- Season Ticket Loan - a loan to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey, to and from work
- Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax
Councillor Services & Leaders Office Manager in Reading employer: Reading Borough Council
Contact Detail:
Reading Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Councillor Services & Leaders Office Manager in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees in similar roles. They can give you insider tips on what the hiring team values and how to stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the organisation's recent projects and initiatives. This shows your genuine interest and helps you connect your skills to their needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially around leadership and team management. We want you to feel confident and ready to showcase your experience!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and keep you top of mind for the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace Councillor Services & Leaders Office Manager in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in local government or political environments. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Councillor Services & Leaders Office Manager, so don’t hold back!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves managing a high-performing team, it’s crucial to demonstrate your leadership experience. Share specific examples of how you've motivated teams and delivered excellent support in fast-paced settings.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to convey your thoughts, and make sure to address all the key responsibilities mentioned in the job description. We appreciate clarity!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Reading Borough Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role inside out. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities of managing a Councillor Services Team and the importance of supporting all political parties. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience in leading teams, especially in high-pressure environments. Think of specific examples where you've motivated your team or improved service delivery. This will demonstrate your capability to manage and inspire others effectively.
✨Master the Art of Communication
Since this role involves handling sensitive communications, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and diplomatically. Prepare for questions about how you would manage high-level communications and maintain relationships with senior stakeholders. Good communication skills are key!
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Abilities
Think of scenarios where you've had to navigate complex issues or improve processes. Be ready to share these examples during the interview, highlighting your proactive and solutions-focused approach. This will show that you can think on your feet and adapt to challenges.
