At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a high-performing income and awards service, driving innovation and efficiency.
- Company: Solihull Council, a forward-thinking organisation with a strong reputation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Shape the future of local public services while making a real impact on residents' lives.
- Qualifications: Proven senior leadership experience in income and awards services.
The predicted salary is between 86977 - 86977 £ per year.
Permanent, Hybrid £82,366 – £86,977 per annum (pay award pending). Incremental progression subject to performance.
Are you ready to lead a high performing income and awards service and able to drive further continuous improvement? At Solihull Council, we’re proud of our good reputation. We continuously seek innovation in how we deliver our services; harnessing digital and AI technology to further drive smarter, faster, and even more customer-focused services. This is a key leadership role where you’ll evolve our income and awards services including income collection, benefits, financial assessments and financial inclusion services. You’ll ensure we continue to deliver outstanding outcomes for our residents and businesses, while unlocking new efficiencies.
Why this role matters
- Lead a high-performing and motivated service
- Play a key role in protecting vital income streams and supporting vulnerable residents
- Influence corporate strategy and policy, delivering measurable impact at scale
- Drive further digital and AI-enabled transformation
What you’ll bring
- Proven senior leadership experience in income and awards services
- A track record of driving performance, innovation and change
- Strong focus on maximising collection and minimising risk
- The ability to inspire teams and sustain high-performing, future-ready services
Why Solihull
- We are a forward-thinking council with a clear transformation vision
- Excellent collection rates and current processing performance
- An opportunity to genuinely shape the future of local public services
If you’re an experienced senior leader who wants to combine operational excellence with innovation, this is the role for you.
We also offer
- A competitive package and opportunities for training and development equipping you for future opportunities.
- Flexible working, including flexi leave and agile working arrangements
- Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme
- Generous annual leave entitlement with the opportunity to buy up to 10 days additional leave per year
- Access to our Employee Assistance Programme – a 24-hour independent, free and confidential advice and support service
- Employee benefits including staff discounts, subsidised travel passes and Cycle 2 Work Scheme
We aim to balance the needs of our employees with service delivery. For this post, that is likely to include a combination of home working and attendance at the Council House in Solihull. Your geographical base is flexible, but you must be able to travel to locations across the Solihull borough as required to meet the needs of the service.
Closing date: 9 July 2026
To apply, please click on the link below. If you have any questions about the role prior to submitting your application, please contact Joanne Robinson on . Shortlisted candidates will be invited to complete online testing w/c 20 July 2026, with successful candidates invited to interview on 7 or 10 August 2026.
Solihull Council is proud to be an Equal Opportunities Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees - a place where we can all be ourselves and succeed on merit. Solihull Council has a responsibility for, and is committed to, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk, and requires all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Contact Details:
Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Income & Awards ((Revenues, Benefits, Financial Assessments andFinancial Inclusion)
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Income & Awards ((Revenues, Benefits, Financial Assessments andFinancial Inclusion)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council.
