Democratic Services & Elections Manager in Stroud

Maternity Cover – up to 12 months

Start date: Early January 2027

Are you an experienced democratic and electoral services professional with the leadership skills and expertise to support effective governance and democratic decision making?

We are looking for a motivated and capable Democratic Services and Elections Manager to join Stroud District Council on a maternity cover basis for up to 12 months, starting in early January 2027.

This is an exciting opportunity to lead a busy and varied service at the heart of local democracy, ensuring that the Council’s decision making processes are effective, transparent and legally compliant.

The role

You will lead the Democratic Services and Elections function, overseeing the delivery of a comprehensive range of services that support councillors, committees, the Councils democratic processes and its Strategic Leadership Team.

Alongside responsibility for Democratic Services and Elections, you will manage the Council’s Executive Support function, which provides dedicated support to the Chief Executive and Strategic Leadership Team. This includes leading the Executive Support team, ensuring the effective coordination of support and the smooth running of strategic leadership arrangements.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Leading and managing the Democratic Services, Elections and Executive Support functions, ensuring high standards of service delivery and effective use of resources.
• Overseeing the organisation and administration of Full Council, Committees and other formal meetings.
• Supporting member development and providing advice and guidance to councillors and officers on constitutional matters, procedures and democratic processes.
• Leading on electoral services, including the planning and delivery of local elections and electoral registration.
• Overseeing the provision of dedicated executive support to the Chief Executive and Strategic Leadership Team, ensuring effective coordination, organisation and administrative support.
• Working collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation to maintain high standards of governance and service delivery.

About you

You will be an experienced democratic services and elections professional with a strong understanding of local government, political governance and the legislative framework within which local authorities operate.

You will bring:

• Significant experience of working in democratic services and electoral services.
• A sound understanding of local authority governance, committee processes and constitutional arrangements.
• Strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to motivate a team and manage competing priorities.
• Excellent organisational, communication and relationship building skills.
• The ability to work calmly and effectively in a busy environment, exercising sound judgement and maintaining attention to detail.

This is an opportunity to make a real contribution to the effective running of local democracy, working with councillors and colleagues across the organisation during a particularly important period for local government.

For an informal discussion about the role please contact:

Hannah Emery, Head of Policy Governance and Engagement: Hannah.emery@stroud.gov.uk

CLOSING DATE: 29th November 2026

INTERVIEW DATE: 8th December 2026

In exchange for your expertise, experience and enthusiasm we provide a range of staff benefits. Please click here for more information: https://www.stroud.gov.uk/jobs-and-careers/benefits-of-working-for-us

A local government reorganisation is planned for Gloucestershire, which may result in changes to structures and services. A timeline for potential change is currently unknown. We are committed to supporting all employees through this transition and ensuring continuity of employment wherever possible. Joining us now means you’ll be part of shaping an exciting new chapter for local government.

It is important that our staff reflect the diversity of our community, and we therefore welcome and encourage applications from people of all genders and sexual orientation, those from Black, Asian and other minority ethnic backgrounds, and people with disabilities.

We welcome applications from neurodivergent candidates and value the diverse lived experiences they bring. We recognise the wide range of cognitive strengths that contribute to delivering high-quality services. We are committed to ensuring that every applicant can participate fully and fairly in our recruitment process. To support this, we offer workplace adjustments at every stage. Please let us know if you have any additional requirements as we are here to help create a positive, inclusive, and equitable experience for all.

Responsible recruitment practices for safeguarding are in place within the Council’s HR policies and processes. This is part of our commitment as a Council to safeguard the welfare of vulnerable adults, young people, and children.

Please be advised that the Council is unable to provide sponsorship under the UK Skilled Worker visa route. Candidates must be able to demonstrate an existing right to work in the UK.

Stroud District has an energy unlike any other place. It’s green and dynamic, climate conscious and motivated, creative and collaborative, and unapologetically ambitious. To find out more about what makes our place, our people and our businesses so special, please follow the link to our dedicated website: Stroud District – The Natural Place