Policy & Performance manager in Stroud

Maternity Cover – up to 12 months

Start date: Early January 2027

Are you passionate about improving public services, shaping organisational policy and helping local government deliver its priorities?

We are looking for an experienced and forward-thinking Policy and Performance Manager to join Stroud District Council on a maternity cover basis for up to 12 months, starting in early January 2027.

This is an excellent opportunity to lead a varied corporate function, working with senior leaders, managers and councillors to support organisational performance, effective policy development and continuous improvement.

The role

You will lead the Council’s Policy and Performance function, providing corporate oversight and support across a range of important activities that help the organisation understand its performance, manage its priorities and respond to changing demands.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Supporting the development, coordination and monitoring of the Council Plan and performance monitoring arrangements.
• Leading on the delivery of the Performance Management Framework and associated service planning arrangements.
• Providing corporate oversight of performance information, ensuring that progress against priorities is understood, reported and used to inform decision-making.
• Leading policy development and review, supporting the Council to develop evidence-based approaches to emerging issues and organisational challenges.
• Overseeing the Council’s approach to risk management, supporting managers and senior leaders to identify, assess and manage strategic and operational risks.
• Driving organisational improvement, identifying opportunities to improve processes and service delivery including supporting the identification and delivery of savings.
• Supporting the Council’s approach to equality, diversity, inclusion and the Public Sector Equality Duty, ensuring these considerations are embedded in policy development and decision making.
• Working with colleagues across the organisation to support corporate priorities and provide insight and advice to senior managers and councillors.

You will also play an important role in supporting the Council’s preparations for Local Government Reorganisation, helping to coordinate corporate activity and ensure that the organisation is well positioned for the transition to new local government arrangements.

About you

You will be a confident and collaborative leader with experience of corporate policy, performance and continuous improvement.

You will bring:

• Experience of leading or managing policy, performance, improvement or corporate planning activities within local government.
• A strong understanding of organisational performance, strategic planning and the relationship between corporate priorities, service delivery and resources.
• Experience of developing and using performance information, evidence and insight to support effective decision making.
• A sound understanding of risk management, governance and organisational improvement.
• The ability to translate priorities into practical plans and deliverable actions.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the confidence to work with senior officers, managers and councillors.
• The ability to manage competing priorities, build effective relationships and bring people together to achieve shared objectives.

This is a varied and rewarding role for someone who enjoys working across organisational boundaries, influencing corporate priorities and helping public services adapt in an evolving local government landscape.

If you have the skills and experience to help shape policy, strengthen organisational performance, and drive improvement, we would love to hear from you.

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: 3rd 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