Assistant Director – Revenues and Benefits in Liverpool

At Wirral Council we are committed to delivering high-quality, resident-focused services that make a genuine difference to our communities. We are seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Assistant Director of Revenues and Benefits to lead one of the Council’s most critical service areas, responsible for the effective administration of local taxation and welfare support that underpin both the Council’s financial sustainability and the wellbeing of our residents. This is a pivotal leadership position.

The role will play a key part in modernising and transforming the Council’s Revenues and Benefits services, delivering a digital-first approach that improves customer experience, increases efficiency and strengthens collection performance. Your remit will include providing strategic leadership for Council Tax, Business Rates, Housing Benefit and wider income recovery services. You will ensure accurate and efficient billing, collection and assessment processes, whilst driving continuous improvement, strengthening financial performance and maximising income and government subsidy. You will lead service modernisation, including the implementation of digital and automated solutions that streamline processes, improve accessibility for residents and deliver sustainable efficiencies. You will work collaboratively across the organisation, providing expert guidance to senior leaders and elected members, contributing to financial planning, and ensuring compliance with legislative and audit requirements.

We are looking for a dynamic, strategic leader who brings:

• A strong track record in Revenues, Benefits, or wider financial services within local government
• A deep understanding of relevant legislation, national policy changes, and best practice
• Experience of leading service modernisation, digital transformation or system change programmes
• Exceptional leadership and people-management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate teams
• Experience in managing large budgets and improving collection performance
• A commitment to excellent customer service, equity, and supporting vulnerable residents
• A confident communicator who can work effectively with members, partners, and senior stakeholders
• Experience of operating within political and financially complex environments

You will be proactive, strategic and solution-focused, able to lead complex change at pace. You will champion digital innovation, strengthen governance and controls, and foster a culture of continuous improvement that delivers excellent outcomes for residents whilst supporting the Council’s long-term financial sustainability.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for Council Tax, Business Rates, Housing Benefit and wider income recovery services.
• Ensure accurate and efficient billing, collection and assessment processes.
• Drive continuous improvement, strengthen financial performance and maximise income and government subsidy.
• Lead service modernisation, including digital and automated solutions that streamline processes.
• Improve accessibility for residents and deliver sustainable efficiencies.
• Collaborate across the organisation, providing expert guidance to senior leaders and elected members.
• Contribute to financial planning and ensure compliance with legislative and audit requirements.

Qualifications and Experience

• Strong track record in Revenues, Benefits, or wider financial services within local government
• Deep understanding of relevant legislation, national policy changes, and best practice
• Experience leading service modernisation, digital transformation or system change programmes
• Exceptional leadership and people-management skills
• Experience managing large budgets and improving collection performance
• Commitment to excellent customer service, equity and supporting vulnerable residents
• Confident communicator with experience working with members, partners and senior stakeholders
• Experience operating in politically and financially complex environments

Eligibility, Visa and Employment Information

Eligibility to work in the UK will be verified in the final stages of the selection process. All candidates must either already have a right to work in the UK before commencing employment or meet the Home Office criteria for visa sponsorship. Candidates who require sponsorship should evaluate the Home Office eligibility criteria for a Skilled Worker visa before applying. Please be advised it is our understanding that this role does not meet the requirements of a skilled worker visa as set out by UK Visas and Immigration.

How to Apply and Additional Information

If you are a Wirral resident, are unemployed or out of work, and require help with your application, please contact Involve Northwest’s employment and skills team. If you are already a Wirral Council employee, our Talent Strategy supports opportunities for learning, growth and progression. For more information, email .

Working at Wirral

You’ll also want to know what it’s like to work here. Our values drive how we work, and staff wellbeing is a priority. We offer benefits including staff discounts, a strong pension scheme with generous employer contributions, life cover and ill-health protection, flexible and hybrid working, family-friendly initiatives and an annual leave package starting at 28 days plus public holidays. Wirral Council is committed to an inclusive culture where everyone is heard and valued. We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds who share our values and commitment to inclusion.

If you’d like recruitment process adjustments to be barrier-free, please contact . It is our policy to consider redeployment first for current employees. We do not re-hire individuals who left under EVR or VS except in exceptional circumstances. Applications will be accepted until midnight on the closing date. We reserve the right to close the vacancy earlier if we receive sufficient applications. Applications must be submitted online via the Jobs page. We do not accept CVs or applications from recruitment agencies unless stated otherwise. Details of right to work in the UK will be required at interview stage. The job description and supporting documents may not be accessible after the closing date; download a copy if required. For further information, please contact the Director of Finance for informal discussions about the role. Interviews are scheduled for the week commencing 13 April 2026.