Head of Revenues, Benefits and Transactional Services

Sandwell Council’s Finance Division seeks a detailed Head of Revenues, Benefits and Transactional Services to join its team based in Oldbury, West Midlands. The organisation operates in a hybrid working model. The purpose of this role is to provide strategic and operational leadership for Revenues, Benefits and Transactional Services, developing and delivering clear operational plans that maximise performance, value for money and resident outcomes. The role leads a broad portfolio that includes Council Tax, Business Rates, Benefits, Corporate Debt, Adult Social Care charging and payments, Accounts Payable and Receivable, and customer contact services. The postholder will act as the Council’s lead for income collection and welfare administration, ensuring full legislative compliance, effective policy development (including the Council Tax Reduction scheme), and a high‑quality, customer‑focused service.

Responsibilities include driving continuous improvement and digital transformation, modernising collection and transactional processes, embedding a single view of debt, and expanding automation and self‑service to improve efficiency and resilience. It is accountable for effective debt recovery, supplier and customer relationships, adult social care financial assessments and payments, and the delivery of welfare support and hardship schemes. The postholder will champion safeguarding and support for vulnerable residents, oversee statutory returns and subsidy claims to protect Council income, and ensure external funding opportunities are maximised while financial risk is tightly controlled.

Qualifications:

• Significant, demonstrable leadership experience in Revenues and Benefits, including project management, people management, budget management, performance management and best value.
• A deep understanding of the relevant legislation, policy, and best practice.
• A proven track record of delivering service improvement, transformation, and operational excellence.
• A commitment to delivering exemplary customer service.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder‑management skills.
• An understanding of local government decision making and governance and experience of working with elected members.
• The confidence to lead change and the passion to make a real difference for Sandwell’s residents.

At Sandwell Council, our work has a real impact. We are proud to be a values‑led organisation that supports its employees with excellent benefits, a competitive remuneration package, and a strong focus on development. By joining us, you’ll play a key role in delivering services that make a real and lasting difference to thousands of people across the borough.

Equalities and Diversity Statement:

We place equality, diversity and inclusion at the core of who we are and how we lead, where every voice matters. We recognise and value the richness that comes from diverse lived experiences, perspectives, backgrounds and identities. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to building a workplace where everyone feels they belong, are treated fairly, and have the opportunity to thrive. Creating an environment where colleagues feel respected, supported and able to contribute fully is central to our culture and the way we work. We are committed to ensuring that all applicants and employees have equitable access to opportunities. Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the recruitment process and within the workplace so that everyone has the support they need to perform at their best and succeed in their role.

If you have any questions relating to equality, diversity, and inclusion, you can contact the EDI Team at EDI_Team@sandwell.gov.uk. If you wish to apply as a Care Leaver or a Disability Confident candidate, please make sure to state this when submitting your CV. If you have a disability and require assistance in submitting your CV or would like to request reasonable adjustments to assist you in this process, please contact Imran_butt@sandwell.gov.uk.