Democratic Services Manager

Civic Recruitment Limited; Reigate; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

6 Month Contract

Location: Surrey

Bi-weekly Pay

Senior leadership opportunity

Job summary

Civic Recruitment Limited is assisting Surrey County Council to appoint a Regulatory Business Manager for a 6-month contract in Surrey. You will lead the Cabinet and Regulatory Committee functions, provide governance guidance, and oversee the Democratic Services Team while balancing political and constitutional requirements.

The role requires extensive governance experience, senior leadership capabilities, and excellent communication with Members and officers in a politically sensitive

Qualifications

• Extensive experience within Democratic Services, Governance, Committee Services, Local Government Administration.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of Cabinet and Regulatory Committee functions.
• Manage the Democratic Services Team and ensure service delivery.
• Provide expert constitutional, procedural and governance advice to Members and officers.
• Support strategic decision‑making and political leadership in the Council.

Skills

Leadership

Governance

Communication

Negotiation

Education

Degree or equivalent professional qualification

Job description

At Civic Recruitment and Limited, we know that individuals are more than just fixed expenses; they are the cornerstone of every thriving organisation. That’s why we are passionate about transforming recruitment in the public and private sectors.

In the modern job market, organisations in both public and private sectors face significant workforce challenges. Public sector entities, such as local councils and central government departments, often struggle with lengthy recruitment processes, limited access to qualified candidates, and stringent budgetary and regulatory constraints. Private sector businesses, on the other hand, encounter high turnover rates, difficulties managing a mix of permanent and temporary staff, and challenges in sourcing specialised talent for niche industries. These sector-specific obstacles, coupled with the universal complexities of payroll management, create a pressing need for efficient workforce solutions.

Civic Recruitment Limited addresses these challenges with innovative recruitment and payroll solutions tailored for diverse organisational needs. Recognising the critical hurdles organisations face, the company leverages its expertise to streamline processes, reduce recruitment times, and alleviate administrative burdens. With an extensive database of over 1 million pre‑screened candidates, Civic Recruitment Limited is well‑positioned to cater to the specific needs of both public and private sectors.

Job Description

Regulatory Business Manager – 6 Month Contract

Location: Surrey

Contract: 6 Month Contract

Hours: Full Time

About the Role

An excellent opportunity has arisen for an experienced Regulatory Business Manager to join Surrey County Council's Law & Governance Service.

This senior leadership role sits at the heart of the Council's democratic decision‑making process and is responsible for leading the delivery of Cabinet and Regulatory Committee functions. You will ensure meetings are conducted in accordance with statutory requirements, constitutional rules, and best practice standards while providing expert governance and procedural advice to Members and senior officers.

Operating within a complex political environment, you will play a key role in supporting the Council's political leadership, maintaining high standards of governance, and ensuring the effective management of democratic processes.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the delivery of the Council's Cabinet and Regulatory Committee functions.

Manage a designated area of the Democratic Services Team, including staff, processes, performance, and service delivery.

Provide expert constitutional, procedural, and governance advice to Members and senior officers.

Support the Leader, Cabinet Members, and senior stakeholders in delivering the Council's political agenda.

Ensure all committee meetings comply with statutory requirements, the Constitution, and best practice.

Oversee the preparation and quality assurance of:

• Reports
• Decision Sheets
• Minutes
• Governance Documentation

Manage the flow of business between Cabinet, Council, Select Committees, and Regulatory Committees.

Manage the Council's School Admission Appeals Service.

Support strategic decision‑making through high‑quality governance advice and guidance.

Ensure effective delivery of democratic services and corporate governance arrangements.

Lead service improvement, change management, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Develop positive relationships with Members, officers, partners, and external stakeholders.

Manage competing priorities and complex work programmes across the service.

Leadership Responsibilities

• Provide visible leadership across the Democratic Services function.
• Manage, motivate, coach, and develop staff.
• Lead performance management and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Allocate resources effectively to ensure service objectives are met.
• Promote a culture of collaboration, accountability, and excellent customer service.
• Contribute to budget and resource planning within the service area.

Extensive experience within:

• Democratic Services
• Governance
• Committee Services
• Local Government Administration

Significant experience managing committee services within a Local Authority environment.

Extensive knowledge of:

• Constitutional governance
• Committee procedures
• Decision‑making processes
• Political structures within local government

Experience advising elected Members and senior officers.

Strong understanding of political management and governance issues.

Experience managing and developing staff.

Ability to operate effectively within a politically sensitive environment.

Excellent communication, negotiation, and influencing skills.

Strong report‑writing and presentation skills.

Experience leading service improvement and organisational change.

Ability to manage complex workloads and competing priorities.

• Degree or equivalent professional qualification.
• Experience managing School Admission Appeals.
• Experience leading Democratic Services or Governance teams.
• Experience managing budgets and resources.
• Project management or change management experience.

What's on Offer?

• 6 Month Contract
• Location: Surrey
• Bi-weekly Pay
• Senior leadership opportunity within a high‑profile governance function.
• Work closely with elected Members, Cabinet, and senior officers.
• Influence strategic decision‑making and corporate governance across the Council.
• Opportunity to lead and develop a key Democratic Services function.

Suitable for candidates with experience as a Regulatory Business Manager, Democratic Services Manager, Governance Manager, Committee Services Manager, Principal Democratic Services Officer, Governance Lead, Senior Committee Services Officer, or Democratic Services Team Manager.