Electoral Services Manager

Southwark Council; Greater London; On-site; GBP 61,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Southwark Council is seeking an experienced Electoral Services Manager to lead our elections and electoral registration functions in a large metropolitan borough. This 12-month fixed-term contract (or secondment) offers a high-profile leadership role overseeing a diverse and skilled team during busy election periods.

You will provide expert advice on electoral law, manage and develop staff, and collaborate with partners to ensure compliant, citizen-focused services that strengthen local

Qualifications

• Significant experience in electoral services and electoral registration.
• Excellent knowledge of electoral law and democratic governance.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Council's electoral registration and elections service, ensuring delivery of high-quality, legally compliant and customer-focused services.
• Act as a key adviser on electoral law, democratic governance and election administration.
• Support the delivery of local, regional and national elections, referendums and polls as Deputy Returning Officer/Deputy Acting Returning Officer.
• Lead and develop a dedicated team, while coordinating and managing a large temporary election workforce during election periods.
• Drive initiatives that increase voter registration and participation across Southwark's diverse communities.

Skills

electoral services

leadership

stakeholder engagement

electoral registration

election administration

Job description

Are you an experienced elections professional looking for an exciting leadership opportunity?

Southwark Council is seeking an outstanding Electoral Services Manager to join us on a 12-month fixed term or secondment maternity cover contract. This is a unique opportunity to lead a highly regarded Electoral Services function, oversee the delivery of elections and electoral registration, and play a key role in supporting local democracy in one of the UK's most diverse and vibrant boroughs.

Whether you're looking for your next leadership challenge, seeking to broaden your experience in a large metropolitan authority, or interested in making a tangible difference through public service, this role offers an exceptional opportunity to do just that.

What You'll Be Doing

As Electoral Services Manager, you will:

• Lead the Council's electoral registration and elections service, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, legally compliant and customer-focused services.
• Act as a key adviser on electoral law, democratic governance and election administration.
• Support the delivery of local, regional and national elections, referendums and polls as Deputy Returning Officer/Deputy Acting Returning Officer.
• Lead and develop a dedicated team, while coordinating and managing a large temporary election workforce during election periods.
• Drive initiatives that increase voter registration and participation across Southwark's diverse communities.
• Work closely with senior leaders, elected members, external partners and regulatory bodies to ensure excellence in service delivery.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for someone who brings:

• Significant experience in electoral services and electoral registration.
• Excellent knowledge of electoral law and democratic governance.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement and problem-solving skills.
• A passion for public service and supporting democratic engagement.

This maternity cover opportunity offers the chance to:

• Build valuable experience in a large London borough with a strong reputation for innovation and service excellence.
• Deliver work that directly impacts democratic participation and civic engagement.
• Work alongside talented and committed colleagues who are passionate about making a difference.

This is more than a temporary opportunity. It's a chance to lead a critical service, make a lasting impact, and gain valuable experience at the heart of local democracy.

For detailed qualifications and requirements, please review the job description and person specification located at the bottom of the advert.

• Working Hours: 36 hours per week (Monday – Friday)
• Location: 160 Tooley St London SE1 2QH.
• Type of contract 12-month fixed term contract or secondment

Please note that we are unable to accept applications from individuals requiring visa sponsorship.

• Advert closing date: 11:59pm on Wednesday 14th October 2026, with shortlisting taking place later that week.

The closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. We strongly advise you to complete your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

We are an organisation who is passionate about our people and understands that richness of diversity is a requirement to provide the best possible services to our communities. This is demonstrated through our council-wide ambitious commitment to tackle racial inequality in our communities and workforce through our Southwark Stands Together initiative . We particularly welcome applications from members of the black, Asian and ethnic minority communities to increase representation at senior management level in the Council.

As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you'll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role, and identify with one of the below criteria:

• Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
• Are currently in care, or have previously been in care
• If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition

Salary Range (Full time equivalent) £61,491 - £76,485