Head of Strategy & Policy

Croydon Council; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 98,000 - 104,000; Full time

Job summary

Croydon Council is seeking a Head of Strategy & Policy to lead the corporate strategy and policy function, working directly with the Executive Mayor, Chief Executive and elected members to shape policy and influence decision-making for Croydon’s residents.

You will operate across the Council and with senior external partners to identify opportunities, translate vision into delivery and drive change in a complex environment, delivering better outcomes for communities, businesses and services.

Qualifications

• Significant experience leading strategy, policy or corporate functions at senior level.
• Strong political awareness with ability to advise in a high-profile environment.
• Proven track record of translating vision into delivery and influencing senior leaders.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Council's corporate strategy and policy function.
• Advise senior leaders and elected members on emerging issues.
• Shape policy, influence decisions and ensure delivery of Mayor's priorities.
• Collaborate with internal departments and external partners to drive change.
• Support hybrid working and foster cross-organisation partnerships.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Policy development

Political awareness

Partnership building

Communication skills

Job description

Job Description

Salary range: Grade CSRB £98,051- £104,131. plus fantastic benefits

Contract: Permanent

Hours of work: 36 hours per week

Location: Croydon

Head of Strategy & Policy

Croydon Council | Permanent

Help shape the future of London's largest borough

Croydon is one of London's most diverse, ambitious and dynamic boroughs. With a renewed focus on growth, regeneration, financial sustainability and delivering excellent services, we are looking for an exceptional strategic leader to help drive the next phase of our improvement.

As Head of Strategy & Policy, you will occupy a pivotal role at the centre of the organisation, working directly with the Executive Mayor, Chief Executive, Corporate Management Team and elected members to shape policy, influence decision-making and ensure the Council is well positioned to respond to the opportunities and challenges facing local government.

This is a unique opportunity for a highly credible and politically astute leader who enjoys operating in complex environments and bringing people together behind a common purpose. You will lead the Council's corporate strategy and policy function, providing expert advice on emerging issues, supporting the delivery of the Mayor's priorities and helping to ensure the organisation remains focused on achieving better outcomes for residents.

You will work across the Council and with senior external partners to identify opportunities, influence policy development and strengthen collaboration.

What You'll Bring

We're looking for a strategic thinker and accomplished leader with a strong track record of delivering change within a complex organisation.

You Will Bring

• Significant experience leading strategy, policy or corporate functions at a senior level.
• Strong political awareness and the ability to provide advice in a high-profile political environment.
• Experience influencing senior leaders and translating vision into delivery.
• A collaborative leadership style and the ability to build effective partnerships across organisations and sectors.
• Excellent communication, influencing and partner management skills.
• A passion for public service and improving outcomes for local communities.

Why join Croydon?

This is far more than a policy role.

It is an opportunity to help shape the future direction of one of London's most important boroughs, influencing decisions at the highest level and driving change that has a tangible impact on residents, businesses and communities. Croydon has significant ambitions for growth, regeneration and inward investment, and you will play a key role in helping turn those ambitions into reality.

You'll work alongside talented colleagues, elected members and senior leaders on some of the most pressing and exciting issues in local government today, helping to shape the future of a borough that is determined to realise its full potential.

Ready to make a difference?

If you're an ambitious and forward-thinking leader who combines strategic vision with political awareness and a passion for delivery, we'd love to hear from you.

Please note we may close this role early if we receive a high volume of applications

About Us

Croydon Council’s priorities

The Council balances its books, listens to residents, and delivers good sustainable services

• Get a grip on the finances and make the council financially sustainable
• Become a council which listens to, respects and works in partnership with Croydon’s diverse communities and businesses
• Strengthen collaboration and joint working with partner organisations and the voluntary, community and faith sectors
• Ensure good governance is embedded and adopt best practice
• Develop our workforce to deliver in a manner that respects the diversity of our communities

Key Business Plan Outcomes

• Croydon is a place of opportunity for business, earning and learning
• Children and young people in Croydon have the chance to thrive, learn and fulfil their potential
• Croydon is a cleaner, safer and healthier place, a borough we’re proud to call home
• People can lead healthier and independent lives for longer
• Croydon Council’s new ways of working

Equal Opportunities Statement

Croydon Council is an inclusive employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Subject to business needs, we will be pleased to consider applications from candidates seeking flexible working arrangements and support hybrid working, whereby staff attend the workplace for part of their working week and work from home, or elsewhere, remotely for the rest of the time.

As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the advertised role.

Croydon council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment.

The Successful candidate will be subject to a DBS check, if the role requires one.