Senior Manager Democratic Support and Elections

Lancaster City Council; Jarrow; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Jarrow seeks a Senior Manager for Democratic Services. This pivotal role involves overseeing elections, managing council meetings, and enhancing democratic engagement. The ideal candidate will have over five years of experience in local authorities, strong political awareness, and excellent communication skills. They will lead a dedicated team, contribute to strategic improvements, and ensure smooth council operations while promoting community trust and digital innovations in service delivery.

Benefits

Generous annual leave

Local Government Pension Scheme

Discounted gym membership

Flexible working options

Health Care Cash Plan

Qualifications

• At least five years' senior local authority experience.
• Member of AEA and/or ADSO.
• Thorough understanding of election law and local government procedures.
• Ability to work collaboratively and show ambition in leading a team.

Responsibilities

• Plan and manage council meetings, advise councillors and committee chairs.
• Manage the Register of Electors and organise elections.
• Lead the team, coordinate civic events, and manage emergency response efforts.
• Provide procedural advice and drive strategic improvements.

Skills

Strong political awareness

Excellent communication skills

Project management experience

ICT skills

Job description

Overview

As Senior Manager for Democratic Services, you will play a pivotal role in strengthening local democracy and supporting the Council's strategic vision. You will contribute to the Council's Local Government Re-organisation journey, helping to navigate and shape this transition. Leading a dedicated team, you will ensure smooth council operations, oversee elections, and enhance democratic engagement across the Lancaster District. Your leadership will help shape policies and digital innovations that improve service delivery and community trust.

What You'll Be Doing

• Plan and manage council meetings, advise councillors and committee chairs, and support elected members' development.
• Manage the Register of Electors and help organise elections; act, when appointed, as Deputy Returning Officer.
• Lead your team, coordinate civic events, and manage emergency response efforts.
• Provide procedural advice, represent the Chief Executive as a Trustee, and drive strategic improvements within Democratic Services.

Requirements and Qualifications

• At least five years' senior local authority experience.
• Member of AEA and/or ADSO.
• Strong political awareness, excellent communication skills, and thorough understanding of election law and local government procedures.
• Ability to work collaboratively, deliver high standards, and show ambition and ownership in leading a team to success.
• ICT skills and project management experience to drive continuous improvement in a dynamic environment.

Disability Confident

A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. In some recruitment situations, the employer may limit the overall number of interviews offered. For more details please see the recruitment information.

Benefits and How to Apply

• Generous annual leave
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Discounted gym membership
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Car purchase scheme
• Lifestyle savings
• Health Care Cash Plan
• Volunteering days
• Wellbeing support
• Flexible working: we welcome discussions about flexible working and may offer hybrid working, a generous flexi-time scheme, and agreed working hours to support work-life balance.

Find out more about what it's like working with us, our benefits, values and culture, by visiting lancaster.gov.uk/sites/recruitment.