Senior Manager Democratic Support and Elections

Lancaster City Council; Lancaster; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Lancaster is seeking a Senior Manager for Democratic Services. The ideal candidate will play a critical role in strengthening local democracy while leading a dedicated team. Responsibilities include managing council meetings, overseeing elections, and ensuring effective operations. Applicants should have a strong background in local authority work, excellent communication skills, and be a member of relevant professional organizations. This role offers flexible working arrangements and a range of supportive benefits for staff.

Benefits

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

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years’ experience in a senior role within a local authority.
• Membership in AEA or ADSO is preferred.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively and lead a team.

Responsibilities

• Manage council meetings and advise councillors and committee chairs.
• Oversee the Register of Electors and organise elections.
• Lead a dedicated team and coordinate civic events.

Skills

Senior local authority experience

Strong political awareness

Excellent communication skills

Understanding of election law

Project management experience

Tools

ICT skills

Job description

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 also be instrumental in the Council's journey into Local Government Re‑organisation, helping to navigate and shape this important 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

You will plan and manage council meetings, advise councillors and committee chairs, and support elected members’ development. Managing the Register of Electors and helping organise elections will be key, alongside acting, when appointed, as Deputy Returning Officer. You’ll lead your team, coordinate civic events, and manage emergency response efforts. Your role also includes providing procedural advice, representing the Chief Executive as a Trustee, and driving strategic improvements within Democratic Services.

You’ll Fit Right In If…

You bring at least five years’ senior local authority experience and are a member of AEA and/or ADSO. You have strong political awareness, excellent communication skills, and a thorough understanding of election law and local government procedures. You thrive working collaboratively, take pride in delivering high standards, and show ambition and ownership in leading your team to success. Your ICT skills and project management experience will help you drive continuous improvement in a dynamic environment.

Ready to Join Us?

If you’re passionate about making a real difference in local democracy and community life, we’d love to hear from you. Find out more about what it’s like working with us, our benefits, values and culture, by visiting lancaster.gov.uk/sites/recruitment.

Why Work With Us

Our Benefits

• 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 friendly
We welcome discussions about flexible working and may be able to offer hybrid working, a generous flexi-time scheme, and agreed working hours to support work–life balance.

Inclusive employer
We welcome applications from all parts of the community and are committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.
We guarantee interviews for applicants with a disability and armed forces veterans who meet the essential criteria.