Strategic Electoral Services Manager

South Gloucestershire Council; Yate; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous annual leave

Employee wellbeing support

Staff discounts

Training and development

Job summary

South Gloucestershire Council is seeking an Electoral Services Manager to lead the Elections, Registration and Referendums team. You will provide strategic direction to ensure accurate electoral registers, well-run electoral events and compliance with legislation while delivering value for money.

You will influence decision‑making, build partnerships and promote democratic engagement across the council and with external partners, ensuring services are trusted, resilient and customer focused.

Qualifications

• Broad experience in electoral services and understanding of electoral legislation and the statutory framework governing elections and referendums.
• Experience delivering at least one full cycle of parliamentary, district and Parish elections.
• Proven leadership experience and ability to develop a specialist team.
• Strong ability to balance competing priorities and deliver within statutory timescales.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement and influencing skills.
• Desirable Certificate in Electoral Administration or commitment to professional excellence.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery and continuous improvement of the Electoral Service, ensuring registration, elections, referendums and related activities meet legislation and guidance.
• Plan, coordinate and deliver elections and referendums across multiple levels, ensuring deadlines and governance standards are met and value for money is achieved.
• Provide strategic leadership and expert advice on complex electoral matters to support informed decisions.
• Manage and develop the team to foster a high-performing, customer-focused culture.
• Act as Deputy Electoral Registration Officer and Deputy Returning Officer during key events.
• Lead complex projects and programmes, managing resources, risks and governance.
• Collaborate with colleagues, elected members and external partners to promote democratic engagement and voter registration.
• Build relationships with government departments, agencies and internal services to support delivery of electoral services.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Budget management

People management

Policy interpretation

Influencing

Education

Bachelor's degree in public administration, law, political science or business management

Tools

Election management software

Data analytics tools

Job description

South Gloucestershire Council is seeking an Electoral Services Manager to lead the Elections, Registration and Referendums team. You will provide strategic direction to ensure accurate electoral registers, well-run electoral events and compliance with legislation while delivering value for money.

You will influence decision‑making, build partnerships and promote democratic engagement across the council and with external partners, ensuring services are trusted, resilient and customer focused.