Assistant Director of External Customer Engagement
- Multiple Locations
- Full Time
- £77,130 per annum
This is Devon
Devon County Council is a large and diverse organisation that serves around 800,000 people across the largest county in England. We are responsible for a wide range of services, including education, social care, highways, libraries, waste management, public health, and economic development. We work with our partners and communities to make Devon a great place to live, work, and visit.
We are ambitious for Devon and our people. We have a clear vision and strategic plan to guide our actions and decisions. We want to create a prosperous, resilient, and healthy county, where people can fulfil their potential and enjoy a high quality of life. We are committed to tackling the challenges and opportunities that face us, such as climate change, population growth, digital transformation, and the recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.
We are also committed to our principles and behaviours, which shape how we work and interact with each other and our stakeholders. We are honest, respectful, courageous, and solutions focused. We value diversity and inclusion, and we strive to be collaborative, innovative, and accountable. We are proud of our achievements, and we learn from our mistakes. We are always looking for ways to improve and develop ourselves and our services.
This is the Role
As the Assistant Director of External and Customer Engagement, you will be a key member of the Legal and Democratic Services leadership team, reporting to the Director. You will lead and manage a portfolio of services that are essential for the effective and efficient operation of the council, and that enhance the reputation and influence of the organisation.
These services include:
- Communications and media relations
- Marketing and campaigns
- Web and digital development
- Customer service Centre
- Customer relations and feedback
- Ombudsman
- Blue badge applications
You will be responsible for developing and implementing strategies, policies, and plans that align with the council's vision, values, and priorities, and that deliver high-quality and customer-focused services. You will also be responsible for ensuring that the council complies with its statutory and regulatory obligations, and that it manages and mitigates any reputational risks. You will work closely with the Deputy Director, the Chief Executive, the Leader and Cabinet, the Scrutiny Committees, and other senior managers and elected members, to provide expert advice and guidance on all aspects of external customer engagement. You will also build and maintain effective relationships with external stakeholders, such as the media, the public, other public sector organisations, The Local Government Ombudsman and, the voluntary and community sector.
You will lead and inspire people based across different locations and who work in a flexible and agile way. You will promote a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and collaboration, and ensure that your staff have the skills, knowledge, and resources they need to perform their roles. You will also be directly responsible for a budget of £1 million to deliver the corporate objectives while ensuring that your services deliver value for money and demonstrate impact and outcomes.
We are open to candidates from the private sector, who have a proven track record of delivering excellent customer service, managing complex projects, and leading change and innovation.
What we can offer you
At Devon County Council, we are proud to offer you a rewarding and fulfilling career. You will enjoy a competitive salary of £77,130 per annum, and a generous annual leave entitlement of 34 days, plus bank holidays. You will also benefit from a flexible working scheme that supports your work-life balance and wellbeing.
You will join a pension scheme with significant employer contributions which will help secure your future financial stability. You will have access to a range of learning and development opportunities, including coaching, mentoring, online courses, and leadership programmes, which will help you grow and develop your skills and career. You will also receive a comprehensive employee benefits package, including discounts, cashback, and vouchers for shopping, travel, entertainment, and leisure, which will help you save money and enjoy life.
If you are moving to Devon from outside the county, you will be eligible for a relocation package of up to £8,000, which will support you with the costs and challenges of relocating. You will work in a supportive and inclusive working environment, where you can make a difference and contribute to the success of the council and the county, and where you will be valued and respected for your unique contribution.
This is you
You are an experienced and dynamic leader, who can inspire and motivate a diverse workforce. You can work collaboratively with a range of partners and stakeholders. You have a strategic vision and a strong customer focus, and you are committed to delivering high-quality services that meet the needs and expectations of our residents and communities. You have excellent communication and influencing skills, and you can build trust and rapport with people at all levels. You have a passion for innovation and improvement, and you are always looking for new ways to enhance the performance and efficiency of the council. You have a sound knowledge of the local government context and the challenges and opportunities that it presents, and you are able to balance competing priorities and demands in a complex and changing environment. You are also aware of the social, economic, and environmental issues that affect Devon, and you are keen to make a positive difference to the lives and wellbeing of our people and places.
Closing date: Sunday 13th October 2024
For further information please contact our Executive Search Partners at GatenbySanderson, Seb Lowe 07464543442, seb.lowe@gatenbysanderson.com or Alfred Leigh on 07881824205, alfred.leigh@gatenbysanderson.com or visit https://join-devon.co.uk
- DCC embraces the positive benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to providing an environment that is inclusive and safe. We welcome applications from people who share our commitment to stop discrimination, challenge inequality and promote diversity across Devon. More information can be found on our Equality and Diversity webpages.
- Happy to Talk Flexible Working - The Council offers flexible working arrangements in terms of when and where people work e.g. hybrid working, part-time, condensed hours etc.
- We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
- This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.
- Personal data we collect from you will be processed in accordance with the Applicant privacy notice.
- For more information about Working for Devon please visit our Working for Devon page.
Job Details
- OrganisationDevon County Council
- Work LocationExeterDevon
- Work Postcode
EX2 4QD
- Reference
GSe114438
- Occupational GroupManagement & Senior ManagementLegal/Trading Standards
- Salary Details
£77,130 per annum
- Job TermPermanent
- Appointment TypeFull Time
- Hours
37 hours per week
- Closing Date
12/10/2024
- DBS Check Required
Yes