Interim Policy Manager

5 Month Contract With A Local Authority

Job Purpose

To provide interim leadership and day-to-day management of the Policy Team during a period of organisational change, ensuring continuity of service delivery while supporting the Council's Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) programme.

The postholder will be responsible for overseeing the delivery of corporate policy functions, performance management, overview and scrutiny support, partnership working, learning and development activity, grants administration and community programmes. The role will ensure that business-as-usual activities continue to be delivered effectively whilst supporting organisational transformation and maintaining team performance, resilience and service quality.

The Interim Policy Manager will provide leadership, direction and support to the Policy Team, working closely with the Head of Policy & Performance, the substantive Policy Manager, elected members and senior stakeholders across the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day leadership and management of the Policy Team.
• Ensure continuity of core policy and performance functions during the Local Government Reorganisation programme.
• Manage team workloads, priorities and resources to ensure service objectives are achieved.
• Support the delivery, development and implementation of corporate policies and strategic priorities.
• Oversee corporate performance management processes and reporting arrangements.
• Monitor organisational performance and prepare quarterly performance reports for senior leadership and elected members.
• Lead the coordination of corporate policy development, review and implementation activities.
• Support the delivery of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) programmes and associated workstreams.
• Liaise with senior managers and LGR colleagues to manage competing priorities and service demands.
• Oversee the use of research, analysis and data to inform policy development and decision-making.
• Lead and coordinate overview and scrutiny support functions.
• Act as the lead management contact for Overview and Scrutiny Committees and associated working groups.
• Support and advise elected Members on policy development and partnership matters.
• Oversee community safety partnership activity, including contract management responsibilities for CCTV services.
• Lead and oversee community partnership development and engagement with the voluntary, community and faith sector (VCFS).
• Oversee the administration and management of the Council's VCFS funding programmes.
• Manage learning and development functions, including apprenticeship, work experience and organisational development initiatives.
• Support the delivery of LGR-related learning and development programmes.
• Assist the Head of Policy & Performance in delivering people and organisational change workstreams.
• Prepare reports, briefings, presentations and policy recommendations for senior managers, committees and elected members.
• Monitor budgets, expenditure and funding allocations relating to policy functions.
• Keep informed of national, regional and local policy developments and communicate implications to relevant stakeholders.
• Manage staff performance, supervision, wellbeing, development and appraisal processes.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration and innovation across the team. Support wider Policy & Performance service priorities and projects as required.

Requirements

Essential

• Management qualification or equivalent management experience.
• Evidence of continuous professional development.
• Significant experience developing policy, corporate strategies or managing complex projects and programmes.
• Experience providing leadership and support to teams during periods of organisational change or high workload.
• Experience working within Local Government and supporting elected members.
• Experience managing staff performance, development and wellbeing.
• Strong understanding of performance management and corporate planning processes.
• Experience preparing reports, briefings and presentations for senior stakeholders.
• Excellent leadership, people management and team development skills.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to influence and achieve results within a political environment.
• Proven ability to manage competing priorities and deliver outcomes to tight deadlines.
• Strong analytical, evaluation and problem-solving skills.
• Experience leading multi-disciplinary teams and collaborative working arrangements.
• Excellent organisational, prioritisation and time management skills.
• Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office, PowerPoint, Excel, databases and reporting systems.
• Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgement.

Desirable

• Degree-level qualification.
• Project Management qualification.
• Experience conducting research, consultation exercises and community engagement activities.
• Experience managing community safety, partnership or voluntary sector programmes.
• Knowledge of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) processes.
• Experience managing grants programmes and external funding arrangements.
• Experience overseeing learning and development functions. Access to a vehicle for travel throughout the Borough.

Additional Information

• Location: Hybrid Working
• Hours Per Week: 37 Hours
• Payment Frequency: Bi-Weekly Payments