Head of Services

JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE: HEAD OF SERVICE
Reports to: Director

OVERVIEW
The duties allocated may be changed from time to time to reflect the changing needs of the County Council. The post may be filled at Grade 17 or Grade 18 level as appropriate to the level of
contacts and relationships and decision taking required. This may typically reflect size and/or complexity of service(s) being managed and the level of support/direction provided.

MAIN JOB PURPOSE
1. To contribute to the whole authority strategic management of the County Council.
2. To be accountable for all aspects of the management, development, direction and delivery of an allocated Service, including joint working and inter-agency co-operation, working closely with Elected Members and the County Management Team, and other whole authority groups.
3. To play a lead role in the delivery of the County Council's aims and objectives, including the
participation and promotion of partnership working with external agencies including the implementation of the LAA and delivery of the Community Strategy.
4. To promote the achievement of high standards of performance against Corporate and
Service specific performance indicators.

Core Head of Service Duties and Responsibilities
Management
1. Lead, manage and be accountable for all aspects of service delivery and strategic development within an allocated Service, including leading the staff groups.
2. Initiate, lead and contribute to corporate developments and initiatives so as to assist the County Council to achieve its objectives.
3. Ensure the provision and delivery of high quality and cost effective services.
4. Promote and support radical and innovative ways of achieving County Council and service aims and objectives through the Corporate Planning process and development, delivery and review of business plans and strategies.
5. Lead projects as required, ensuring they are managed to the County Council's standards.
Strategic Thinking
6. Leading change and progressing organisational objectives, with a long term vision of how to develop services to meet changing needs of end users.
7. Contribute to the design of arrangements for services in Dorset which reflect local needs, and circumstances, involving the development of appropriate commissioning, management and governance arrangements, establishing appropriate organisation structures/designs to support effective service delivery and change.
8. Build on the outcomes of Statutory Inspections and other external evaluations, so as to secure continuing improvements in performance and promote a culture of continuous improvement, and the active management of performance.
Influencing and Communicating
9. Provide guidance and professional advice to the Chief Executive, Directors and elected members, ensuring clear communication, and delivery of Council objectives.
10. Promote an integrated approach to the management and delivery of the Community Strategy, the County Council's corporate priorities and the Directorate Plan, as a member of the Senior Managers Group and of the Directorate Management Team.
11. Support the County Council's community leadership role by effective contribution to local strategic partnerships.
12. Work with and consult members of the public and partners, to ensure the provision of appropriate, effective and integrated services and to effectively represent the Service and County Council.
13. Undertake continued professional development and ensure understanding and communication of best working practices.
Resource Management
14. Maintain and improve effective planning, performance and budgetary frameworks, so as to ensure that performance is demonstrably effective against national, regional, and local indicators that objectives are achieved, and that high standards of probity are met.
15. Contribute to the County Council's Management of Diversity Programme.
16. Ensure that health and safety policies and procedures are effectively implemented and to lead on implementation of emergency response arrangements within the Service.

Additional Specific Duties and Responsibilities
Reference should be made to the attached appendix for details of additional duties and responsibilities that are specific to the post.

CRITERIA
EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
Essential
1. Degree level education
2. Appropriate leadership/management and/or professional/post graduate qualification (see context statement)
3. Project management qualification or equivalent experience
4. Membership of relevant professional institute where appropriate (see context statement)

KNOWLEDGE
Essential
5. In-depth understanding of policy, legislation and developments in the field of work relevant to the function
6. In-depth knowledge of service requirements and developments regarding the specific service group
7. In-depth knowledge of the work of local authorities
8. In-depth knowledge of financial management principles
9. Understanding and commitment to the importance of diversity in both service delivery and employment contexts
10. Knowledge of project management

Desirable
11. In-depth knowledge of central government performance management strategies
12. Clear understanding of Performance Management Systems and their application in the relevant service
13. Knowledge of IT systems and their application within a large organisation

CPS Group Ltd is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.