Vacancy Description
Are you an experienced leader with a passion for community protection, leisure, and culture? Do you thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic environment? If so, West Berkshire Council has an exciting opportunity for you to join our team as the Service Director - Community Services.
As the Service Director, you will play a crucial role in shaping and delivering high-quality services that enhance the lives of our residents. You will be responsible for leading and managing a diverse portfolio, including community safety, environmental health, licensing, leisure services, arts and culture, and more.
The ideal candidate will have:
1. Extensive experience in a senior leadership role, preferably within a local government or public sector environment
2. A strong understanding of community protection, leisure, and culture services
3. Excellent strategic thinking and the ability to translate vision into action
4. Proven track record of driving innovation and delivering positive outcomes
5. Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills
West Berkshire Council offer excellent employment benefits such as:
6. Flexible working wherever possible between the hours of 07.00-19.00
7. Hybrid working wherever possible working 40% in the office
8. Access to a wide range of training and development opportunities
9. Generous Local Government pension scheme
10. Family friendly policies
11. A range of local discounts
12. Wellbeing Programme including Employee Assistance Programme and employee benefits
13. You will also be entitled to a generous annual leave entitlement starting at 30 days per annum (plus public holidays) Rising by an additional 5 days after 5 years’ service.
Please note that the closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
This post is a Sensitive Post for the purpose of the Local Government Housing Act 1989 and the post-holder is therefore restricted from engaging in any prescribed political activities. In summary, this means that you are prohibited from holding political office and from involvement in any political activity within or outside the workplace. Full details of the restrictions can be found in the Council’s Policy and Guidance on Politically Restricted Posts.
Interview dates:
14. First stage technical interviews expected to take place on 26th July.
15. Final interview expected to take place on 6th August
To learn more about the role, please contact Clare Lawrence on 07584385363 or email: clare.lawrence1@westberks.gov.uk for an informal discussion.
We are committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve.