Person Specification

1. Consistent record of achievement in a leadership role at senior executive level within a customer-driven organisation of comparable size, scope and complexity
   
   
2. Demonstrable track record of having successfully and effectively delivered on major service improvements, implementing a performance culture, as well as cultural and organisational change
   
   
3. Absolute familiarity with the sometimes ambiguous and always distinctive mechanics of cultural change, including a track record and reputation for effectively instilling and maintaining a sense of rigour, accountability, high-performance, self-confidence and ambition in the management and development of all staff
   
   
4. A successful track record of giving sound professional advice to and building effective and productive working relationships; and in particular having the self-confidence and perspective to facilitate open and honest relationships with councillors, chief officers, senior managers and staff
   
   
5. An understanding of current issues within local government and experience of successfully working within a political environment or comparable high-pressure and complex organisation
   
   
6. A demonstrable and successful track record of engaging effectively with others, building productive working relationships with a variety of internal and external partners at all levels (ideally, both private sector, not for profit and Government), and developing and maintaining networks that foster personal and organisational credibility
   
   
7. Demonstrable and consistent track record of promoting and maintaining the highest standards of ethics and corporate governance
   
   
8. A consistent record of successful resource management, the formulation, rigorous monitoring and control of large complex budgets and the effective performance management of people and physical resources in a complex organisation
   
   
9. Evidence of personally influencing key external stakeholders to the direct benefit of an organisation, resulting in an improved reputation, better leverage with key individuals and a higher profile at national and international level

1. Ability to provide visible inspiring and supportive leadership, empowering, enabling, motivating and developing others, and fostering a positive organisational environment that focuses on successful outcomes but also shows tolerance and respect
   
   
2. Ability to operate effectively within the democratic process, with the political acumen and skills to develop productive working relationships with councillors, chief officers and staff that commands respect, trust and confidence
   
   
3. Ability to lead organisational change and cultural change and to respond positively to both external and internal pressures and any other drivers
   
   
4. Ability to maintain a clear overview of issues affecting the Council and to ensure that councillors and chief officers are provided timely and accurate advice and kept fully informed of relevant issues
   
   
5. Ability to propose, develop and implement effective strategies in pursuit of agreed goals and to make clear, informed, appropriate and timely decisions
   
   
6. Ability to manage and monitor performance effectively, setting clear objectives, managing competing priorities, and balancing the different interests and needs of service users
   
   
7. Ability to successfully analyse complex issues and situations, provide logical decisions, and reconcile competing interests, providing practical and creative solutions to problems through collaborative working
   
   
8. Ability to anticipate, interpret and manage change and achieve results through influence and negotiation

1. Vigour, pace, energy, enthusiasm, driven and business-like. A robust, resilient, confident and resourceful team leader, who sets high standards, constantly seeks improvement for delivery of services, and overcomes obstacles to achieve objectives
   
   
2. Ready to work in true partnership with councillors. A commitment to and respect for local democracy and partnership working
   
   
3. Inclusive and empowering of staff at all levels. A commitment to equality of opportunity, respect, openness and fairness, promoting high standards of behaviour and professionalism for self and others
   
   
4. The highest standards of personal conduct, probity, credibility, honesty and integrity that engages and inspires the trust and confidence of councillors, chief officers, senior managers, staff and other stakeholders
   
   
5. Proactive and makes things happen. A natural and inclusive team worker who can work collaboratively across boundaries, harnessing and valuing individual differences, and achieving performance and results through others
   
   
6. A successful and effective negotiator and facilitator with a flexible style and approach to different people and partners
   
   
7. Entrepreneurial, courageous and a measured risk-taker within the context of spending public funds and effective governance. Comfortable and relaxed with ambiguity