Introduction
This role presents a unique opportunity to combine your knowledge and expertise, to support the Council in providing clear community leadership and in delivering high quality services to the residents of Warwick District.
Welcome from Chris Elliott
Thank you for your interest in this important role working for Warwick District Council.
We are clear about our vision to ensure that Warwick District is a great place to live, work and visit, by improving lives and our environment. As an experienced professional, you will be fundamental to shaping the future strategic direction of the Council, playing a pivotal role in our Senior Leadership Team; tasked with developing strategies, delivering change to reshape our services, as well as identifying and planning resources, and reviewing the cost effectiveness and value of the Council’s services for our diverse communities.
If you are motivated by this opportunity, then please read on and find out more about the role, and why we think Warwick District Council is a great place to work.
Chris Elliott – Chief Executive
Warwick District Council
About Warwick District
Our vision is to make Warwick District a great place to live, work and visit, by improving lives and our environment. The Council’s Corporate Strategy – Towards Warwick 2030 is designed to support and deliver our vision for the District and has three strategic priorities:
- Delivering valued, sustainable services
In order that the Council can continue to focus its efforts and activities on the needs of its residents, communities and businesses, this priority will be underpinned by continued demonstration of financial sustainability through the medium term.
- Low cost, low carbon across the district
The Council will look to find ways to reduce energy consumption and bills in Council civic buildings, Council housing, and help others to do the same, such as privately owned homes, businesses and other public and voluntary sector organisation.
- Creating vibrant, safe and healthy communities of the future
We will work with communities, businesses and public sector partners to enable and support improvements where people’s community, economic and housing needs can be met. This will facilitate a better and more sustainable balance with the natural world that will allow our communities and businesses to thrive in a sustainable and safe way.
The Council has 44 elected Councillors made up from five political groups. There is no overall control of the Council. Our net revenue general fund expenditure is just under £21.3m, funded mainly by Council Tax (£10.6m), Business Rates (£7.3m) and funding from Government (£3.4m). Our approach emphasises the importance of growth in the local economy and of ensuring that all our communities benefit from that growth.
We are confident that our Change Management Programme will address the future service and financial needs of the Council over the next five years and beyond, by improving the efficiency and effectiveness of how we deliver our services.
Across all services we employ around 500 people, and our organisation structure sets out our leadership portfolios.
- Making better use of our existing resources and consider how we can increase income generating opportunities
- Working towards 24/7, 365 days a year access to our services through our change programme and digital services strategy
- Ensuring our council homes are safe and meet the Decent Homes standard for all tenants including improving the energy efficiency of home to meet all new social housing regulatory requirements
- Attracting the right people with the right skills
- Maximising social value through our place shaping initiatives and investments to recycle the Warwick District pound.
- Significantly improving the energy efficiency of our Council buildings
- Reducing carbon emissions and energy bills for our Council tenants through retrofitting
- Taking forward our initiatives in the Climate Change Action Programme and evaluating their impact.
- Enhancing the biodiversity of the district, based on the Biodiversity Action Programme.
You can find out more about the Council on Warwick District Council’s website.
Strategic Director
£100,880 – £109,106
At Warwick District Council, we’re looking for a Strategic Director who is passionate about our community and excited about making a real difference. With our easily accessible central location, and Leamington Spa being rated the best place to live in the Midlands, it’s easy to see why businesses, residents, and visitors are drawn to our vibrant, diverse, and unique district.
We are driven by a vision to ensure that Warwick District is a great place for everyone to live, work, and visit. We aim to improve lives and the environment, creating a welcoming and sustainable future for all.
We are now seeking a forward-thinking Strategic Director who will bring innovation, transformation, and efficiency to the Council to help us achieve these goals. Our new Strategic Director will lead the delivery of our low-cost, low-carbon energy schemes. If appointed, you will take charge of the Council’s high-profile capital projects, including the Climate Change Programme, Biodiversity Action Programme, Town Centre Regeneration, Housing Development Programme, and Asset Management services, all aimed at meeting the needs of our diverse communities.
While we are in a strong financial position, we’re committed to finding further efficiencies and exploring new income-generation opportunities, all while maintaining our social purpose to improve lives across the district.
We’re looking for an experienced professional who can shape and deliver the future strategic direction of the Council and the district. You should have a proven track record in delivering capital projects, especially in low-cost, low-carbon housing, as well as transforming services and making efficiencies. Experience working with, or within, local government is essential, along with the ability to build positive relationships with Elected Members.
At the heart of our organisation are our people. We value the benefits of new ways of working to enhance productivity, service delivery, and wellbeing. That’s why we offer a comprehensive employee benefits scheme and agile working options, to support work-life balance and personal growth.
We are a small, but dynamic Council, with unique strengths, and we are committed to ensuring everyone can reach their potential. As a member of our Senior Leadership Team, you’ll have the opportunity to work alongside our elected members to ensure that Warwick continues to grow and thrive.
Excited? So are we! If you’re innovative, forward-thinking, and ready to make a difference in a council that values diversity, inclusion, and sustainability, then we would love to hear from you.
We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, particularly those underrepresented in local government leadership.
How to Apply
For an informal and confidential discussion about the role, please contact West Midlands Employers Executive Search Associate – Anna Jay on 07904236348 or a.jay@wmemployers.org.uk.
Closing Date: – 8th January 2025 12.00 Noon
Candidates will be required to attend an assessment centre and final member panel interview on the dates below:
Assessment Centre: – 27th or 28th January 2025
Final Panel Interview: – 11th February 2025
