Henley on Thames Town Council - Vacancy for a Deputy Clerk / Planning & Projects Manager
Name of recruiting organisation:
Henley on Thames Town Council
Employed role/Volunteer role:
Employed
Permanent role/Fixed term role:
Permanent
Location:
Home and office based
Salary:
£42,708 to £50,788 (pro rata)
Hours:
30 hours per week (full-time considered)
Our council and the role:
The postholder is a member of the Senior Management Team. They manage the Planning & Projects Team, which oversees all matters relating to planning and planning policy; projects to tackle the climate and nature emergencies; and administering major capital projects.
In their role as Deputy Clerk, they are responsible for providing cover in the absence of the Clerk, including providing procedural advice to members and staff, and making urgent decisions that would usually be taken by the Town Clerk.
Duties will include:
Planning & Project Manager
1. Leading on the delivery of major capital projects as and when they arise. This includes the sale of land for development at 353-357 Reading Road and the building of a new 3G pitch at Jubilee Park.
2. Managing all members of the Planning & Projects team – the Project Officers and Planning Officer – including supervising their workload, approving leave and working hours, performance management, and organising training.
3. Overseeing tasks delegated to members of the Planning & Projects team, including:
(a) Servicing the Neighbourhood Plan Committee and coordinating the review of the Neighbourhood Plan.
(b) Servicing and providing support to the Climate and Nature Emergency Advisory Group.
(c) Servicing and providing support to the Transport Strategy Group, including progressing any actions arising from the meetings.
(d) Servicing the Planning Committee, including ensuring all planning applications and other planning matters are reported to the Committee for comment; and feeding back comments to the local planning authority.
4. Undertaking continuing professional development on project management and developing community infrastructure.
5. Performing such other duties as may be required from time to time, as required by the Council.
Deputy Clerk
1. To provide cover for the Town Clerk in their absence, including:
(a) Approving any urgent decisions usually delegated to the Town Clerk, excluding any which by law must be carried out by the Proper Officer or Responsible Finance Officer.
(b) Coordinating and attending meetings on behalf of the Town Clerk.
(c) Providing advice to councillors and staff on matters of procedure and corporate governance.
2. To keep informed of changes in law, policy and procedure affecting the Council, including attending any relevant training.
The ideal candidate will have/be:
Essential
- Experience of managing large projects
- Previous experience working in the local government sector
- Holds, or is willing to achieve within a year, the Certificate in Local Council Administration (CiLCA)
- Knowledge and experience of committee work
- A good working knowledge of the planning system
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Strong analytical skills
- Good administrative skills
- Effective prioritization and delegation skills
- The ability to manage and implement change diplomatically
- The ability to build effective working relationships
- Effective budget management skills
- Experience of procuring goods and services
- Experience of managing and developing staff
- Independent decision-making skills
- The ability to act impartially in a political environment
- Willingness to work the occasional evening and / or weekend, as required
Desirable
- Educated to degree level or equivalent
- Qualifications in a relevant subject, such as project management, procurement, building management, etc
- Previous experience working for town / parish councils
What we offer you in return:
Generous pension (LGPS)
Free parking in Henley town centre
Flexible working arrangements
How to find out more details and apply:
For a recruitment pack, visit: https://www.henleytowncouncil.gov.uk/your-council/vacancies
Closing date:
Friday 21st February 2025 at 1pm