Job Title: Manager of Democracy, Elections & Strategic Relationships

Band: 11

Location: Basildon Centre (Hybrid – minimum of 3 days in the office per week)

Contract Type and Hours: Permanent (36.25 hours per week)

Basildon Borough Council is embarking on an ambitious transformation journey, driven by our Corporate Plan and the belief that every resident deserves to live in a safe, thriving, and high‑quality environment. Our focus remains firmly on strengthening communities, creating opportunities, and delivering high‑quality public services.

Basildon Council is currently preparing for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), which will change how councils operate across the area in the coming years. While this transition is underway, the Council continues to deliver essential services and remains committed to recruiting talented people who can help shape the future of local government.

About the Role

We are looking for an exceptional leader to join us as Manager of Democracy, Elections & Strategic Relationships. This is a pivotal role at the centre of decision-making, governance, and democratic services and an excellent opportunity to help shape the future of democratic services in a dynamic and fast-paced political environment.

You will provide strategic leadership and direction across key democratic functions, including:

Elections and electoral services
Committee and governance support
Member and executive support

Acting as a trusted advisor to senior leaders and elected members, you’ll ensure the Council’s governance arrangements are legally compliant, effective and fit for purpose, while driving continuous service improvement and innovation.

About you

We’re looking for a confident and experienced leader who thrives in a complex political environment and can influence at the highest levels.

You will bring:

Strong knowledge of local government legislation and governance
Proven experience leading complex projects and services
A track record of working with elected members and senior stakeholders
Excellent analytical, decision-making and communication skills
Strategic thinking with a hands-on, delivery-focused approach
A degree (or equivalent experience) and relevant professional or management qualification are expected

Please see attached the Job Description and Person Specification.

If you would like to be part of Basildon’s success, please attach and submit your CV and covering letter detailing how you demonstrate the requirements of the role.

We look forward to receiving your application.

Please note:

Basildon Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults, and expects all employees, contractors and volunteers to share its’ commitment, while implementing a range of policies to prevent abuse, harm or exploitation across all departments.

We are proud to be a disability confident employer. As a Disability Confident employer, we are committed to inclusive recruitment, encouraging applications from disabled people and we will guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role.

We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and able to thrive. We value the diversity of our community and aim to have a workforce that reflects this. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, cultures and identities, and are particularly keen to hear from underrepresented groups.

We are proud holders of the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Silver Award, demonstrating our commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community and aligning with the values of the Armed Forces Covenant.

All offers of employment are subject to pre-employment checks and clearance.

Please note, if you do not have access to a desktop to apply- computers are available in the Job Centre, Library or our own Customer Service Centre.

Applicants with a hearing or speech impairment can contact us using the Text Relay Service. Dial 18001 followed by the full telephone number as above. Calls are charged at your telecommunications provider's standard rate.

If you have any queries regarding this or any of our roles, please contact Human Resources 01268 208242 or human.resources@basildon.gov.uk.

Good Luck with Your Application.