Head of Policy and Performance

Job Introduction

Head of Policy and Performance

Special D - £65,022 - £75,728

Make a Difference. Shape Bradford's Future.

There's never been a more exciting time to join Bradford Council.

We're delivering ambitious plans for growth, regeneration and improved outcomes for our communities, building on the momentum of Bradford's City of Culture year and our vision for a thriving, inclusive district. 

By joining us, you'll do more than build your career—you'll help shape the future of Bradford and make a real difference to people's lives. Every role plays a part in supporting residents, strengthening communities, reducing inequalities and creating opportunities for future generations. 

Whether you're delivering frontline services, leading change or providing behind-the-scenes support, your work will have a meaningful impact every day.

When you join Bradford Council you become part of a team that is ambitious for the district, passionate about its people, and committed to making a positive difference

About the Team

The Policy and Performance Team sits at the heart of the Council, providing strategic leadership, insight and coordination to help deliver better outcomes for residents, communities and businesses across the district. The team works closely with elected members, senior leaders and partners to shape policy, drive organisational improvement, oversee performance management, and ensure that the Council's priorities are translated into measurable results. Through evidence-led decision making, robust performance frameworks and effective partnership working, the team plays a critical role in supporting the Council's vision and ambitions. 

Role Description

We are looking for an outstanding Head of Policy and Performance to join our senior leadership team. This is a high-profile strategic role that presents an exciting opportunity to influence the future direction of the Council and make a meaningful difference to the people of Bradford District.

As Head of Policy and Performance, you will provide leadership for the development and delivery of corporate policy, performance management, strategic planning and organisational improvement. You will work closely with members, directors and partners to ensure the Council has a strong evidence base for decision making, delivers against its priorities and demonstrates measurable impact for residents.

Main responsibilities

• Lead the Council's corporate policy, strategy and performance functions, ensuring alignment with organisational priorities and ambitions.
• Develop and maintain effective performance management frameworks that support continuous improvement and accountability.
• Provide expert policy advice and strategic insight to elected members, senior leaders and key stakeholders.
• Oversee the production of high-quality performance reporting, analysis and intelligence to inform decision making.
• Lead the development of key corporate strategies, plans and policy frameworks.
• Build and maintain productive partnerships across local, regional and national organisations to support the Council's objectives.
• Drive a culture of evidence-based decision making, innovation and organisational learning.
• Lead, motivate and develop a high-performing team, ensuring excellent standards of service delivery. 

About You

You will be a strategic and collaborative leader with significant experience of policy development, performance management and organisational improvement within a complex organisation. You will have excellent communication and influencing skills, a strong understanding of local government challenges and opportunities, and a track record of delivering outcomes through effective leadership and partnership working.

You will be able to demonstrate:

• Experience of leading policy, performance or corporate planning functions at a senior level.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to translate complex information into actionable insight.
• Experience of advising senior leaders and elected members.
• A proven ability to lead organisational change and improvement.
• Excellent leadership, stakeholder management and communication skills.
• A commitment to public service and improving outcomes for communities. 

How to Apply

If you are interested in joining our team and would like further information about this opportunity, please contact Jenny Cryer , Assistant Director for the Office of the Chief Executive jenny.cryer@bradford.gov.uk  for an informal discussion. Applications should be submitted through the Council's recruitment portal. 

Employee Offer

Why work for Bradford Council? Find out why by taking a look at our Employee Offer, which highlights the benefits, development opportunities and support available to our employees. Employee Benefits at Bradford Council

Equal Opportunities

We do not discriminate against any applicant or employee directly or indirectly on the grounds of gender, marital status, gender reassignment, pregnancy, sexual orientation, disability, race, colour, ethnic background, religion or belief, nationality or age. As an equal opportunities employer, the Council strives to recruit the best qualified people from a diverse range of applicants. The RESPECT Allyship Programme is available to all staff and provides opportunities to learn more about diverse communities and access additional support and resources.