Head of Mayor's Office

The Head of the Mayor's office is a vital role within the council leading and managing the support team for the Mayor and Cabinet so that they can undertake their executive and civic functions. The role will involve:

• Responsibility for ensuring the smooth running of the Mayor and Cabinet's day to day business, including Mayoral diary, internal and external meetings and events, the recording and dissemination of decisions and actions, correspondence and casework, support to Cabinet Members

• Working closely with the Chief Executive, her office, senior council officers and other key corporate services (eg Democratic Services, Scrutiny, Comms) to ensure the smooth management of the Council's business to secure delivery of the Corporate Plan

• Advising the Mayor on a wide range of issues

• Commissioning work on behalf of the Mayor from within and externally to the organisation and where relevant steering, overseeing or contributing to its delivery, working with colleagues, partners and stakeholders as appropriate

• Managing some of the Mayor's Office team and helping lead the Mayor's Office through a period of change, forging strong and supportive team-working and ensuring that in all we do that we model the corporate values and help to enhance the Mayor and council's reputation

• Ensuring the completion of a set of 'How to Guides' for all the systems and processes, refining these as needed

Job Context

• The post holder will report into the Chief Executive
• The post holder will be enthusiastic, committed and keen to make a difference to the lives of Newham residents
• Be politically astute and understand the appropriate connections between elected politicians and officials;
• Have an appreciation of the mayoral model and the importance of governing with the highest ethical standards;
• Demonstrate an understanding of the linkages between politics and management and the different challenges for strategic and operational management in London local government;
• Excel at partnership working and be an effective negotiator and influencer;
• Be able to generate trust and confidence through your actions;
• Have excellent written and oral communication skills;
• Have experience managing teams and getting the best out of them;
• Demonstrate a high degree of tact and diplomacy when dealing with sensitive and high-profile issues
• Expert knowledge and significant experience is required to resolve complex issues and proactively anticipate and mitigate problems.
• Design and develop innovative solutions, which enhance the quality and efficiency of services and reputation of the council.
• The post holder may be required to work some evenings, weekends and occasional public holidays in order to meet service requirements and to ensure appropriate representation of the Council with residents, the Mayor and elected Members, and external bodies.