Head of Strategy

Job Title: Head of Strategy

Application closing date: Sunday 12th January 2025 at 23:59pm

Location: Civic Offices, 2 Watling Street, Bexleyheath, DA6 7AT

Salary: £65,764pa - £76,152pa (inclusive of Bexley Choices)

Employment Type: Permanent

Bexley is an outer London Borough, offering a unique blend of urban and rural living, making it an ideal place to experience the best of both worlds. It sits conveniently between the vibrant energy of central London and the serene landscapes of Kent, known as the Garden of England. The Borough is home to several award-winning parks and open spaces, and boasts a number of listed heritage sites, adding historical charm and character to the area.

The challenges faced by Bexley Council reflect broader national trends, as rising energy costs, increasing demand for vital social care services, and the growing costs of essential goods and services place significant pressure on local finances. These pressures make it more difficult to meet the ever-growing needs of the community, but despite these hurdles, the council remains dedicated to its mission of prioritising the services that matter most to residents.

We are looking to appoint a Head of Strategy who will be responsible for leading and managing the development of the Council’s financial strategy, capital strategy, medium-term financial plan, and budget-setting process (both revenue and capital). You will also take charge of the outsourced Treasury operation and the Pension Fund, ensuring optimal management and performance.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Develop and implement a strategic, workable response to the financial challenges the Council faces.
• Lead and manage the councils financial planning and budget monitoring including preparing reports for officers and Members on all financial planning and budget monitoring issues.
• Lead the development of the Council’s Treasury and Pension strategies, ensuring alignment with broader financial objectives.
• Oversee the management and effectiveness of the outsourced Treasury operation and Pension Fund administration.
• Prepare detailed reports for senior officers and Members on all financial planning, budgeting, and Treasury-related matters.
• Explore opportunities to blend Treasury and Pension strategies to optimise investment returns.
• Provide accurate and insightful reporting on the performance of the pension scheme.
• Collaborate with treasury advisors, brokers, and financial institutions to make informed decisions regarding cash management and investments.
• Provide advice to Members and Senior Management
• Attendance at evening meetings will be required.

To be suitable for the role you need to hold a CCAB/CIMA accountancy qualification or equivalent. You will have extensive accounting and budgetary experience and a sound knowledge of local government finance frameworks including S.151, statutory requirements and relevant codes of practice and influences on the strategic finances of the authority.

For more information about the role please refer to Home | Bexley-draft or for a confidential discussion contact Rob Phillips at Allen Lane - robertphillips@allenlane.co.uk or 07921 336 507.

To apply, please submit your CV to bexley@allenlane.co.uk alongside a supporting statement (no more than two pages) stating why you are interested in applying, what you can bring to this role and highlighting your relevant experience and suitability.

Equal opportunities

Bexley Council is an inclusive employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Subject to business needs, we will be pleased to consider applications from candidates seeking flexible working arrangements and support hybrid working, whereby staff attend the workplace for part of their working week and work from home, or elsewhere, remotely for the rest of the time.

As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the advertised role.

Bexley Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment.