Head of Strategy

Are you an exceptional leader with a passion for shaping and delivering strategic priorities? We are looking for a Head of Strategy for this new position, pivotal in influencing government policy and shaping the future of Dorset Council.  

As the Head of Strategy, you will support our political and corporate leadership in achieving the council's ambitious plans. You will play a crucial role in developing corporate policies, performance, and risk frameworks while positioning Dorset nationally. 

Dorset Council is committed to delivering cost-effective, high-quality services to our residents. We value innovative approaches, strong leadership, and collaborative working to achieve our strategic goals. As the Head of Strategy, you will be at the forefront of driving these initiatives, ensuring that our council continues to excel and meet the needs of our community. 

You will: 

• elevate our strategy and policy functions, driving high performance and culture change to ensure cost-effective, high-quality services. You will provide expert strategic advice to senior leadership, influencing key decisions and long-term strategic courses of action. 
• lead and manage a team of professionals, developing and implementing corporate strategy, policy, and performance frameworks. You'll foster a forward-thinking strategy function that aligns with the council plan and policy framework, setting clear aims based on residents' needs and political vision. 
• work closely with senior management, elected members, and key stakeholders to deliver the council’s strategic priorities and meet financial targets. You'll build and maintain influential relationships, ensuring Dorset's voice is heard locally, regionally, and nationally. 
• engage directly with government and policy at national levels, developing the council's influence with MPs, government departments, and strategic partners. You'll shape and deliver the political priorities of Dorset Council, impacting both internal operations and external partnerships. 
• plan and develop a performance management, risk and accountability framework, ensuring effective performance improvement mechanisms. Promote and support innovative approaches to achieving council and service aims through business plans and strategies. 
• develop the strategic use of insight and data to drive better decision making and support the transformation required to support the council on its change journey. 

What’s in it for you: 

This is a unique opportunity to establish and shape a brand-new role within the council, making a significant impact on our future direction. As a key player in shaping the future direction of Dorset Council's strategy and policy functions, you will lead a talented team and drive organisational culture change to achieve high performance and excellent service delivery.  

Providing proactive strategic advice to the Senior Leadership Team, you will present options and rationales for strategic actions, ensuring informed and effective decision-making. 

Working closely with senior management, elected members, and key stakeholders, you will strive to achieve strategic objectives and financial targets.  

Your role will also involve ensuring that Dorset is strongly positioned nationally by developing and maintaining influential relationships with key stakeholders. This is a chance to make a significant contribution to the council's strategic direction, and impact future success. 

About you: 

You will have extensive operational and professional knowledge in a major service area, proven project and budget management, staff supervision, and partnership working. 

You will be able to think innovatively and have experience in strategic planning, high-level communication skills, ability to work collaboratively, and strong leadership qualities.