Local Devolution Lead

• Work base negotiable and Hybrid working available
• 33 days annual leave
• Fixed term contract until 31 March 2028

Somerset Council is seeking a dynamic and forward thinking Local Devolution Lead to play a key role in the delivery and development of our ambitious devolution programme.  As part of our ongoing transformation, this role will:

• Work closely with City, Town and Parish Councils, community groups and key stakeholders to lead the implementation of the Council’s local devolution agenda
• Collaborate with communities, Elected Members to co-produce locally tailored solutions. 
• Manage projects to transfer assets, services or responsibilities to local councils.
• Ensure that local devolution arrangements align with the Council’s priorities and statutory responsibilities.

You will have:

• Excellent project management skills with the ability to deliver complex initiatives in a political environment.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with a collaborative approach.
• A sound understanding of the opportunities and challenges faced by local government sector and principles of local devolution.

A solid track record of securing practical and pragmatic solutions and gaining buy-in from multiple stakeholders.

You will need to have the ability to travel countywide.

We’re proud to be here for the people of Somerset. And that means everyone in Somerset. An important part of this is ensuring that we are as diverse and inclusive as the people and communities we serve.

We welcome applications from a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences to enrich our team. You can always contact the hiring manager for a chat if there’s anything you want to talk about before you apply.

We are proud to offer an environment that is supportive and rewarding, working as part of a team who are passionate about the work they do to improve the lives of people in Somerset.

We offer great training and development opportunities, with supportive management. As well as this, we have some fantastic employee benefits available:

• We promote a healthy work-life balance and offer flexible working arrangements wherever possible, including working from home.
• Generous annual leave allowance, with the opportunity to purchase additional leave
• Staff discounts in gyms.
• Employee Assistance for the times you may need some support and a variety of employee wellbeing services.
• Auto enrolment onto our generous Pension Scheme and optional pension enhancement through our Additional Voluntary Contribution scheme.
• A Flexible Benefits Scheme via salary sacrifice to obtain a cycle for work and health screenings.
• My Staff Shop offering discounts in shops, online shopping, restaurants, cinema tickets, insurance benefits and more

Feel free to get in touch with Sara Skirton to discuss the role in more detail via email Sara.Skirton@somerset.gov.uk

When completing your application/CV please provide your full employment history and ensure that any gaps in employment are explained. Please start with your current or most recent employment.

If you have all the information you need, just hit the apply button - we can’t wait to hear from you.