Council Tax and Benefits Manager

Council Tax Manager (12 Month Fixed term Contract)

Hybrid Working 

Salary SMR A (£58,818 - £71,412)

Closing Date: 3rd January 2025

The London Borough of Newham are committed to delivering quality services that enhance the lives of our residents and communities. We are seeking an innovative and dedicated Council Tax Manager to complement our additional management structure to increase collection rates and improve service performance. If you are a results-driven professional with experience in Council Tax Collection and Recovery  we would like to hear from you.

Role Overview

As a Council Tax Manager, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring effective council tax billing, collection and recovery while developing strategies to improve performance.  You will be responsible for overseeing a dedicated team, implementing best practice to enhance and improve our collections processes. You will work closely with key stakeholders to foster collaborative relationships and engage with teams proactively.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategies to increase council tax collection rates and improve overall service performance.
• Lead, manage, and develop a high-performing team to ensure effective collection processes and customer service.
• Deliver performance to ensure key Performance Targets are achieved. 
• Monitor and analyse data and trends to identify areas for improvement and implement appropriate action plans.
• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation and council policies while maintaining high standards of service delivery.
• Collaborate with other departments and external agencies to promote effective communication and information sharing.
• Provide expert advice and guidance to management and elected officials regarding council tax issues and performance initiatives.
• Develop and deliver training programs that empower staff with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed.
• Prepare and present reports on performance metrics and collection strategies to senior management.
• Managing and collaborating in the Annual Billing Process 

Essential Skills and Qualifications:

• Proven experience in Council Tax billing, collection and recovery, within a local government environment.
• Strong leadership and team management skills with the ability to motivate and develop staff.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with a keen eye for detail.
• In-depth knowledge of council tax legislation and best practices in revenue collection.
• Ability to communicate effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders, both verbally and in writing.
• Proficiency in using relevant software and technology to track performance and improve processes.

How to Apply

Please attach your supporting statement, explaining in no more than x2 A4 sides why and how you meet the criteria for this role.

We practice anonymized recruitment. Please ensure that you remove all personal information from any documents that you upload.

Please view JD here

Closing date 3rd January 2025

IMPORTANT: If you are an LBN member of staff and applying for this role as a secondment you should note that secondments are subject to the agreement of your current employing service. Please ensure that you inform your line manager of your intention to apply for the post in the first instance.

Additional Information

We are committed to creating an inclusive, anti-racist environment for all. When you apply for a job at Newham, your application is considered on its merits regardless of your age, disability, ethnicity, faith, gender identity or sexual orientation. If you share our vision and values, and you bring the experience and skills we need, that’s all that matters to us.

The London Borough of Newham has important responsibilities for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. If you are appointed to a job that involves working with these groups, you may be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

The personal information we have collected from you will be shared with Cifas who will use it to prevent fraud, other unlawful or dishonest conduct, malpractice, and other seriously improper conduct. If any of these are detected you could be refused certain services or employment. Your personal information will also be used to verify your identity. Further details of how your information will be used by us and Cifas, and your data protection rights, can be found by https://www.cifas.org.uk/fpn.