Head of Revenues and Benefits

Summary: The Head of Revenues and Benefits will lead a local authority team, managing all aspects of Revenues and Benefits services, including Council Tax, Business Rates, and Housing Benefits. This senior leadership role involves strategic and operational responsibilities, ensuring effective service delivery and alignment with council objectives focused on poverty reduction and financial resilience. The position requires strong contract management and leadership skills to oversee a significant budget and external partners. The role also includes preparing reports for corporate governance and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for the Council Tax, Business Rates, Housing Benefits and Credit Control services
• Act as the council's lead technical expert on all Revenues and Benefits matters, providing strategic advice and ensuring policy adherence
• Lead on all central government returns relating to Housing Benefits Subsidy and income streams totalling over £300m
• Manage external delivery partners, contractors, agents and suppliers across Revenues and Benefits services, with responsibility for high-value contracts
• Support the development and delivery of strategic initiatives to reduce poverty and improve debt recovery, working closely with elected members, senior officers and partners
• Maintain effective relationships with organisations such as Citizens Advice and welfare support providers
• Lead and motivate a team of senior managers across Revenues, Benefits, Invoicing and Credit Control functions
• Manage a net budget of approximately £3 million and authorise significant payments and refunds
• Prepare and present reports to Corporate Board, Committees and Members as required

Key Skills:

• Substantial senior management experience in Revenues and Benefits services
• In-depth knowledge of legislation and practice relating to Council Tax, Business Rates and Housing Benefit
• Strong contract management and commissioning experience with the ability to hold partners and providers to account
• Extensive experience managing complex budgets and overseeing income collection across large public sector services
• Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills, with a track record of working effectively with Members, committees and cross-sector partners
• Proven experience developing policy, contributing to strategic direction and leading on service transformation
• Ideally degree educated and/or IRRV qualified

Salary (Rate): £500 per day

City: Swindon

Country: United Kingdom

Working Arrangements: undetermined

IR35 Status: outside IR35

Seniority Level: Senior

Industry: Other