Principal Policy Officer

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Principal Policy Officer to join our team. In this pivotal role, you will serve as the Council's lead policy adviser for a range of strategic areas. You will be responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining policies and strategies to support Council operations and partnerships. Additionally, you will lead multi-disciplinary teams, supervise staff, and contribute to key decision-making processes.

Key Responsibilities:

• Act as the Council's principal adviser on a range of policy areas, implementing a comprehensive work programme.
• Provide supervision and guidance to Policy/Assistant Policy Officers, ensuring effective workload management.
• Lead multidisciplinary project teams in the development and execution of strategic policies and programmes.
• Undertake or commission research to support evidence-based policy development.
• Engage with internal and external stakeholders, including service users and partners, to inform policy and strategy.
• Monitor the implementation and outcomes of policies and strategies, ensuring continuous improvement.
• Stay informed on legislative and policy developments, reporting on their implications for the Council.
• Support partnership working and manage the Council's strategic partnership arrangements.
• Contribute to budget preparation, funding bids, and allocation processes as necessary.
• Prepare reports for senior management, elected members, and external partners.

Essential Qualifications & Experience:

• Educated to degree level or equivalent, or substantial relevant experience in a policy role.
• Extensive experience in policy and strategy development within a relevant specialist area.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects and multidisciplinary teams.
• Proven track record of working with multi-agency partnerships and inter-agency collaboration.
• Strong experience in evidence-based policy development and performance monitoring.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders.

Desirable Qualifications & Experience:

• Professional qualifications relevant to the role (e.g. Planning, Engineering, Social Work).
• Experience in budget monitoring, business planning, and resource management.
• Knowledge of management theory, financial planning frameworks, and best practices in policy.

Skills & Abilities:

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to make judgements under pressure.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills.
• Ability to influence and motivate teams, while working effectively within a political context.
• IT proficiency, particularly in Microsoft Office and any specialist software related to policy development.

Additional Information:

• Availability to attend evening and weekend meetings as required.
• Commitment to promoting diversity and equality of opportunity within the Council and the wider community.

Connect2Halton is an equal opportunities employer and encourages applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults, and expect all staff to share this commitment.

Connect2Haltonis a trading style of Halton & Kent Commercial Services LLP- A joint venture between Halton Borough Council & Commercial Services Kent Ltd. Connect2Halton is an equal opportunities Employment Agency & Business. It positively encourages applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates.