Oldham is a place with huge ambition for our people, our place and our Council. We are proud of our progress, proud of our partnerships and proud of our values. We are building a confident, modern and inclusive Council that is ready for the future and we are looking for an exceptional strategic leader to help us get there. As our Assistant Director of Strategy & Public Affairs, you’ll ensure Oldham has a clear, consistent and confident voice locally, regionally and nationally. You’ll provide the strategic leadership that connects our vision with delivery turning priorities into outcomes and ambition into influence.
About the role: Reporting to the Deputy Chief Executive, you’ll lead a broad and talented portfolio spanning strategy, policy, communications, and public affairs. Your work will shape the Council’s long‑term direction, strengthen our relationships across Greater Manchester and beyond, and ensure our story – Oldham’s story – is heard loud and clear. You’ll oversee the development and delivery of the Oldham Plan and Corporate Plan, ensuring a strong golden thread from strategy through to outcomes. You’ll guide how we use insight, evidence and engagement to shape policy and influence reform. And you’ll lead our communications and public affairs activity from building our reputation and brand to ensuring honest, impactful conversations with residents and stakeholders.
We’re looking for a dynamic, politically astute and values‑driven leader with a track record of delivering impact in complex systems. You’ll bring:
* Significant experience leading strategy, policy, communications or public affairs functions at a senior level.
* The confidence to represent Oldham’s interests at senior forums, across Greater Manchester, Government and national networks.
* Exceptional communication skills able to simplify complexity, tell compelling stories and influence decision‑makers.
* Strong leadership and coaching skills, able to inspire multi‑disciplinary teams and build collaborative partnerships.
* A deep understanding of local government, devolution and the policy environment shaping local public services.
* You’ll be as comfortable briefing Ministers as you are engaging residents. You’ll understand how to align strategic intent with delivery, how to use data and insight to shape priorities, and how to build relationships that turn shared ambition into shared action.
Why Oldham?
Oldham is part of a vibrant city region, leading innovation and reform through collaboration. We’re proud to be a co‑operative borough that works with people and partners, not just for them. We’re also an organisation that invests in leadership, values creativity and flexibility, and encourages people to make their mark. You’ll join a forward‑looking senior team committed to delivering better outcomes for residents and to building a Council that’s confident, inclusive and bold about its future. We want Oldham to have vibrant, safe neighbourhoods where people are proud to live with opportunities for healthier, more fulfilled lives; and a sustainable, thriving economy. As we look to the future, the challenges may be significant, but so are the opportunities. We’ve identified three missions with our residents and partners, focusing on what will deliver the biggest impact: a Great Place to Live, Healthier, Happier Lives, and Green and Growing.
Our Behaviours
* Work with a resident focus
* Support local leaders
* Committed to the borough
* Delivery high performance
* Take ownership and drive change
Our Benefits Package
At Oldham Council we offer a great benefits package for our employees, which includes the following:
* 25 days annual leave which increases after 5 and 10‑years service
* The option to purchase additional annual leave
* An attractive LGPS benefit pension scheme with the option to make shared‑cost additional voluntary contributions
* Discounted gym membership with Oldham Active
* Staff discount scheme for shopping, entertainment, eating‑out, eating‑in, travel, motoring and more
* Salary sacrifice scheme for home and electronics and Cycle to Work
* Wellbeing support, including a Mental Health First Aider network and an Employment Assistance Programme that provides 24‑hour access to advice and support
* Staff recognition and celebration events
* Peer support groups
Inclusive Recruitment: We work closely with employees to help them work at their best, including making adjustments such as flexible working, describing available working patterns, providing equipment or making changes to the workplace. If you’re an applicant with disabilities and have previously been in or currently in care, a carer or someone who has served in the Armed Forces and you meet the essential criteria of the role, you are guaranteed to reach the first stage of assessment under our Guaranteed Assessment Scheme.
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