Director of Resources / Deputy Chief Executive
The Director of Resources is a key member of the Council’s Senior Leadership Team and acts as Deputy Chief Executive. The postholder provides strategic leadership and oversight across Corporate Services, Governance, Democratic Services, Community Engagement, Library, Marketing and Communications. They deputise fully for the Chief Executive, including taking on Proper Officer responsibilities during periods of absence, and play a crucial role in supporting civic and ceremonial life in Newquay. This is a wide-ranging leadership role, requiring excellent political awareness, strong communication and governance expertise, and the ability to represent the Council confidently with members, partners and the community.
Main Purpose of the Role
To provide strategic leadership and corporate oversight for the Council’s Resources and Governance functions, ensuring high standards of performance, democratic engagement, civic representation, and operational delivery. The postholder is a key member of the Council’s Senior Leadership Team and acts as Deputy Chief Executive, deputising fully for the Chief Executive during periods of absence, including assuming Proper Officer responsibilities. The role leads the Resources Directorate through direct line management of the Democratic Service Manager, Library & Visitor Information Manager and the Events Manager, ensuring cross-team performance, compliance with corporate policies, and alignment with the Council’s strategic goals. The postholder also acts as a key link between the Chief Executive and operational service leads across the Directorate. The role supports and deputises for the Chief Executive in corporate planning, committee management, civic and ceremonial activity, and represents the Council externally at strategic and partnership level.
Key Responsibilities
1. Deputy Chief Executive & Strategic Oversight
o Represent the Chief Executive at civic events, external meetings and during absence
o Provide strategic input into Corporate Plan delivery and organisational direction
o Oversee the coordination of corporate improvement projects, funding models, and service integration
2. Governance and Democratic Services
o Ensure clear delegations, committee handbooks and member/officer protocols are maintained
o Oversee preparation of Council reports and contribute to professional standards in democratic delivery
o Support councillor induction and training in partnership with relevant officers
3. Communications, Marketing & Engagement
o Provide strategic oversight to the Communications Officer and ensure brand consistency
o Lead delivery of the Council’s internal comms, including newsletters and staff/Councillor updates
o Oversee Library and Visit Newquay promotional activity and community engagement
o Support coordination of the Annual Town Meeting and Council showcase
4. Asset and Partnership Management
o Work with the Chief Executive and Finance Director to assess community asset transfers and devolution
o Represent the Council in partnerships such as Safer Cornwall, public safety and CCTV coordination
o Lead on the integration of services and community building projects
5. Community Services and Accessibility
o Oversee access to heritage, arts and learning opportunities
o Ensure alignment of services with population growth and community needs assessment
o Ensure support for public-facing services like Library and Events through relevant team management
o Support the designated Event Manager with any issues, significant policy matters or spend approvals
o Sustainability and Policy Development
o Oversee strategic sustainability goals including single-use plastics, carbon neutrality, and waste reduction policy
o Promote a positive and respectful culture across all departments
6. Line Management and Leadership
o Direct line management: Democratic Services Manager, Events Manager and the Library & Visitor Information Manager
o Indirect line management: PA to Chief Executive & Director Support, Communications Officer(s), Committee Clerks, Customer Service Assistants, Library & Visitor Information Deputy Managers, Events Officer, Partnerships & Projects Officer
o Provide mentoring, supervision and performance review for direct reports
o Promote a culture of teamwork, continuous improvement and inclusivity across all services
7. Other Duties
o To undertake such other responsibilities as may be reasonably required in line with the role’s strategic and cross-cutting remit
Qualifications, Knowledge and Skills
Strategic Leadership: Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, develop service strategies, and coordinate cross- cutting projects and events. Must demonstrate capability to act as Deputy Chief Executive and support corporate performance delivery.
Governance & Democratic Services: Strong working knowledge of local government law, committee procedures, standing orders, and the legal responsibilities of the Proper Officer. Must be able to give professional advice to Members and ensure statutory compliance.
Civic & Ceremonial Knowledge: Understanding of the civic function, mayoral protocols, civic honours, and the organisation of formal ceremonies and community events.
Corporate Communications: Ability to design and deliver communications strategies, handle media relations, and draft high- quality content for diverse audiences including the public, Members, and external partners.
Policy & Performance: Skill in drafting and reviewing corporate policies, aligning service delivery with KPIs, and using performance frameworks to drive improvement.
Political Acumen & Interpersonal Skills: Experience of working with elected Members and politically sensitive environments. Ability to interpret, negotiate and communicate complex or emotive matters with diplomacy and professionalism.
Team & People Management: Ability to lead and develop a multidisciplinary team, manage change, undertake appraisals, address performance, and coordinate workforce planning across service areas.
Digital & IT Competence: Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook), digital communications platforms, agenda systems, and CRM platforms where applicable.
Key Operational Requirements
1. Responsible for all Committees (clerking where resources are not available/in place, leading clerking on E&F and C&T Committees, supported by a committee clerk for minutes)
2. Cover Full Council meetings regularly and attending where needed by Chief Executive
3. Handling complaints regarding service areas and areas of responsibility
4. Stepping in to cover events and service delivery, which may be on weekends, bank holidays and evenings Be on the “On Duty” rota for directors and senior officers
5. Monthly Director Meetings
6. Monthly Management Meetings
7. Monthly feedback meeting with colleagues (informal meeting – accessing each director)
8. One to ones with the team on a monthly basis.
9. Attending relevant committee or Full Council meetings to present reports or for service/activity/decision-making scrutiny.
10. Representing the Council (acting as Chief Executive) at Civic and other external events and undertaking the responsibilities of Chief Executive/Town Clerk where they are unable to attend an external event or civic activity including meetings
11. Acting as Deputy Head of Paid Service in conjunction with the HR/People Manager
12. Office – Based within Director’s Office (combined office with other directors, finance and HR)
Seniority level
* Executive
Employment type
* Full-time
Job function
* Management and Manufacturing
* Industries
* Government Administration
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