Head of democratic services

We have an exciting role on offer within our Legal and Corporate service as Head of Democratic Services.

We’re looking for an exceptional leader to take on a pivotal role at the heart of Middlesbrough Council.

As Head of Democratic Services, you’ll be central to ensuring strong, transparent, and forward-thinking governance, supporting elected members, driving effective decision-making, and helping deliver the Mayor’s vision for the borough.

This is a unique opportunity to influence how a modern council operates, ensuring services are agile, high-performing, and responsive to the needs of our communities.

You’ll lead the Council’s Democratic, Electoral, Registration and Civic services—ensuring they are efficient, innovative, and fit for the future. Working closely with councillors, senior leaders, and the Mayor, you’ll play a key role in shaping governance, supporting policy development, and strengthening democratic processes.

What you’ll be doing:

• Strategic leadership – Lead and inspire high-performing teams across Democratic Services, Electoral Services and Registration Services.
• Governance excellence – Act as the principal advisor on constitutional and governance matters, ensuring the Council operates legally, ethically and effectively.
• Member engagement & development – Work closely with elected members, delivering training, development programmes and ensuring they are fully supported in their roles.
• Democratic & committee services – Oversee the smooth running of Council and committee meetings, ensuring robust decision-making processes.
• Elections & registration – Act as Deputy Returning Officer and Statutory Registration Officer, ensuring the successful delivery of elections and electoral registration.
• Scrutiny & accountability – Lead the Council’s scrutiny function, enabling effective challenge, policy development, and continuous improvement.
• Corporate leadership – Be a key member of the Wider Leadership Management Team, driving organisational initiatives and embedding Council values.

What we’re looking for:

We want a confident, politically aware leader who can operate at the highest level.

• Significant experience working with elected members in a local authority environment.
• Strong knowledge of democratic governance, constitutional processes and legislation.
• Proven leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent communication and influencing abilities.
• The ability to work under pressure and deliver to tight deadlines.
• A proactive, solutions-focused approach to change and innovation.

A relevant qualification or equivalent experience is essential, along with a passion for public service.

At Middlesbrough Council, our values are at the heart of everything we do. We’re committed to creating a brighter future for our communities—and we’re looking for leaders who share that ambition.

You’ll have the opportunity to:

• Make a real impact on how the Council operates
• Work at the centre of democratic decision-making
• Lead meaningful change across the organisation
• Develop your career at a senior leadership level

If you’re passionate about governance, leadership, and public service and ready to play a key role in shaping Middlesbrough’s future, we’d love to hear from you.

If you would like to talk through this opportunity further, please contact Charlotte Benjamin on charlotte_benjamin@middlesbrough.gov.uk.

Company: Middlesbrough Council

Salary: £61,106 – £65,498

Location: Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire

Sector: Corporate Services

Sector: Corporate Management Team

Job Role: Head of Service