Job Description

Ipswich is a town with a rich heritage and an exciting future. As a regional centre, we play a vital role in Suffolk’s economic success. This is the perfect time to join us. We have developed a new corporate strategy and operating model that maximises the many opportunities available to us and defines our core purpose to champion our community and revitalise our town.

We are excited about our future – where we are proud to promote community well-being and fairness.

As Assistant Director, Communities you will play a vital role in ensuring that the council supports its communities with opportunities to improve their physical and mental wellbeing, as well as working with partners to keep people safe and enable access to voluntary and community sector support. You will lead services such as sports, community support, public protection and museums and work in partnership to help our residents and community thrive. This is your opportunity to shine and share our pride in Ipswich.

Part of the Council’s corporate management team, as Assistant Director, Communities you and your teams will work across the Council, with residents and with partners to tackle inequalities, improve people’s well-being, and make sure that everyone has access to good quality facilities and services which improve quality of life.

Your contribution and leadership will help those most affected by the cost of living crisis, encourage and enable physical activity and community engagement and support access to culture as lead officer for the Colchester and Ipswich joint museums service. You will oversee several important capital projects, including the redevelopment of the Ipswich Museum.

Your leadership of our community safety and public protection services will be crucial in supporting our ambitions for a thriving town centre and community well-being, for example taking a multi-agency approach to dealing with anti-social behaviour and providing a range of regulatory, licensing, educational and enforcement services that affect the health & wellbeing of people living, working and relaxing in the Borough.

Further Reading

Sport & Physical Activity Strategy

Corporate Strategy

People Strategy

Ipswich needs a council which is dedicated to developing a thriving economy where residents, businesses and visitors can rely on efficient and effective public services. This is an opportunity to use all your attributes as a talented leader, manager and partnership worker to help achieve that goal. You will be adept in maximising outcomes in complex partnership settings and will bring experience in leading and transforming a range of services that contribute to community wellbeing.

Visit www.recruitment.ambitionipswich.com to find out more and apply. Or, for a confidential discussion, contact Mark Bearn (07747181490) or Maud Hollis (07444696659) at Tile Hill.

Closing date for applications: Midnight Sunday 10th September

Preliminary interviews (virtual): Friday 15th, Monday 18th and Tuesday 19th September

Assessment centre: w/c 2nd October

Final interviews: w/c 9th October