Service Manager – Electoral Services

Overview

In this role you will lead the delivery of all elections, referendums and electoral registration across Wiltshire, acting as the Council’s strategic elections lead and technical expert. You will oversee the Register of Electors, absent voting, and drive democratic engagement with councillors, parties, and the public. You’ll manage a diverse team, oversee budgets and contracts, and ensure services are accurate, transparent and legally compliant. This is a high-impact public service position within a supportive, inclusive council culture.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of elections, referendums, and electoral registration activities across the county
• Act as Deputy Returning Officer and Deputy Electoral Registration Officer when required
• Provide expert advice to councillors, political parties, agents, and the public
• Manage the Register of Electors and associated statutory processes
• Oversee absent voting arrangements and ensure legal compliance
• Manage complex projects, mitigate risk, and resolve issues within a statutory framework
• Lead and develop the Electoral Services team, including permanent and temporary staff
• Oversee budgets, resources, and external contracts
• Build and maintain partnerships across the organisation and beyond
• Foster continuous improvement within the team and services

Key requirements

• Extensive experience in electoral services or a related public sector field
• Strong leadership and people-management capabilities
• Technical expertise in elections legislation, guidance, and best practice
• Ability to provide authoritative advice to diverse stakeholders
• Proven project management and risk mitigation skills
• Experience managing budgets and external contracts
• Capability to work within a demanding legislative environment

• leadership
• strategic thinking
• stakeholder management
• electoral legislation compliance
• electoral registration processes
• absent voting arrangements

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