Director of Technical Services - Gwefan Cyngor Sir Gaerfyrddinonline.carmarthenshire.gov.uk/cccapps/documents/jobs/job_profiles/... · Council. The role of Director ... development

Director of Technical Services

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Dear Applicant,

I am delighted that you are interested in joining Carmarthenshire CountyCouncil.

The role of Director of Technical Services provides a real opportunity tocontribute towards the delivery of first class services in Carmarthenshire andour citizens have already indicated that their top 6 priorities are from servicesdelivered by our Technical Services directorate.

This is a significant job that will need to be delivered in the current context offinancial austerity and the inevitable challenges that this brings. As such, weare looking for a leader who understands the context of local government, butwho has the ability to help us make a major shift in the way that we deliver ourservices, a decisive and inspirational leader who will work well in partnershipwith a rigorous approach to budget management.

This is without doubt an exciting opportunity for someone with your drive,political awareness and ability to bring people with you through the incrediblechange that is ahead of us. You will use your astute commercial thinking toenable the Council to operate in true partnership and collaboration to deliverquality services that effectively meet the needs of our County.

Your role will involve translating the Council’s vision into appropriate strategyand operating models, championing partnership working with internal andexternal stakeholders, while optimising the Council’s resources to provide firstclass services.

You will need to be enterprising and creative and prepared to think outside ofthe box. You will need to have a proven track record with a significant andsenior record of achievement in managing a diverse range of high profileservices and proven expertise in strategic management and delivering goodquality operational services.

Carmarthenshire is a great place to live and work, and we want to find someonewho is excited by the scale of the challenge, and has the ambition to helptransform the quality of life for our citizens. We have an excellent CorporateManagement Team and we are looking for someone who will add strength anddepth to that team.

A tall order, for sure, but if you think you have the qualities to match up to thedemands of this challenging opportunity, then I would really like to hear fromyou. If you feel this post fits your skills and aspirations, please contact me on01267 224110, if you want to discuss the opportunity further.

I look forward to receiving your application.

Yours sincerely Mark James CBE

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The Recruitment Process

Closing Date 22 July 2013

Meeting of Shortlisting Panel 25 July 2013

Assessment Centre and Final Interview 18 & 19 September 2013

Verbal Offer to Successful Candidate 19 September 2013

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Job Profile

Post Title: Director of Technical ServicesDepartment: Technical Services Salary: £111,156- £119,594 + BenefitsAccountable To: Chief Executive Accountable For: See Functional Chart

Director of TechnicalServices

Acting Head of StreetScene

Policy & Performance Division

Head of Property Services

Head of Transport & Engineering

Chief Executive

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Director of TechnicalServices

Acting Head of StreetScene

MARIO CRESCI

Policy & Performance Division

Head of Property Services

PHILIP LUMLEY

Head of Transport & Engineering

STEPHEN PILLINER

Environmental Enforcement

Highway NetworkManagement

Municipal Services Business

Street Lighting

Waste Management

Exchequer and System Support

Emergency Planning

Learning & Development Coor-dination

Health & Safety

Business Development & ServiceImprovement

Building Services

Design & Compliance

Hydrology

Grounds Maintenance

Building Cleaning

Engineering Design

Fleet Services

Passenger Transport

Road Safety

Transport Policy & Programme

Traffic Management & Parking

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Technical Services – Summary of Services

Explanatory Note

The Department takes a lead role in the provision of environmental front-lineservices and operates through four divisions, Street Scene, Transport andEngineering, Property Services and Policy & Performance. Key service areasinclude highway maintenance, waste services, public transport, road safety,development of infrastructure, engineering and property design, propertyservices and housing maintenance.

Carmarthenshire has the second longest highway network in Wales, with thethird largest volume of traffic. The service maintains over 3,300 km of highway.

Over 9,000 council houses and around 500 non housing buildings such as leisurecentres, museums, libraries are maintained by the service.

The service maintains a fleet of 568 vehicles and 432 items of plant and operatesfrom 9 main locations/depots around the County.

Street Scene

Street Scene encompasses the spectrum of services including HighwayMaintenance, Municipal Services, Waste Collection & Management andEnvironmental Cleansing and employs approximately 119 Professional, Technicaland Administrative staff and 317 manual operatives who are direct serviceproviders.

Street Scene’s high visibility services feature very highly in the priorities of theresidents of Carmarthenshire and have a significant influence on the waystakeholders perceive the Council.

Street Scene has, since its inception in April 2003, developed an effective servicedelivery structure by removing the internal client / contractor split allowing forbetter use of resources. Street Scene has evolved by incorporating a holistic

approach, having one point of contact and reducing duplication by removingcompartmentalised service delivery. Delegated budgets and integrated servicesat area level have resulted in multi–skilling / cross-cutting of services.

In recent years, Welsh Government’s Efficiency Agenda has necessitated and willcontinue to necessitate further reviews or Street Scene’s staffing structures,systems and working practices to ensure that Division’s sustainable future.

The Division’s response to the challenges it faces will facilitate a lean andcustomer focused service delivery model and contribute to Carmarthenshire’smission statement ‘Improving the way we live and work’ and the Street Sceneethos ‘Striving for Green, Keeping it Clean, Making it Safe'

Transport and Engineering Division

The Transport and Engineering Division takes a lead role in the development oftransport policy and in the delivery of effective high quality and reliable transportservices, which meet the needs of local people and the communities in whichthey live.

Operationally, the Division continues to lead in key service areas such as transportpolicy development, engineering design, infrastructure development, trafficmanagement, road safety, school, college, community and public transport, onand off street parking services, fleet management and professional civilengineering design services and infrastructure project management.

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Property Services

The Property Services Division is responsible for facilities management of theCouncils existing and future property portfolio. This involves using its ownresources or working with partners to provide property design and constructionexpertise for many of the Council's major capital investment projects including;the 21ST Century Schools, Physical Regeneration Projects, Delivering theCarmarthenshire Homes Standard, Housing Area Renewal, Care HomesRedevelopments and Leisure. It is also responsible for the repair, maintenanceand improvement of the majority of the Council's existing property assets andprovides expert advice on the Council's property related health and safetyresponsibilities recommending good practice and developing policy andprocedure to ensure that it complies with legislative requirements.

The Hydrology section provides sewerage services on behalf of Welsh Water DŵrCymru for the Mid and West Wales region covering an area which includesPowys, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Herefordshire, as wellas sewerage and drainage services to council-owned properties for a contractedperiod of six years.

Property services also have responsibility for the Grounds Maintenance servicethat has been recently realigned from Street Scene Division. Property Servicesalso manage the newly realigned Cleaning Service.

Policy and Performance Division

The division provides a range of timely, effective and efficient quality supportservices to all divisions of the Technical Services Department, in accordance withCorporate standards and the principles of continuous improvement. The mainpurpose of the Division is to support and advise all sections of the Departmentby providing a variety of financial, administrative, democratic, business support,Health & Safety, Learning & Development and performance managementservices. The provision of support services to all sections enables them toefficiently fulfil their duties and discharge their responsibilities and functions onbehalf of the Council. The Division also provides the lead and a coordinating roleon a range of corporate initiatives. In order to fulfill this central supporting rolethe Division is structured into several clearly defined areas, each with distinctand individual aims and objectives. The Division is also responsible for theAuthority’s Civil Contingency service.

Main Purpose Of Job:

• To support the Chief Executive in the overall strategic management of theCouncil to ensure the achievement of the Council’s key objectives andstrategies.

• To contribute to the corporate management of the Council as a memberof the Corporate Management Team by taking the lead on issues allocatedas part of the post’s corporate portfolio.

• To be responsible for specific corporate priorities and those relating to thesuccessful development and implementation of strategies that will delivera comprehensive Technical Services function to include Street Scene,Property Services , Transport and Engineering, whilst ensuring that Councilpolicies and procedures are implemented effectively and consistently.

• To have overall responsibility for leading, setting, monitoring andcontrolling the budgets and resources for the component service elementsof the directorate.

• To provide leadership and clear direction to all staff within the directorate

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Principal Accountabilities:

• To provide clear and visible leadership that leads to high levels of commitmentamongst managers and employees, creates a culture of openness andpromotes equality of opportunity, underpinned by a positive workingrelationship with all Trade Unions.

• To support the delivery of the Council Strategy and the Authority’s vision byworking closely with the Chief Executive, in consultation with the ExecutiveBoard Member and Leader, to deliver tangible outcomes.

• To fully support the collaboration agenda and to play a key role regionallythrough working in partnership to deliver transformational improvements.

• To develop a culture of partnership working with other public bodies as wellas those in the private and voluntary sectors to ensure that all opportunitiesare maximised to the best advantage of the Council and the residents ofCarmarthenshire

• To be the principal advisor to the Chief Executive and Executive Board on thekey issues and strategies relevant to the various service portfolios of thedirectorate, securing both corporate and political support that will ensure thebest possible outcomes for service users.

• To promote and foster an organisational culture in which challenge,innovation and creative solutions are the norm, whilst positively contributing,and actively promoting the Council’s reputation and image as a topperforming local authority and good employer.

• To ensure that services are provided to the highest possible standard, and thatour customers are fully engaged and consulted in service provision.

• To be responsible for ensuring that performance is constantly scrutinised andmonitored so to provide the best possible outcomes for service users, withinthe resources available.

• To influence and contribute to the development and implementation of theAuthority wide ‘Transform, Innovate and Change’ (TIC) agenda, so that thedevelopment and service delivery innovations improve customer satisfaction,and reduce costs.

• To promote equality of opportunity in the delivery of services andemployment practices so that the Council meets its moral and legalobligations including Health & Safety.

• To take lead responsibility for specific corporate projects or any other dutiesdetermined by the Chief Executive or commensurate with the post.

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Magnitude Of Job:Approximately 1,253 members of staff, based across 4 Divisions (Street Scene,Property Services, Transport & Engineering and Policy & Performance)operating from 181 establishments including schools.

Annual revenue budget of approximately £46.8 million and a Capital budgetin the region of £14.3 million.

PREPARED BY: Assistant Chief Executive (People Management)

DATE PREPARED: May 2013

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Qualifications / Vocational Training / Competencies Essential Desirable Method Of Assessment

Full and relevant professional qualification in a Civil Engineering, Architectureor Property related discipline including membership of appropriate body. 3 Application Form

Certificates

A relevant management qualification or demonstrable continuing professional development.. 3 Application Form

Certificates

Knowledge

A good appreciation of the technical, professional and legislative knowledgeacross the specific areas of the directorate. 3

Application FormPresentationInterview

Proven track record in public sector organisations, with significant politicalacumen both internally and externally. 3


Thorough understanding of the Council’s local, Regional and National contextto develop and implement relevant strategies, policies and standards. 3


A clear understanding of the Government’s agenda for Local Government atboth UK and Wales levels. 3


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Experience Essential Desirable Method Of Assessment

Significant and recent successful management experience at a senior levelcovering a diverse range of key, high profile Public or Private Sector Services. 3


Experience in the development and formulation of corporate and strategicpolicies together with demonstrable practical evidence of their delivery. 3


Evidence of leading significant organisational and service change together withpeople management implications. 3


Experience in the management and co-ordination and delivery of majorprojects and initiatives on time and within budget. 3


Recent and demonstrable experience of leading strategic partnerships thatdeliver improved outcomes for service users and stakeholders. 3


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Job Related Skills Essential Desirable Method Of Assessment

Ability and readiness to contribute to the corporate leadership of the Council. 3Application FormPresentationInterview

Ability to combine strategic planning, financial management and peoplemanagement skills with an in-depth understanding of the operationalimperatives in delivering first class services.

3Application FormPresentationInterview

The ability to think strategically, analyse complex situations and provideinnovative solutions to achieve organisation goals. 3


The ability to manage tight deadlines and conflicting demands whilstdemonstrating a strong commitment to quality, customer care and servicedelivery.


Understanding of the decision making process in a political environment. 3Application FormPresentationInterview

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Personal Skills Essential Desirable Method Of Assessment

Strong and effective leadership skills, ability to motivate staff and partnerstowards ambitious objectives. 3


Commitment to the ethos of partnership working that characterises theCouncil’s relationships with other public sector organisations, serviceproviders, businesses and the voluntary sector – locally, regionally andnationally.


Self-motivated and capable of taking decisions independently and withconfidence, together with the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly andsimply to non-technical audiences.


Excellent listening, communication and negotiation skills, including theability to relate to people in an open and persuasive manner, both inside andoutside the Council.


The ability to negotiate and consult with a diverse range of stakeholders,particularly on contentious issues, with diplomacy and sensitivity. 3


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Communication Skills:

Note: Linguistic skills requirements for posts should be considered in accordance with the Authority’s Language Skills Strategy (Please see Guidance Notes Pages 12-15).

Welsh Verbal Skills Essential Desirable

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Level 2 Ability to:• meet & greet people in work• introduce meetings in Welsh• pronounce local & key Welsh place names in Welsh• pronounce key Local Authority vocabulary in Welsh• understand & participate in simple conversations in Welsh.

Training & support will be provided in order to attain Level 2 within 6 months of commencement in post.

Welsh Written Skills Essential Desirable

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English Verbal Skills Essential Desirable

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Level 6

English Written Skills Essential Desirable

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Level 5

Carmarthenshire is the county with the highest number of Welsh speakers at78,048 according to the 2011 Census. The Welsh language is an intrinsic part ofthe community and has a strong cultural heritage.

Carmarthenshire County Council has a strong Welsh Language Scheme whichexplains that the Council will treat Welsh and English languages equally and willoffer the public in Carmarthenshire the right to choose which language to usewhen dealing with the council.

The Language Skills Strategy aims to ensure that the workforce has the rightskills to provide the right service to the residents of Carmarthenshire. All postsare assessed before advertising to identify the language skills required toaccomplish the post. All successful applicants are expected to be mindful of the sensitivity of language choice of the staff, public and customers. All newemployees are supported in this regard though the Councils languageawareness e-module within 6 months of commencing employment.

http://www.carmarthenshire.gov.uk/English/jobs/guidancenotes/Documents/Application%20Guidance.pdf

http://www.carmarthenshire.gov.uk/English/jobs/guidancenotes/Documents/Application%20Guidance.pdf

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Special Circumstances:

Politically Restricted Post: (Which requires the post holder to be politically neutral) Yes No

WHERE A CRIMINAL RECORD CHECK HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED AS RELEVANT TO THIS POST THE LEVEL OF CHECK AND JUSTIFICATION FOR CARRYINGOUT SUCH A CHECK IS SPECIFIED BELOW:

STANDARD DISCLOSURE ENHANCED DISCLOSURE

ENHANCED DISCLOSURE ENHANCED DISCLOSURE ENHANCED DISCLOSURECHILDREN ADULTS CHILDREN & ADULTS

Justification: The postholder will have responsibility for employees and functions that come within Regulated Activity.

PREPARED BY: Assistant Chief Executive (People Management) DATE PREPARED: May 2013

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The following is a summary of the conditions of employment and policiesoperated by

1. Salary - The salary payable is £111,156- £119,594

2. Annual Leave Entitlement - Annual leave entitlement is calculated on the basis oflength of continuous service as indicated below:-0 - 4 completed years service 26 days5 - 9 completed years service 31 days10 plus completed years service 34 daysIn addition to Annual Leave the Authority grant 8 Bank Holidays per annum.

3. Pension Scheme - In accordance with the Local Government Pension SchemeRegulations 1997 the Council participates in the LGPS administered by theCounty Council. Membership of the Scheme is automatic for all employees,however it is not compulsory. Employees who opt out of the LocalGovernment Pension Scheme will automatically lapse into the State Scheme(SERPS) unless they make alternative personal pension arrangements.

4. Benefits - Benefits available on appointment include:

• An Employee Discount Scheme

• A Car Lease Scheme or Car Purchase Loan

• In instances where the postholder opts out of the Local Government Pension Scheme (due to changes in the HMRC regulations) a pay supplement reflecting the annual employer contributions (at no additional cost to the employer) may be considered.

5. Official Conduct - The appointment is to the whole time service of the Counciland the postholder shall not engage in any other business or take up any otheradditional employment or appointment without the express consent of theCouncil.

6. Political Restriction - This is a politically restricted post.

7. Sickness Payments - Subject to the provisions of the JNC Scheme an officer absentfrom duty due to illness or injury will be entitled to receive an allowance asfollows:-

During first year of service: One months’ full pay and (after completing four months’service) two months’ half pay

During second year of service: Two months’ full pay and two months’ half pay

During third year of service: Four month s’ full pay and four months’ half pay

During fourth and fifth years of service: Five months’ full pay and five months’ half pay

After five years’ service: Six months’ full pay and six months’ half pay

8. Re-location Expenses policy - The following allowances are payable to employeesappointed to permanent posts who are householders and who have to movetheir homes in order to take up employment with the Council. (Payments shallalso be made to existing permanent staff who are required to move theirhomes more than fifteen miles following their transfer or appointment to anew post subject to prior approval).

• Removal Expenses 100% reimbursement (lowest of 3 quotations)

• All Other Expenses

(i) A payment of up to £4,707 against receipted expenditure to be made toexisting householders who have to sell and buy in order to take upemployment with the Authority such sum to cover all the costs except removalexpenses which they incur irrespective of the precise make up of those costs.

(ii) A payment of up to £4,034 against receipted expenditure be made ‘wherea sale or purchase only is involved’.

(iii) Where no sale or purchase is involved then removal expenses bereimbursed and a payment of up to £670 against receipted expenditure bemade.

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• Proportional Repayment of Expenses Received

Where such payments are made the employee will be required to undertaketo remain in the service of the Authority for a minimum period of 2 years fromthe date of commencement and to agree that if he/she fails to honour suchan agreement he/she will repay 1/24 of the total amount advanced in respectof each calendar month not completed at the date of termination of service.

9. Notice - The minimum period of notice on either side in the open endedcontract is three months.

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Welcome Welcome to Carmarthenshire – one of the safest, most beautiful andvibrant counties in Wales. A county with something for everyone – from a sweepingcoastline with miles of golden sands and historic market towns, to modern shoppingcentres, a state-of-the-art theatre, award winning attractions and thriving tourism,sports, arts and leisure industries. Multi-million-pound investments in regeneration,education and housing make Carmarthenshire one of the leading counties in Wales,and one of the most sought after destinations for both visitors and for those whowant to stay a little longer...

Carmarthenshire – a better quality of life

Low crime, a beautiful environment, first class facilities, award winning attractions,excellent standards in education, good transport links, and plenty to see and domakes for a better quality of life in Carmarthenshire.

There is a diverse mix of bustling urban towns, rural villages and sleepy havens. Itremains one of the safest places to live in the country, crime levels are very low andthe Dyfed Powys police force area as a whole is the safest region in all of the UK. The

Carmarthenshire Community Safety Partnership between the County Council andthe police continues to help drive down crime, and the fear of crime, even further. Amassive investment in regeneration, driven by the county council, has seen thetransformation of the county over the last decade. A five-year £450million masterplanwas key to our success which has changed the face of town centres and communities,and contributed in no small way to the economy of the area. Scores of newdevelopments and projects have been delivered, creating hundreds of jobs, andsecuring hundreds of existing ones, supporting new and established businesses,community ventures and environmental enhancements. Our regenerationprogramme continues as a priority, and many more millions of pounds continues tobe invested in our county. We have also had unparalleled success in drawing downa huge amount of European funding.

Attractions in the county include the UK’s newest racecourse at Ffos Las, Blue Flagbeaches including Wales’ largest stretch of golden sands at Cefn Sidan, the JackNicklaus designed Machynys Golf Course, the iconic Parc y Scarlets – home to theinternationally famous rugby team, National Botanic Garden of Wales, the MillenniumCoastal Park, Burry Port Marina, and the Gwili Steam Railway. A county of magic,

Welcome

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mystery and legend, Carmarthenshire is steeped in culture and rich with heritage andfolklore. Merlin’s Oak remains in the county town of Carmarthen to tell the tale of KingArthur and the local links with the legendary magician. There are remains of ancientIron Age hill forts, dating back to 600 BC, and dramatic imposing castles includingLlansteffan, Laugharne, Kidwelly, Carreg Cennen and Llandovery.

Carmarthenshire is also a modern, premier visitor destination. Contemporaryshopping centres include the new £74million St Catherine’s Walk in Carmarthen, thehugely popular Parc Trostre and Parc Pemberton retail centres at Llanelli, and recent£60million investment in Llanelli town centre bringing with it a £25million leisure,retail and commercial centre at Eastgate and a new state-of-the-art theatre complexFfwrnes.

There are two multiplex cinemas, both with cutting edge technology, museums, artgalleries, theatres, arts and craft centres. The Dylan Thomas Boathouse, where theBard lived for the last four years of his life, is now a heritage centre. Dylan and Caitlinlived at the Boathouse with their children, Aeronwy, Llewelyn and Colm from 1949to 1953, during which time many major pieces of work were written - including UnderMilk Wood.

Sporting activities include canoeing, tobogganning, snowboarding and skiing on thedry slope at Pembrey, golfing, fishing, cycling and mountain biking, badminton,squash and bowling. Visit Carmarthen’s ultra modern leisure centre for an Modernswimming pool, or health suite with sauna, steam room and spa. Modern facilities forgymnastics, athletics and marshall arts are also widely used.

In education, Carmarthenshire’s Estyn inspection results were among the best inWales. One of the council’s priorities is its Modernising Education Programme whichinvolves providing 21st Century accommodation and facilities for every child in thecounty. By the end of this financial year, over £150million will have been invested inbuilding new schools and improving others. Further education providers in thecounty include the University of WalesTrinity Saint David and Coleg Sir Gar.Carmarthenshire is famous for its food and drink, from its rambling green hills to itssurf smashed coast, the local produce personifies its fresh and glistening colours.There’s plenty to sample with sewin from Ferryside, salt marsh lamb and samphirefrom Laugharne, farmhouse cheeses, farm cured bacon, beef and poultry, plus anarray of fresh vegetables. Then there are the Royal favourites of Carmarthen ham andEtta’s cakes made famous by Prince Charles. Local produce is found at traditional

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markets, both indoor and outdoor, and at regular farmers markets.

Transport links in Carmarthenshire are excellent including the M4 motorway, A40 andA477 trunk roads, good rail links, Irish sea ferry crossings from neighbouring counties,an hour’s drive from Cardiff Airport, two from Bristol and just three from Heathrow.Plans are also in the pipeline for major expansion at the local Pembrey Airport.

Carmarthenshire County Council

Carmarthenshire is one of the largest unitary authorities in Wales, and the largest localemployer with around 9,000 staff. The County Council has an annual budget of over£570million, and provides hundreds of services to over 180,000 residents. A capitalinvestment programme of over £70million also sustains many hundreds of local jobsand businesses.

Responsibility for policy making lies with 74 elected members. Carmarthenshireoperates a Leader and Executive Board model with the Administration formedthrough an alliance between the Labour party and the Independents group. TheExecutive Board, which comprises of 10 councillors, including the Leader and twoDeputy Leaders, all with specific portfolios, develops and implements Council policy.All councillors, apart from Executive Board members, sit on one of the five scrutinycommittees. Other committees are planning, licensing, standards and audit. Thereare six directorates – Chief Executive’s; Education and Children’s Services; TechnicalServices; Social Care and Housing; Resources; and Regeneration and Leisure.Carmarthenshire is an award winning Council which is widely recognised as beingone of the best performing in Wales. It has received numerous awards for servicesincluding regeneration, housing, education, street scene, communication, children’sservices, catering, transport and the environment.

The County Council is a partner in the Local Service Board, one of the most successfulof its kind. Partners are all major organisations in the county including the Council,Dyfed Powys Police, Hywel Dda Health Board, Coleg Sir Gar, the University of WalesTrinity Saint David, Mid and West Wales Fire Authority, and CarmarthenshireAssociation of Voluntary Serivces.

The Council is a caring employer and has achieved the Investors in People standard.We are committed to learning and development to support employees to developtheir skills, and offer a range of benefits and working arrangements to help peopleachieve work/life balance. We recognise and encourage initiative, excellent work andstandards, we are committed to communicating and listening to staff, and to promoting equality and valuing diversity.