Associate Director - Financial Management
Driving improvement. Empowering our workforce. Modernising our future.

Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council is seeking an exceptional leader to join our newly appointed senior leadership team as Associate Director of Financial Management, playing a central role in driving our improvement and transformation agenda. 

 

The Associate Director for Financial Management will work closely alongside the Director of Finance/s151, providing critical operational and strategic leadership across the finance function, strengthening delivery, capability and performance, and ensuring the organisation is supported by high-quality financial management and insight. Together, you will align our resources, people and systems to deliver on Dudley’s priorities - helping to create a financially resilient, community-focused and sustainable council.

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Statutory responsibilities: 
Deputy Section 151 Officer (the Local Government Act 1972)

Role purpose:

• Responsible for any statutory functions within remit.

• Part of the Council’s Top Leaders Group, support organisational transformation, maximising use of technology/automation and cultivate a high-performance culture focused on continuous improvement, efficiency, and improved customer experience and choice. 

• Support the delivery of the Council Improvement Programme, implementation of the new operating model, and ensure all transformation workstreams have clear deliverables to modernise service delivery. 

• Ensure evidence-based decision-making, robust financial management, and model effective leadership behaviours and accountabilities underpinned by adherence to the Nolan Principles, while articulating a compelling vision for change. 

• Lead the financial management functions, teams and their associated resources.

This senior leadership role supports the interim S151 Officer in ensuring strong financial stewardship and leading the modernisation of Dudley’s Finance function. The postholder will balance day to day operational leadership with a strategic, organisation wide role, directing Finance Business Partners to deliver high quality outputs and clear priorities.

They will build effective relationships with senior managers, elected members and budget holders, offering trusted advice and visible financial leadership. The role also leads on key financial strategies and drives the Finance Improvement Plan.

The postholder will ensure high performing, customer focused services and strong stakeholder engagement. The role is central to navigating financial pressures, supporting recovery and sustainability plans, and reshaping teams and processes to create a more modern, efficient and self sufficient council.

Key responsibilities:

• Supporting the Director in the management of the relevant subset functions within the service area, providing tactical and operational guidance and expertise to meet objectives.

• Contribute to delivery of the council’s delivery plans through establishing relevant functional strategies and budgets and translating corporate objectives into effective operational plans.

• Take collective responsibility for the development and delivery of transformation through the Council’s new operating model and of the workforce to embrace new ways of working.

• Provide visible leadership and management fostering a collaborative and inclusive culture to achieve efficient, effective and coordinated operational delivery ensuring functions are responsive, customer focused, inclusive and equitable, fostering a collaborative and inclusive culture embedding the Council’s values and behaviours.

This is a new and critical, high-profile role responsible for leading on development (acquisitions, disposals, new builds), professional functions, capital projects, buildings compliance and construction, DFGS, facilities management and their associated resources to enhance community well-being, promote sustainability, deliver key priorities aligned with our vision and ensure proper compliance and effective business operations of the council.

Application process 

To apply, please contact Tom Ripley on 07701217520 or email tom.ripley@starfishsearch.com for a confidential discussion.