Associate Director for Financial Management/deputy Section 151 Officer

Dudley is entering an important new chapter. We are a borough with proud communities, strong partnerships and significant ambition, determined to build a council that is financially resilient, well governed, modern and focused on delivering better outcomes for our residents.

These pivotal appointments sit at the heart of that ambition. Together, the Director of Finance (Section 151 Officer) and the Associate Director for Financial Management/deputy Section 151 Officer will provide leadership, stewardship and professional expertise to strengthen our financial position and support continued improvement.

As the Council's principal financial adviser, the Director will lead with credibility and clarity, ensuring the highest standards of governance, resilience and accountability. Key responsibilities include:

• Shaping the future direction of the organisation, ensuring resources, services and strategies align with local priorities.
• Providing trusted advice to elected members, the Chief Executive, the Corporate Management Team and partners.
• Embedd ing a 'One Council' approach, bringing together strong governance, clear priorities, high quality services and the intelligent use of data, technology and resources.

The Associate Director will act as a critical partner in leadership, taking responsibility for key areas of the finance function, translating strategy into delivery and strengthening financial capability across the organisation.

• Support the Section 151 Officer in administering the Council's financial affairs.
• Lead operational financial management, ensuring strong budgetary control, reporting and financial resilience.
• Drive the modernisation of finance, embedding business partnering, data driven decision making and efficient processes.
• Build organisational financial capability and provide leadership across finance teams.
• Play a key role in delivering the Council's improvement and transformation programme.

• Exceptional, values led leaders capable of providing visible, credible and collaborative leadership in a complex, politically sensitive environment.
• Champions of transformation who reposition finance as a proactive and enabling function.
• Experts in modernisation through effective use of technology, data and process redesign.
• Builders of high performing, inclusive teams focused on continuous improvement.
• Developers of robust financial planning, governance and risk management.
• Advisers with confidence at the political interface, delivering clear, balanced and trusted advice.
• Stakeholders embedding a 'One Council' culture, working collaboratively across services and partners.

This is a rare opportunity to join a developing senior leadership team united by a clear ambition: to deliver sustained improvement, organisational excellence and meaningful impact for our communities. The Council is committed to continuous improvement, maximising outcomes for residents and the wider borough, investing in modern services that support frontline delivery, and working collaboratively as One Council.

For further information please contact Tom Ripley (phone: , email: ). Applications close Sunday 19 July. All applicants must be able to provide documentation to prove their right to work in the UK and Dudley MBC does not currently offer sponsorship for candidates without the Right to Work in the UK.