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Director of Finance (Section 151 Officer)
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Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council,
Dudley is entering an important new chapter. We are a borough with proud communities, strong partnerships and significant ambition, and we are determined to build a council that is financially resilient, well governed, modern and focused on delivering better outcomes for our residents.
These are pivotal appointments at the heart of that ambition. Together, the Director of Finance (Section 151 Officer) and Associate Director for Finance Management/deputy Section 151 Officer will provide the leadership, stewardship and professional expertise required to strengthen our financial position and support our continued improvement.
Role Overview
As Director of Finance/s151, you will play a central role in shaping the future direction of the organisation, ensuring that our resources, services and strategies are aligned to the priorities that matter most to local people. You will be the Council’s principal financial adviser, leading with credibility and clarity, and ensuring the highest standards of governance, resilience and accountability.
As Associate Director for Finance Management/deputy Section 151 Officer, you will be a critical partner in this leadership, supporting the ongoing improvement of the Council’s financial management while taking responsibility for key areas of the finance function. You will help translate strategy into delivery, strengthen financial capability across the organisation and ensure robust operational leadership that underpins confident decision-making.
These roles go far beyond traditional finance. They offer a unique opportunity to influence strategic decision-making at the highest level, to build confidence in our financial management, and to lead a programme of continuous improvement that will enable Dudley to become a sustainable and consistently high-performing council.
You will join a developing senior leadership team with a shared commitment to improvement, collaboration and impact. Working closely with elected members, the Chief Executive, Corporate Management Team and partners, you will help embed a true ‘One Council’ approach—bringing together strong governance, clear priorities, high-quality services and the intelligent use of data, technology and resources.
Key Responsibilities
Director of Finance (Section 151 Officer)
- Provide strategic leadership for the Council’s financial direction as the statutory Section 151 Officer
- Shape and deliver a sustainable, long-term financial strategy aligned to corporate priorities
- Act as a trusted adviser to the Chief Executive, Members and colleagues, supporting confident, evidence-based decision-making
- Lead key enabling services, ensuring finance is positioned as a strategic business partner across the organisation
- Uphold the highest standards of governance, probity and financial stewardship
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Associate Director for Financial Management/deputy Section 151 Officer
- Work closely alongside the Director, providing critical operational and strategic leadership across the finance function
- Strengthen delivery, capability and performance, ensuring the organisation is supported by high-quality financial management and insight
- Help align our resources, people and systems to deliver on Dudley’s priorities—creating a financially resilient, community-focused and sustainable council
What We Are Looking For
We are seeking exceptional, values-led leaders who will:
- Provide visible, credible and collaborative leadership in a complex, politically sensitive environment
- Champion transformation, repositioning finance as a proactive and enabling function
- Drive modernisation through the effective use of technology, data and process redesign
- Build and develop high-performing, inclusive teams with a strong focus on continuous improvement
- Deliver robust financial planning, governance and risk management
- Operate confidently at the political interface, providing clear, balanced and trusted advice
- Embed a ‘One Council’ culture, working collaboratively across services and with partners
Why Join Dudley Now
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.
You will be part of a Council that is:
- Committed to continuous improvement and cultural transformation
- Focused on maximising outcomes for residents and the wider borough
- Investing in modern, enabling services that support frontline delivery
- Working collaboratively as One Council, with strong political and officer leadership
Application Process
Applicants are being received by Starfish Search. To apply for this opportunity visit https://starfishsearch.com/jobs/dudley-s151/ and submit an application/CV/cover letter by Sunday 19th July.
Please submit your CV and supporting statement with your application. Your supporting statement should be arial 12 and no more than 4 pages.
Applications close: Sunday 19 July
The recruitment process will be to undertake technical interviews with longlisted applicants to confirm the shortlist. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to assessment centres, stakeholder panels and discussion with Cabinet Members. Final interviews will be with Appointments Panel.
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Workplace Attendance
- Working in the office 3+ days a week (pro-rata) or Onsite full time
Diversity and Inclusion
To demonstrate Dudley’s commitment to diversity and inclusion and to improve bias in the recruitment process that could create barriers for candidates, your personal data will be anonymised when you apply. Please ensure you have removed your name and date of birth from any attachments prior to uploading them to your application.
Support for Applicants
- If you require support completing an online or paper application form and/or interview techniques, please contact Dudley Adult and Community Learning on 01384 818 143 or acl@dudley.gov.uk who can support with Digital Skills and Job Applications.
- If you have a disability and require assistance in making an application please contact the HR Resourcing Team via HR.Resourcing@dudley.gov.uk
Problems with Application
If you are experiencing a problem whilst applying for a position, please follow the link below to the WM Jobs Help Page in the first instance https://help.wmjobs.co.uk/
If the WM Jobs Help Page does not resolve your issue then please contact the HR Resourcing Team via HR.Resourcing@dudley.gov.uk
Information Checking
Dudley Council will check the information that you have provided against any details already held for accuracy and completeness. The Council will check, share and cross match your information both internally within the council and with external organisations to protect public funds and prevent or detect crime, only where the law allows us to do so.
The Council’s full Privacy and Disclaimer Statement can be accessed on the website at https://www.dudley.gov.uk/privacy-disclaimer-statement/
Note
We reserve the right to close this vacancy prior to the advertised date should we receive a large number of applications.
For further information, please contact Tom Ripley on 07701217520 or email tom.ripley@starfishsearch.com
Apply now and be part of something that truly makes a difference. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://www.dudleycounciljobs.org.uk
Salary: Competitive
Location: Dudley, West Midlands
Employer: Dudley Council
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