Job Description

Liam Byrne MP is looking to recruit a supremely well organised Head of Office to join his brilliant and long established team in the constituency working for residents in the new constituency of Hodge Hill & Solihull North. The successful candidate will play a key role in supporting Liam’s mission to improve the lives of his constituents.

Based in Hodge Hill, the role will involve close work with the team in Westminster and you will have access to comprehensive support and training available to Parliamentary staff. This is an ideal opportunity to support an active and engaged MP, where you will be involved in all areas of Liam's work, with plenty of opportunity to contribute and work collaboratively across the team.

The role is ideally full time, but open to requests for part-time/flexible working, to suit the right candidate.

The ideal candidate will have experience of running an office, including budget management, be motivated, confident in acting on their own initiative, able to prioritise a busy workload, and demonstrate good political nous. They should have strong written and verbal communication skills and be calm under pressure. Some experience of working in local government, professional services or within the voluntary and charitable sectors would be an advantage.

Duties will include, but not limited to:

• Developing strategies for community engagement, working strategically across the team to identify key issues and themes
• Building and maintaining relationships with local stakeholders, businesses and organisations
• Helping to plan and arrange constituency visits
• Proactively manage the MP’s diary arranging and assisting with meetings, surgeries and events
• Researching local, regional and national issues to support the MP’s work 
• Administrative duties to support the office and MP as needed
• Provide high quality, efficient and effective support to the MP
• Ensure the office is fully equipped, safe and secure and technology fully functioning and serviced
• Oversee budgets, manage business costs via IPSA Online and keep MP informed of all relevant financial matters; training can be provided on systems
  
• Engage professionally, confidentially and with care and integrity with members of the public, organisations, and constituents
• Triage the MP’s inbox, ensuring work is distributed and actioned across the team
• Take and manage incoming calls, face-to-face enquiries, and emails
• Horizon-scan, anticipate what advice or action may be required and proactively identify problems and resolve them
• Ensure records are kept and information managed confidentially in line with the data protection legislation
• Liaise with House of Commons authorities and external bodies; including Government Ministers and other senior stakeholders
• The role holder may be required to work outside of the normal working hours, including attending events with the MP as required

Requirements:

• Experience working as a senior administrator, with responsibility for overseeing budgets or managing business costs
• A genuine interest in helping constituents
  
• A highly motivated staff member, with a positive can-do attitude and ability to work independently and collectively as part of a small team
• Outstanding written and verbal skills, with keen attention to detail
• An interest in current affairs, local and national politics
• Sympathetic to the aims and values of the Labour Party

Benefits: 

• Competitive salary within IPSA Office Manager pay-scale £31,967-£45,000 depending on experience
  
• Generous employer contribution pension scheme 
• Access to training and professional development opportunities 
• Employee Assistance Programme 

Upon appointment you will be required to apply for security clearance, undertaken by the Security Vetting and Pass Office. See Members’ Staff Security Clearance page for further info. MPs generally pay staff in accordance with IPSA guidelines.

You must have lived in the UK for a minimum of 3 years out of the last 5 years, and able to supply proof of your right to work in the UK.

Closing date: 10pm 1st December 2024

Website: https://www.liambyrnemp.co.uk/

Apply online by clicking 'I'm Interested'.

All enquiries should be directed to info@hivesupport.co.uk and not to the MP's office. Please keep an eye on your junk email for updates.