Operational Manager – NNDR

The Non Domestic Rates service sits within the Revenues Service which has recovered strongly from the impact of the cyber attack, increasing the collection rates in year and for arrears in respect of Council Tax, Non Domestic Rates and Housing Benefits Overpayments.  Our work plays a vital role in the Council’s finances and the interaction of businesses with the Council and we are keen to continue the improvements to the service delivery to business within Hackney, alongside increasing the collection rates for both in year and arrears.

There are 12,270 business rate assessments in Hackney with a total rateable value of £477m across a broad and diverse business base, with many local businesses run by residents of Hackney, alongside national and multinational businesses. 

As the Non Domestic Rate and Inspection Manager you will make a real difference to the Revenues Service. We are looking for someone who is driven by building strong partnership with colleagues across the Council, has an ambitious vision for collaborative working, modernisation of services and delivering an excellent service for business. 

This is an opportunity to shape the service as we embark in Hackney on a digital transformation which will impact all Council services. There is work to do across the Revenues Service from increasing collection rates, to moving the service forward digitally and transforming the service. The successful candidate will  be able to look back in time and see the benefits of the skills and knowledge they  have brought to Hackney in improving the service 

You will be be responsible for 

• delivery of the Non-Domestic Rate Service and the inspection team, ensuring adherence and development of best practice 
• work with the Assistant Director to develop and put in place an improvement plan to enable the service to improve collection rates currently achieved. Review and recommend where the service can benefit from automation within the service delivery 
• Ready to immerse yourself in the customer journey, asking the right questions, understanding customer pain points and helping us to challenge our approach to how we do things
• manage and lead the team, creating learning opportunities and development for staff to progress within Revenues
• maximise the revenues taxbase and maximise collection of business rates.
• work with colleagues on the completion of all Government returns  
• To maximise the Revenues taxbase and maximise collection of business rates and assist in  completing all Government returns. 

We are looking for a candidate ideally IRRV qualified or working towards IRRV qualification, with extensive knowledge of Business Rate retaliate legislation , guidance , policy and practice. Experience of managing services responsible for the delivering business rates, with management of staff across a range of grades. An understanding of the completion of Government returns is required alongside the ability to manage all stages of the service from annual billing through to write off, if collection is not achieved. Effective management skills with experience of creating and maintaining a culture of high performance , undertaking change and enhancing services via change and automation where appropriate.

There is no better place to work in London than Hackney; we have great pride in our borough, our communities, and our services. Hackney is one of London’s most vibrant and diverse boroughs. It’s one of the most sought after areas to live in London with good schools, parks and local amenities, as well as great transport links and vibrant and diverse communities.

If you want to work in a place where you can represent our values so we achieve the best for our residents, please click on the apply button below.

The recruitment process is anonymous. Therefore, we do not accept supporting statements or CVs.

When applying, there will be a number of questions relating to the post on the application form. It is essential that you complete the application questions, responding to each using examples of your skills, knowledge and experience.

We will not accept applications where Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been used to assist with completing the competency questions or any part of the application form.

This application process replaces a supporting statement.

Closing date for applications: 13 November 2024 (22.59)

Interview date: TBC

We are also working towards our vision, which is to be a place for everyone; where residents and staff can be proud; a place that celebrates diversity and where everyone can feel valued, included and involved. In order to achieve this, we look for people who are: Proud; Ambitious; Pioneering; Open; Proactive; Inclusive.

Hackney Council works to eradicate discrimination on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. We also recognise that people can be disadvantaged by their social and economic circumstances, so we will also work to eliminate discrimination and disadvantage caused by social class. We also welcome those interested in flexible working. We particularly welcome applications from disabled people, as this group is currently under represented in our workforce.

The Council has a dedicated employment support service (Hackney Works), which offers Hackney residents guidance in relation to applying for jobs. If you are thinking about applying for a job, please contact the Hackney Works team to find out what support is available: hackneyworks@hackney.gov.uk