I am recruiting an outstanding, politically astute manager to lead my constituency team. The aim of this role is to lead a team who enable me to give people in Bristol West a voice in Parliament, and to ensure they feel heard and represented.

• Job title: Office Manager
• Salary band: £30,000 to £47,389
• Location: Bristol (office-based with occasional travel to Westminster and option for some work from home by negotiation)
• Hours: 30 hours per week

This is an exciting job for a natural organiser, leader and communicator with an interest in politics and Bristol. They should also have a track record of managing projects, people and money, ideally in a campaigning setting.

This permanent role includes leadership of a small, highly-skilled team in my constituency office in central Bristol. The chosen candidate will also need to work closely with two staff members in my London office.

This is a job for someone who leads by doing. The chosen candidate will oversee and carry out a wide range of activities in a fast-moving political environment. In one day, this could include staff management, drafting a letter to a government minister, briefing me on local matters, organising a meeting, dealing with media and speaking to some of the 140,000 people I represent, who may approach the office on virtually anything. Success in this role will depend on sound political judgement and an ability to make critical decisions.

I’m Shadow Leader of the House of Commons and a member of Shadow Cabinet with a high media profile. The Bristol West constituency is one of the largest in the country, the economic hub of the South West and very politically active. The post holder will therefore need to deal with conflicting priorities while creating a calm and well organised working environment for the team.

The part-time and flexible nature of this job could suit someone with other commitments alongside work. If you would like to discuss this role before applying, feel free to email arthur.girling@parliament.uk to arrange a phone call.

Essential skills and experience

• Proven leadership and HR skills, demonstrating an ability to collaborate with others and proactively enhance their work.
• Management experience, ideally in an MPs office or a campaigning, Trade Union or other politically-driven organisation
• Budgeting and financial management.
• A wide range of organisational skills and meticulous attention to detail.
• Sound political judgement and understanding of key political debates.
• Outstanding communication skills, including impeccable writing in a range of voices and formats.

Other important skills

• An ability to have sometimes difficult conversations with members of the public on a wide range of topics.
• The capacity to make quick decisions based on evidence and others’ expertise, working to agreed strategic aims.
• A knowledge of Bristol.
• Ability to use Microsoft Office products, particularly Teams (the office core internal communications tool), Outlook, Word, Excel, OneNote and Sharepoint.
• Thorough understanding of Thangam’s values and political priorities.

Application process

To apply, please send a CV and covering letter setting out how your skills, experience and qualities equip you for this post to arthur.girling@parliament.uk, by the deadline of 9am on Monday 16 January 2023.

Please note that if a job is offered, employment is subject to a series of background checks carried out by Parliament.

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Job description

Main purpose

The Office Manager to Thangam Debbonaire MP will be responsible for the smooth operation of the Bristol (constituency) office and the overall financial and resources management for work of MP and team. The post-holder will report to the MP and to the London-based Chief of Staff and be responsible for liaison between London and Bristol offices. Much of this will involve managing and delegating some tasks to the specialist caseworkers and policy officers in the team,  but the chosen person will need to proactively carry out some tasks, as this is a small team.

Key responsibilities:

• Collate all required information from team members to present to the MP.
• Conduct parliamentary research as required.
• Deal with security matters, keep abreast of security guidance, maintain the security system, liaise with external bodies as appropriate.
• Ensure the office is fully equipped.
• Exposure and management of complex cases.
• Have final signoff on all relevant delegated areas from the MP, for example constituent correspondence.
• Horizon-scanning, anticipate what advice or action may be required; proactively identify problems and resolve them.
• Identify training opportunities and ensure the office team maintain and develop knowledge of relevant legislation where appropriate.
• Lead and maintain a highly professional administrative support function for the MP’s office.
• Liaise with groups/personnel including at Westminster, within the constituency and the general public on the MP’s behalf as necessary.
• Manage the office team, ensuring accurate personnel records are kept and notifying IPSA of contractual changes as necessary.
• Plan the MPs internal communications and external stakeholder engagement and provide strategic advice on constituent matters on behalf of the MP where appropriate,
• Provide high quality, efficient and effective support to the MP and interest groups as required.
• Responsibility for managing all aspects of the budget, keeping the MP informed of all relevant financial matters and liaising with IPSA on office finance.
• Support and manage the recruitment of staff for the MP’s office.
• Take ownership of certain casework as required.
• Advise the MP on local political issues and communications.
• Represent the MP at external meetings and events.
• There may be requirement for the role holder to work outside of the normal working hours, including attending events with the MP as required.