Recruitment of Deputy Town Clerk
Contract Type: Permanent
Working Hours: Full time, 37 hours per week, flexible hours including regular evening meetings and occasional weekends
Salary: £35,412 to £39,152 (representing spinal column points 24-28 in the National Joint Council for Local Government Services (NJC) pay scales 2025-26
Place of Work: The Amory Centre, 125 East Street, South Molton, EX36 3BU and other locations across South Molton and Devon
Reports to: Town Clerk
Benefits: Flexible working, entitlement to join the Council’s pension scheme, 23 days annual leave plus bank holidays and two statutory days’ leave to be taken between Christmas and the New Year, training and development, annual appraisal scheme
South Molton Town Council in North Devon is seeking to appoint an innovative, forward-thinking and highly proactive Deputy Town Clerk.
South Molton is a historic market town known as the Gateway to Exmoor, featuring a vibrant community, traditional twice-weekly markets, and rich Saxon roots. Nestled in North Devon, the town retains its traditional character with striking Georgian and medieval architecture surrounding a central square. It serves as a practical and charming base for visitors heading into Exmoor National Park or toward the North Devon coast.
The Town Council is responsible for a comparatively large range of assets and services, including a large portfolio of buildings across the town, the Pannier Market, George Arcade, a cemetery, agricultural land, woodlands, public open spaces and parking spaces. Currently, the Council has a budget of £460,000 and employs eleven staff.
The Council has created this new role of Deputy Town Clerk with the view of assisting the Town Clerk in the Council’s operations and to lead on policy and amenities.
This post will be at the forefront of ensuring that the town sees not just a continuation of services but a continuous improvement. The postholder needs to embrace challenge and growth, and meet all the aspirations which the elected councillors have for South Molton. The Town Council is a forward-thinking organisation which values innovation, community, and growth. Here, you’ll find an environment where your ideas matter, where you’ll be empowered to bring positive change, and where your impact will be felt by thousands of residents.
Applicants must be able to demonstrate that they have relevant management and strategic experience – a track record of success in a senior role, experience of managing budgets, service achievement and innovation, commitment to public service, be motivated, community-focused, and possess sound communication skills. It is not essential that candidates have experience in local government, but they must be committed to obtain the Certificate in Local Council Administration (CiLCA) within the first year of employment if they do not already hold it.
South Molton Town Council is committed to equality of opportunity and actively welcomes applications from all sections of the community.
The recruitment process is managed by the Local Council Consultancy, a third party acting for the Town Council. For an informal discussion please call Janine Gardner on 07774 575397.
To apply, please request a copy of the job description and person specification via [email protected] and send your CV together with a covering letter to [email protected] before Sunday, 13 September 2026 at 23:59. In your covering letter, please state your reason(s) for applying and demonstrate, by using examples, how your knowledge, skills and experience meet each of the essential requirements of the person specification and as many desirable requirements as possible. Please draw on your relevant experiences; including paid employment, voluntary work, family experiences and leisure activities as evidence.
Interviews for all shortlisted candidates will be held in South Molton.
Pay: £35,412.00-£39,152.00 per year
Work Location: In person
