Head of Major Projects (Full Time)

New Start; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 86,000 - 93,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Local Government Pension Scheme

Hybrid working arrangements

Generous annual leave

Job summary

London Borough of Merton is seeking a Head of Major Projects to lead its major capital projects, planned maintenance, refurbishment and decarbonisation schemes in a dynamic, growing borough. The role requires strong leadership and broad stakeholder management to deliver on time, on budget and to quality.

You will shape strategy across housing, planning and regeneration, guiding business cases, procurement and delivery while building high-performing teams. Hybrid working arrangements are offered.

Qualifications

• Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills
• Excellent project management capability
• Experience leading major capital projects

Responsibilities

• Lead the Council's major capital projects, planned maintenance, refurbishment and decarbonisation schemes
• Set the standard for project and programme management across the Council, from business case and procurement to delivery on time, on budget and to quality
• Provide strategic leadership and oversight across Housing Delivery, Planning, Building Control and Economic Development

Job description

Head of Major Projects

Merton is changing, and this is an exciting time to join us. We’re looking for a new group of talented and ambitious leaders to help turn our plans into real change for residents.

Turn ambition into delivery. You'll lead the Council's major capital projects, planned maintenance, refurbishment and decarbonisation schemes. You'll set the standard for project and programme management across the Council, from business case and procurement to delivery on time, on budget and to quality. Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills combined with excellent project management will be essential for success.

Help shape Merton’s future

We’ve brought together housing, planning, building control, regeneration, property, FM and major projects within one Housing & Sustainable Development directorate. That gives us a real opportunity to join things up, shaping how Merton grows and develops, delivering a high-quality planning service, keeping buildings safe, making the best use of our property and assets, delivering new homes and major regeneration, and providing housing services that support residents when they need us most.

There is plenty to get stuck into. We’re moving ahead with the major regeneration of Morden town centre, delivering an ambitious New Homes Programme, building our first council homes in a generation and preparing to become a stock-holding council landlord again. We are undertaking a strategic review of our property portfolio, moving to a corporate landlord model, ensuring our assets are maintained and safe, whilst delivering a range of capital projects across the estate. At the same time, we’re responding to a changing national landscape for planning, building safety, housing standards, homelessness and private renting.

But this isn’t just about big projects. Our Council Plan is about Building a Better Merton Together – creating a borough people are proud to call home, building a more sustainable future and making sure investment reaches the communities that need it most. For our directorate, that means more good-quality and affordable homes, better places and town centres, well-managed council assets and, above all, services that work for residents.

We’re building a senior team that enjoys working across traditional service boundaries, is comfortable with ambition and complexity, and cares about getting things done. You’ll have space to shape your service, work closely with colleagues and partners and influence some of the biggest decisions Merton will make over the coming years. We are three new directors building three new leadership teams. If you want real responsibility, a seat at the table, and the freedom to build services you’re proud of, we want to hear from you.

A shared leadership ambition

"This isn't about filling gaps. It's about building leadership teams who break down boundaries and deliver more homes, better places and services residents can trust. It's about building a team that, together, will deliver excellence"

Kate Daine, Director of Housing; Kathryn Eames, Director of Regeneration & Planning; Daniel Stanesby, Director of Property & Major Projects

What we offer

Merton is a compact, well-connected south London borough where senior leaders see the difference they make, fast. Join a newly created directorate being led with purpose, by directors who work together and have a clear vision for the future.

In return, we offer a Local Government Pension Scheme, hybrid working arrangements, generous annual leave and a genuine commitment to your development.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and particularly encourage applicants who reflect the diversity of our communities.

Arrange an informal conversation

Housing Delivery, Planning, Building Control and Economic Development roles
[e-mail]

Property & Major Projects roles
[e-mail]

Company: London Borough of Merton

Job Type: Full Time

Salary: MG 1/2 -£86,283 - £93,102 per annum

Location: Merton, London (Greater)

Expires: 12/11/2026