Implementation Director (LGR)

Penna Executive Search; Cambridgeshire and Peterborough; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment consultancy is looking for an Implementation Director to oversee a transformative public service project across seven councils in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in local government transformation, strong stakeholder management skills, and the ability to drive culture change. This is a unique opportunity to influence the delivery of improved services and governance in new unitary authorities.

Benefits

Flexible agile working

Good benefits

Qualifications

• Proven track record of leading large-scale transformation with local government and LGR knowledge.
• Experience influencing senior leaders and managing stakeholder relationships.
• Strong understanding of local government structures and statutory responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic leadership and delivery of the LGR programme for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.
• Coordinate planning and strategic direction of a multi-phase transformation programme.
• Design and implement governance, systems and operating models.

Skills

Leading large-scale transformation

Political awareness

Programme management

Stakeholder engagement skills

Strategic thinking

Job description

Implementation Director, Local Government Review (LGR)

Six figure salary - competitive/negotiable terms

Fixed Term: 24 months ( with scope to extend )

Employer: Peterborough City Council, with primary responsibilities spanning seven local authorities within Cambridgeshire.

Are you a visionary leader with a passion for public service transformation

Do you thrive in complex, high-profile environments where collaboration, innovation, and strategic delivery are key? If so, we invite you to lead one of the most significant local government re‑organisations in the country.

As Implementation Director, you will head the strategic leadership and delivery of the LGR programme for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. This is a once‑in‑a‑generation opportunity to influence and shape our thinking and develop the shadow unitary authorities in readiness for implementation of the new unitary authorities. Your leadership will ensure that we are ready to deliver improved services, stronger governance, and long‑term financial sustainability.

You’ll be responsible for:

• The co‑ordination, planning and strategic direction of a multi‑phase transformation programme across seven councils
• Managing complete stakeholder relationships with Chief Executives, elected Members, partners and communities
• Designing and implementing robust governance, systems and operating models
• Driving culture change, building organisational capacity and bringing innovation

We want to hear from you if you bring:

• A proven track record of leading large‑scale transformation with local government and LGR knowledge, gained through permanent, interim or consultancy work
• A strong political awareness and experience of influencing senior leaders
• Expertise in programme management and organisational change
• Understanding of local government structures and statutory responsibilities
• Excellent communication, negotiation and stakeholder engagement skills
• Strategic thinking, resilience and a commitment to delivering LGR in line with the ambitions of all constituent councils.

Join us and make a lasting impact on the future of our new Unitary Authorities.

For more information about the role, please contact our consultants at Penna: Julie Towers on , Matt Jones on , Rachael Morris on or Ali Tasker on . Closing date 1 December.

We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer, dedicated to fostering diversity, advancing equity, and building an inclusive workplace for everyone. We offer flexible agile working and good benefits.