Interim Director Policy, Strategy & Engagement

Tile Hill Executive Recruitment; Greater London; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority in the North of England is seeking an Interim Director of Policy, Strategy and Engagement. This leadership role involves shaping strategic direction, strengthening governance, and enhancing engagement across the organisation. Key responsibilities include leading numerous departments, driving strategic planning, and ensuring compliance. Candidates should have extensive experience in leadership, corporate assurance, and local government legislation. To apply, send your CV to [e-mail].

Qualifications

• Senior leadership experience in relevant services within a complex organisation.
• Strong track record in corporate assurance and strategic programme oversight.
• Experience managing influential partnerships and policy-shaping networks.
• Proven leadership of diverse professional teams.
• Expertise in engagement and communications strategy.
• Experience working within strong governance frameworks.
• Reputation management experience in complex settings.
• Skilled budget manager with experience of tight financial controls.
• Strong understanding of local government legislation, policy and inspectorate frameworks.
• Evidence of successful partnership and joint working across sectors.

Responsibilities

• Lead Policy, Performance & Intelligence, Communications & Marketing, Governance and Neighbourhoods.
• Drive strategic planning, innovation and transparent performance management.
• Provide corporate assurance on major change programmes and strategic initiatives.
• Build strong relationships with Senior Officers, Elected Members, partners and communities.
• Promote the Council’s brand, voice and influence locally and regionally.
• Ensure robust governance, compliance and effective risk and performance frameworks.
• Support wider corporate priorities through collaborative leadership.

Skills

Leadership in complex organizations

Corporate assurance

Management of partnerships

Communications strategy

Governance frameworks

Budget management

Understanding of local government legislation

Job description

We are supporting a local authority in the North of England to appoint an Interim Director of Policy, Strategy and Engagement. Reporting to the Chief Executive, this will play a key role in shaping strategic direction, strengthening governance and driving high‑quality engagement across the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead Policy, Performance & Intelligence, Communications & Marketing, Governance and Neighbourhoods.
• Drive strategic planning, innovation and transparent performance management.
• Provide corporate assurance on major change programmes and strategic initiatives.
• Build strong relationships with Senior Officers, Elected Members, partners and communities.
• Promote the Council’s brand, voice and influence locally and regionally.
• Ensure robust governance, compliance and effective risk and performance frameworks.
• Support wider corporate priorities through collaborative leadership.

Shortlisting & Interview Criteria

• Senior leadership experience in relevant services within a complex organisation.
• Strong track record in corporate assurance and strategic programme oversight.
• Experience managing influential partnerships and policy‑shaping networks.
• Proven leadership of diverse professional teams.
• Expertise in engagement and communications strategy.
• Experience working within strong governance frameworks.
• Reputation management experience in complex settings.
• Skilled budget manager with experience of tight financial controls.
• Strong understanding of local government legislation, policy and inspectorate frameworks.
• Evidence of successful partnership and joint working across sectors.

If you are interested in this role, please send your CV to [e-mail].