Programme Manager

Applefields School; Harrogate; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Local government pension scheme

Career development

Supportive environment

Job summary

North Yorkshire Council is seeking experienced Programme Managers to lead strategic, cross-cutting transformation programmes across the council. You'll oversee governance, deliver Transformation initiatives and redesign services such as Housing, Children’s Services, and Adult Social Care.

The role requires strong leadership, stakeholder engagement and the ability to manage multiple projects through the transformation lifecycle.

Qualifications

• Proven expertise in programme management with recognised methodologies.
• Strong leadership to inspire teams and resolve complex challenges.
• Experience managing stakeholders and resources to deliver organisational change.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills across levels.

Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver strategic, cross-cutting transformation programmes.
• Govern programmes effectively and ensure delivery of high-quality services.
• Provide line and matrix management to project managers.
• Deputise for Head of Service as required.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Communication

Programme governance

Problem solving

Education

Professional qualifications and/or equivalent experience

Job description

Contract: Permanent& Temporary Maternity Cover Opportunities Available

Hours: Full Time (Part Time hours may be considered)

Location: Harrogate, North Yorkshire

Hybrid working - a combination of home working together with a minimum of 2 days per week in an office base at one of our local transformation hubs at Northallerton, Harrogate, Scarborough and Selby.

Are you someone who is innovative and can oversee the delivery of strategic transformation programmes?

Would you like to work at the heart of transformational change in North Yorkshire Council - an organisation that is continually looking to improve how it operates its services for the benefit of local people, communities and businesses?

Do you have the passion for achieving organisational objectives through programme definition and delivery?

The Role

We are seeking experienced Programme Managers to lead and deliver strategic, cross-cutting programmes throughout the transformation lifecycle. These programmes may include the implementation of The Council’s Target Operating Model—spanning areas such as customer services, transport, and workplace transformation—or the redesign of key service areas including Housing, Children’s Services, and Adult Social Care.

You will bring strong leadership and problem-solving skills, working closely with a diverse range of senior internal and external stakeholders to ensure programmes are clearly defined, effectively governed, and successfully delivered. You will provide both direct line and matrix management to project managers, fostering high performance and ensuring the delivery of professional, high-quality services.

As a key member of the Projects and Programmes Service Management Team, you will work closely with the Head of Service and may be required to deputise when needed.

What you will bring

To succeed in this role, you will demonstrate:

• Proven expertise in programme management, with a strong grasp of recognised methodologies and frameworks.
• Leadership experience, with the ability to inspire teams and resolve complex challenges.
• Professional qualifications and/or equivalent experience relevant to programme and change management.
• A track record of successfully managing complex stakeholders and resources to deliver high-impact organisational change.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.

For a full breakdown of responsibilities and requirements, please refer to the attached job specification.

At North Yorkshire Council, we are committed to supporting our employees to grow and succeed. In return for your expertise, you'll benefit from:

• Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
• Access to learning, coaching, mentoring and apprenticeships.
• Flexible working opportunities where appropriate.
• Generous local government pension scheme.
• A supportive and collaborative working environment.
• Access to discounts and vouchers, including holidays, high street retailers and day to day spending

Interview Date: 19 th and 20 th October 2026

Although this role is being advertised across 4 locations (Northallerton, Harrogate, Scarborough and Selby) you need only submit one application to the location most convenient for you as an office base.

NYC are committed to directly recruiting staff and will not accept applications nor services from agency suppliers in respect of our vacancies.

This is a politically restricted post as defined by the Local Government and Housing Act 1989
We are committed to meeting the needs of our diverse community and aim to have a workforce reflecting this diversity. We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

North Yorkshire Councils’ purpose is to deliver services and facilities to the diverse residents and visitors of North Yorkshire. To ensure we deliver inclusive services we strive to have a diverse workforce where everybody can be themselves by respecting differences and embedding equality of opportunity. We celebrate diversity and recognise each other’s contributions; we therefore welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds.