Senior Programme Manager

Southwark Council; Greater London; On-site; GBP 69,000 - 87,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government organization is seeking a Senior Programme Manager to guide workforce transformation and shape a modern HR operating model. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in leading complex programmes and a deep understanding of workforce challenges in local government. This is a 2-year fixed-term contract with a salary range of £69,537 - £86,766, inclusive of a JNC allowance. Applications from diverse backgrounds are particularly welcomed.

Benefits

JNC allowance of £2,724 per annum

Qualifications

• Substantial experience in leading workforce or organisational transformation.
• Expert knowledge of workforce challenges in local government.
• Comfortable operating at senior levels and guiding complex programmes.

Responsibilities

• Shape and lead workforce response to major change.
• Design and deliver the new HR operating model.
• Collaborate with the People & OD Leadership Team.

Skills

Workforce transformation knowledge

Strong leadership ability

Complex programme delivery

Data-driven improvement

Job description

At Southwark, our 2030 vision sets out a clear ambition: to reduce inequality, empower people and invest in prevention so that everyone in our borough can thrive. To achieve this, we rely on one of our core strengths – our people.

The People & Organisational Development service sits at the heart of this work. We support more than 5,000 colleagues across the council, helping teams adapt, grow and deliver exceptional services. With programmes such as Southwark360 and Future Southwark, we’re modernising our technology, strengthening our operating approach and redesigning how we deliver people services.

Whether we’re developing leaders, improving culture, strengthening workforce capacity or guiding teams through major change, our focus remains the same – ensuring our people feel supported, valued, and equipped with the right tools to be their best.

About the role

As the Senior Programme Manager, you’ll play a critical role in guiding how the council navigates major change while shaping a modern, people‑centred HR operating model. Working closely with senior officers, councillors and trade unions you’ll act as a trusted advisor bringing clarity to complex issues and keeping people at the centre of decision making.

Your work will focus on two main priorities:

1. Supporting the council’s transformation programmes

You’ll shape and lead the workforce response to major change, ensuring People and OD plays a central role across our key transformation programmes, empowering leaders to build a more modern, better‑connected council.

2. Designing & delivering a new HR operating model

Working closely with our People & OD Leadership Team, you’ll lead the redesign of the service to align with Southwark360 and the council’s future needs. This will include modernising structures, streamlining processes, strengthening collaboration, and making effective use of data and technology to deliver a consistent, high‑quality experience for colleagues.

About you

To be considered for this role you’ll have substantial experience leading workforce or organisational transformation with a strong understanding of how system, structures and culture come together to shape organisational performance. You’ll be comfortable operating at a senior level, guiding complex programmes, turning insight into clear practical solutions.

To be considered for shortlisting you’ll need to evidence the following within your application:

• Expert knowledge of workforce transformation, with an understanding of key workforce challenges in local government.
• Significant experience leading the design and delivery of workforce transformation strategies with evidence of measurable outcomes
• Strong leadership ability, working collaboratively to deliver through others
• Proven experience delivering complex programmes or projects using data to drive improvement

Additional Information

This is a 2 year fixed term contract which includes a JNC allowance of £2,724 per annum, payable either through the benefits scheme or as a cash allowance.

Recruitment Timeline:

• Advert close date: 11:59pm on Sunday 11th January 2026
• Shortlisting: week commencing 12th January 2026
• Interview date(s): week commencing 19th January 2026

The closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. We strongly advise you to complete your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

We are an organisation who is passionate about our people and understands that richness of diversity is a requirement to provide the best possible services to our communities. This is demonstrated through our council‑wide ambitious commitment to tackle racial inequality in our communities and workforce through our Southwark Stands Together initiative . We particularly welcome applications from members of the black, Asian and ethnic minority communities to increase representation at senior management level in the Council.

As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you'll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role, and identify with one of the below criteria:

• Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
• Are currently in care, or have previously been in care
• If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long‑term health condition

Salary Range (Full time equivalent) £69,537 - £86,766