Strategic Programme Lead

Leicestershire County Council; Quorn; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Hybrid working

Job summary

Leicestershire County Council is inviting expressions of interest for an internal 2-year secondment to lead Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). The role requires strategic leadership, cross‑portfolio collaboration and confident engagement across political, corporate and partnership environments.

This senior opportunity focuses on delivering a high-profile transformation programme while ensuring continuity of services and alignment with government policy and statutory requirements.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in leading complex, large-scale transformation programmes.
• Proven ability to maintain service quality, continuity and outcomes during change.
• Experience working with senior leaders, elected Members and government officials.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and negotiation skills with partner organisations.
• Excellent strategic thinking, analytical and communication abilities.
• Understanding of local government challenges and LGR implications.
• Evidence of continued professional development at senior levels.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate strategic approach to Local Government Reorganisation.
• Ensure programme planning, governance and delivery aligned with policy and objectives.
• Oversee governance arrangements, manage risks and dependencies.
• Support operating model development and organisational readiness.
• Foster collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement across the Council and partners.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Programme delivery

Governance & risk

Stakeholder management

Political environment awareness

Analytical & communication

Education

Relevant professional qualification or senior experience

Job description

The secondee will play a key role in coordinating the County Council's strategic approach to Local Government Reorganisation, ensuring the programme is effectively planned, governed and delivered in line with government policy, legislative requirements and organisational objectives. Working closely with elected Members, senior officers, government representatives and partner organisations, the role will provide strategic leadership, coordination and advice throughout the reorganisation process. This will include supporting effective governance arrangements, overseeing programme delivery, managing risks and dependencies, and ensuring that service continuity remains a key consideration as the Council moves through a period of significant change. The role will also contribute to the development of future operating models, support organisational readiness, and help foster a culture of collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement across the Council and with partners.

Leicestershire County Council is inviting expressions of interest from colleagues for an internal 2 year secondment opportunity to lead our delivery of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). This is one of the most significant transformation programmes the Council will undertake and will help shape the future of local government across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. This opportunity would suit an experienced senior colleague who can bring strong programme leadership, organisational knowledge and the ability to work confidently across political, corporate and partnership environments. It offers the successful candidate the opportunity to contribute directly to a high-profile and strategically important area of work, while further developing senior leadership experience in a complex and evolving context.

• Significant experience of leading or contributing to complex, large-scale transformation and change programmes.
• A strong track record of delivering organisational change while maintaining a clear focus on service quality, continuity and outcomes.
• Experience of working with senior leaders and elected Members, and confidence operating within a complex political environment.
• Strong stakeholder management, engagement and negotiation skills, including the ability to work effectively with government officials, partner organisations and senior external stakeholders.
• Excellent strategic thinking, analytical and communication skills, with the ability to explain complex issues clearly and support effective decision-making.
• A sound understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing local government, including the potential implications of Local Government Reorganisation for services, residents, staff and partners.
• A relevant professional qualification or equivalent senior-level experience, together with evidence of continued professional development.

Why express an interest? This secondment offers the chance to work on a high-profile programme that will shape the future of local government services in the area. It will provide valuable experience of working with senior leaders, Members and partners on complex strategic change.

Reasonable adjustments will be considered for applicants with a disability.

We are a . We are open to discussions about flexible working, which may include part time working, job sharing, term-time working, flexible start and finish times, and hybrid working, depending on the requirements of the role and the service.

About Leicestershire County Council

At Leicestershire County Council, we're committed to making a real difference in people's lives. Our aim is to work with communities and partners to deliver public services that make Leicestershire the best possible place to live and work for everyone. Our employees play a key role in supporting this goal and helping us deliver the vital services we provide to the people of Leicestershire. Whether you're starting your career or looking for your next challenge, you'll find a place with us where your ideas are valued, and your work has purpose. For further information on what it's like to work for us and the benefits we offer, please refer to the following