Northumberland County Council is seeking an experienced and inspirational Senior Change Lead to play a pivotal role in delivering the council's ambitious BEST Transformation Programme. This is an exciting opportunity to drive large-scale organisational change that will modernise services, enhance digital capability and improve outcomes for residents across Northumberland.
You will work closely with the Senior Change Communications & Engagement Lead and Change & Communications Advisors to deliver a cohesive and effective change management approach.
The position
As Senior Change Lead, you will provide expert, hands‑on leadership in shaping, coordinating and delivering change management across the BEST Programme. You will work collaboratively with programme leads, change and communications specialists and stakeholders at all levels to ensure successful adoption of transformational initiatives.
Your main responsibilities will be to
Develop and implement a robust and measurable change management strategy aligned to BEST programme objectives.
Lead and deliver hands‑on change management activity, including detailed change plans for key transformational projects.
Ensure that change management principles are fully integrated into all transformational project plans, combining strategic oversight with active, practical delivery as a change management practitioner.
Align project‑level plans with the wider programme strategy, managing interdependencies, identifying risks, and facilitating collaborative planning.
Continuously enhance change management approaches by refining methodologies, frameworks and tools while acting as a senior change practitioner who provides expert guidance, support and mentorship to PMO and project teams.
The position will be based at County Hall, Morpeth on a 2 year Fixed Term contract.
Salary £50,269 - £54,495
About You
We are looking for someone who brings strategic vision, offers specialist change‑management leadership and mentorship, and has a strong track record of delivering complex change.
Qualifications, skills and experience
To be successful in this role, you will demonstrate senior‑level capability across the following qualifications and experience:
Postgraduate Diploma/Master's in Change Management, Organisational Development or related field, or equivalent experience in a large, complex organisation (ideally local government)
Extensive experience leading major change initiatives within large-scale transformation programmes.
Proven track record in developing and delivering change strategies and demonstrating measurable outcomes.
Ability to analyse complex data, assess change impacts, and develop evidence-based solutions.
Highly effective communication, facilitation, and stakeholder management skills.
On a personal level, you are an engaging and effective communicator who builds strong networks across the organisation and confidently provides clear, concise updates to key stakeholders, fostering trust and collaboration.
Working at Northumberland County Council
Every day we seek to create a community like no other. We share a collective passion and rare determination to deliver long-term solutions which best serve the community in which we live. Our community is at the heart of everything we do. We seek to put people first, as we push the boundaries of our BEST vision because we aspire to deliver real, lasting change.
What we offer
NCC's vision is a "Land of Great Opportunities" for current and future generations. Being a part of NCC means opportunities to learn and develop are all around us. We believe there is no better place to live and work. But there is, of course, more to offer than the uniqueness of our culture and the extraordinary results we produce. The additional benefits we offer are designed with your career and life stage in mind.
Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme
Generous annual leave package of 26 days plus bank holidays & option to purchase additional 10 days
Health & wellbeing initiatives
Free onsite parking with charging facilities for electric vehicles
Deadline
Applications to be sent by midnight on 28th February 2026.
To apply please email an expression of interest and current CV to