Job Details:
Job Reference: HCC621833
Salary Range: £56,285 - £63,080 per annum
Work Location: The Castle, Winchester (Hybrid Working)
Hours per week: 37 (part-time hours will be considered)
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 21 September 2025
Interview Date: 3, 10 or 13 October 2025
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a strategically minded leader to join our newly formed Policy, Programmes and Assurance team at Hampshire County Council.
Are you looking for a challenging and diverse role working as part of a friendly and supportive team, with an opportunity to make a real difference?
The Role:
This is a pivotal role within the Hampshire 2050 Directorate, leading the development, coordination and oversight of strategic programmes that support our Culture, Communities and Place objectives. You’ll be at the heart of shaping and assuring delivery of key initiatives including climate change, digital infrastructure, cultural development, and community partnerships.
As Strategic Manager, you’ll lead a portfolio of programmes and provide organisational assurance on their delivery. You’ll work across directorates to embed strategic priorities, manage risks, and ensure alignment with local, regional and national policy. You’ll also support the development of future strategies and policies, and act as a key liaison with Members, partners and senior officers.
What you’ll do:
* Lead and coordinate strategic programmes including (but not limited to), Cultural Strategy, Digital Infrastructure, Climate Change and Place
* Develop and implement programme plans, budgets, and risk frameworks
* Provide assurance and reporting to senior officers and Members
* Build strong relationships across the organisation and with external partners
* Manage staff and matrix teams to deliver programme outcomes
* Promote programme activities and drive engagement internally and externally
What we’re looking for:
We are seeking a highly motivated individual with a degree and/or relevant sector experience, alongside a project management qualification or equivalent background in public sector programme delivery. The ideal candidate will possess excellent communication, influencing, and negotiation skills, as well as strong analytical and organisational abilities. You will have a proven track record of managing complex programmes and stakeholder relationships, and be confident in preparing and presenting reports to senior audiences.
Why join us?
We offer a flexible, motivating and inclusive workplace, where talent is truly recognised and developed. We have created an environment that you can look forward to being a part of and where you are empowered to be your best and believe in creating a workplace built on teamwork where people can grow and develop in their roles.
If you think you have what it takes to make a real difference in Hampshire, get in touch!
To find out more about what we can offer you in return, please see our benefits package .
Additional Information:
Strategic Manager (Policy, Programmes and Assurance) Candidate Pack
Contact Details for an Informal Discussion:
Emma Noyce, Assistant Director on emma.noyce@hants.gov.uk
Hampshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.
In order to combat discrimination, no unnecessary conditions or requirements will be applied which could have a disproportionately adverse effect on any one group. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership and pregnancy or maternity, unless a Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR) applies.
We are a Disability Confident Employer - committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible.