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.
Responsibilities
* 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.
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 & 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.
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.
Benefits
* 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
Please note that this role is initially offered as a 2 year Fixed Term Contract. Although applications for secondment or part‑time working will be taken into consideration.
For information about our Equality and Diversity principles, please see the attached guidance notes here.
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