Neway International are seeking a Director of Local Government Reorganisation – Interims to join our client based with West Sussex County Council. Location: West Street, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 1RG (Hybrid across authority areas) Hours: 37 per week Start Date: 09 March 2026 End Date: 2 years About the Client West Sussex County Council’s Chief Executive’s Office is leading a major Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) programme across the county. This transformation will shape the future operating model of local government in West Sussex, ensuring long‑term sustainability, improved outcomes, and a safe, legal transition to new structures. This is a high‑profile, strategic leadership role at Director level. The Role The Director of Local Government Reorganisation will provide strategic leadership and direction for the full LGR portfolio, overseeing system‑wide programme delivery across all West Sussex authorities. You will lead the Portfolio Management Office, coordinate multiple workstreams, and ensure robust governance, risk management, and legal readiness. This role requires exceptional political awareness, senior‑level stakeholder engagement, and the ability to translate complex organisational ambition into deliverable plans. Key Responsibilities Portfolio Leadership & Strategy • Set and maintain the strategic roadmap, critical path, and milestones • Translate political ambition into measurable, deliverable plans • Establish and maintain disciplined Portfolio Management Office arrangements • Lead system‑wide programme structures and governance Governance, Assurance & Legal Readiness • Implement strong governance frameworks • Ensure all legal and constitutional requirements for LGR are prepared • Maintain comprehensive risk, issue, and dependency management Stakeholder Management & Communications • Build effective relationships with Leaders, Members, Chief Executives, and partners • Oversee communications and engagement with residents, staff, unions, and stakeholders • Facilitate joint working across all authority areas People, Culture & Change • Lead the LGR programme team, including PMO and workstream leads • Oversee organisational development, workforce transition, and TUPE processes • Maintain and strengthen collaborative working across authorities Finance, Commercial & Resources • Hold accountability for programme budget and benefits case • Oversee contract mapping, commercial planning, and supplier relationships • Ensure resources and capacity align with programme delivery needs Digital, Data & Information Management • Lead ICT transition planning • Oversee data migration, records management, and information governance Service Continuity & Customer • Ensure safe service continuity planning across all services • Prepare day‑one customer access and operational arrangements Measures of Success • Approved, costed, time‑bound implementation plan • Shadow arrangements delivered to schedule • Safe and legal go‑live • Effective governance, risk, and assurance frameworks • Strong stakeholder engagement • Stable and improving post‑go‑live performance Candidate Requirements Experience (Essential) • Leadership of large‑scale public sector transformation or reorganisation • Experience working within complex portfolio environments • Proven delivery of major programmes on time and within budget • Significant experience working with elected Members and Chief Executives • Experience of organisational, digital, and workforce redesign • Strong financial and commercial background • Large‑scale stakeholder engagement Skills & Knowledge (Essential) • Knowledge of local government legislation and reorganisation processes • Strong programme leadership and portfolio management skills • High‑level political awareness • Effective risk and assurance management • Understanding of digital, data, and ICT requirements Personal Qualities • Strategic thinker with a strong delivery focus • Collaborative, inclusive leadership style • Resilient, solutions‑focused, and credible at senior levels • Committed to public service values, equality, diversity, and inclusion