Lead the transformation of a whole Council — and the future of Swindon
Our Swindon 2028 transformation programme sets out a bold, resident-focused vision for the future; a Council that acts earlier to support residents, is easier to access, works in a more joined-up way with partners and communities, drives economic growth, and is financially sustainable for the long term. We’re now delivering the most ambitious, whole-Council transformation Swindon has ever undertaken to turn that vision into reality
Your next role
As Programme Director, you’ll be at the heart of a rare opportunity to shape Swindon Borough Council’s future operating model and lead a transformation that will redefine public services for years to come. You’ll provide the grip, pace and strategic clarity needed to drive a complex, multi-year programme, giving senior leaders the insight and assurance to make confident, timely decisions. As the central point for tracking performance, risks, benefits and interdependencies, you’ll ensure leaders have the right information at the right moment to maintain momentum.
Working closely with the Chief Executive, Chief Operating Officer, Corporate Management Team, elected Members and senior leaders—as well as colleagues delivering change across all services—you’ll play a pivotal role in turning ambition into meaningful outcomes. If you’re motivated by impact, thrive in complexity and want to leave a lasting legacy for Swindon, we’d love to hear from you
What You’ll Lead
You will lead a programme that takes us to 2028 delivering an organisation-wide transformation that reshapes how Swindon Borough Council delivers modern, high-quality services—bringing multiple change initiatives into a single, outcome-driven portfolio. You’ll establish robust governance, sharp decision-making and clear performance and risk controls, ensuring real, measurable benefits and long-term impact. You’ll also build and inspire a high-performing, agile PMO and champion a collaborative, transparent “one Swindon” culture across the organisation and its partners.
What You’ll Bring
You bring a proven ability to lead large-scale transformation in complex public-sector environments, combining strong programme governance, political awareness and financial acumen with the confidence to challenge, support and drive performance. With deep expertise in change management and a talent for turning complexity into clear, actionable plans, you lead both cultural and structural change in a way that brings people with you and delivers meaningful, measurable results.
Why Swindon?
Because your work will matter.
You’ll shape decisions affecting 230,000 residents.
You’ll lead transformation that improves lives and protects vital services.
You’ll be part of a leadership team committed to change, transparency and a better future for Swindon.
This is an opportunity to do the best work of your career — and to make a real difference.
Join us. Swindon will be better with you.
Your next package
Please see our Rewards and Benefits offer for more details.
As an employee, you will receive a diverse and exciting environment in which to work, encouraging creativity and innovation whilst recognising the need to support ongoing personal development and a flexible work life balance.
Please see our Vision and Values page for more details and our new Swindon Plan.
Your next steps
Please read the role profile, which is available in the documents section to the righthand side of the page. To submit an application for this role, select Quick Apply
As an inclusive employer, we welcome applications from a diverse range of communities, and in particular disabled people and people from ethnic minorities. Read our statement of commitment to equality & inclusion.
If you are interested in the role and would like further information to or more detail, please contact Sonia Grewal, Chief Operating Officer sgrewal@swindon.gov.uk
If you are experiencing technical issues submitting your application, please email resourcing@swindon.gov.uk
Closing date: 4 January 2026
Interview date: 19 January 2026