Project Manager (Local Government Reorganisation)
Day rate: Up to £500 per day
Contract: 3 months
Location: Hybrid – Winchester / Remote ( 2/3 days per week in Winchester)
* Start as soon as possible.
* Hit the ground running, quickly pulling together a cohesive LGR programme plan from multiple existing strands of work.
* Bring structure, drive, and focus at a pivotal moment — Winchester’s initial submission to DLUHC has been made, and the next phase now involves coordinating delivery, developing detailed transition planning, and ensuring readiness for implementation.
* We are seeking an experienced professional with resilience, clarity of thought, and the ability to work at pace within a complex and politically sensitive environment.
Local Government in Hampshire is entering a period of significant transformation.
The Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) Project Manager will play a critical role in coordinating Winchester’s programme of work, ensuring our approach is evidence-based, well-governed, and aligned with our wider transformation and organisational change agenda.
Role Purpose
The LGR Project Manager will be responsible for the day-to-day management, coordination, and reporting of Winchester City Council’s LGR programme. The postholder will ensure that all projects within the programme are effectively planned, monitored, and delivered to achieve the council’s transformation and transition objectives.
Reporting to the Head of Programme – Transformation, this role will provide programme-level oversight, manage interdependencies, support governance and reporting, and work collaboratively across all levels of the organisation and with external partners.
Key Responsibilities
* Programme Planning and Coordination
* Maintain and regularly update a comprehensive LGR programme plan, including timelines, milestones, interdependencies, and resource requirements.
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* Coordinate cross-departmental input and ensure robust reporting in line with the council’s project management methodology.
* Project Delivery
* Lead the initiation, planning, and delivery of assigned projects, ensuring delivery on time, within budget, and to agreed quality standards.
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* Monitor and report progress, applying consistent governance and assurance practices.
* Stakeholder Engagement
* Build and maintain strong working relationships across the council, partner authorities, and external agencies to ensure collaborative and aligned programme delivery.
* Benefits Realisation
* Promote and track the delivery of financial, operational, and service improvement benefits, assigning clear ownership and accountability.
* Risk and Issue Management
* Identify, analyse, and manage programme and project risks, escalating appropriately in line with the council’s Risk Management Framework.
* Governance and Reporting
* Develop and maintain programme documentation, including highlight reports, risk logs, and dashboards.
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* Provide timely updates to senior officers, elected members, and governance boards on progress, risks, and escalations.
* Programme Support and Leadership
* Support the Head of Programme – Transformation in managing governance processes, scheduling, and preparing materials for steering groups and decision-making forums.
Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate will bring:
* Proven experience of managing large-scale or complex transformation projects within a local government or public sector setting.
* Strong understanding of local government operations, governance, and service delivery structures.
* A forward-thinking mindset with the ability to think creatively about solutions and opportunities.
* Excellent people skills – able to build trust, influence, and motivate others across all levels of the organisation.
* Excellent communication, organisational, and stakeholder management skills.
* A collaborative, proactive approach with the confidence to operate across political and professional boundaries.
Experience of producing clear, accurate reports and managing governance processes at senior level