Job Description
Job Title: Corporate Policy Manager
Working Pattern: Hybrid, subject to council requirements
Department: Policy, Strategy and Innovation
Reports to: Assistant Director for Policy and Strategy
Overview
A London Borough is seeking an experienced Corporate Policy Manager to lead major policy development programmes and support the delivery of the administration's strategic priorities following the local elections in May 2026. This is a high profile role that will work across the organisation, supporting senior leadership, Cabinet Members and wider stakeholders to shape policy, deliver strategic projects and ensure strong governance, engagement and equalities compliance.
The successful candidate will bring a strong background in corporate policy, strategy, programme delivery and stakeholder engagement within a local government or wider public sector setting. You will be confident operating at senior level, influencing across directorates and driving policy development from design through to delivery.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead major cross organisational policy development programmes aligned to corporate priorities and manifesto commitments
* Set up and lead project teams involving senior stakeholders up to Director level
* Support Cabinet Members, Executive Directors and Directorate Management Teams with high level policy development and strategic advice
* Lead the refresh and delivery of Equalities, Diversity and Inclusion strategy and approach
* Ensure policy, strategy, change and budget proposals align with the Equality Act and Public Sector Equality Duty
* Design and deliver engagement programmes with staff, elected members, residents, communities, partners and businesses
* Provide oversight, challenge and quality assurance across major programmes and policy activity
* Manage significant programme budgets, including revenue budgets in excess of £100k
* Identify risks, issues, dependencies and critical milestones across policy development activity
* Lead development of a framework for a new Council Plan in preparation for the administration from May 2026
* Support major projects with business cases, PIDs, engagement plans and related programme documentation
* Work closely with Communications teams to ensure clear and effective messaging to internal and external audiences
* Organise and lead policy boards and working groups, ensuring actions are followed through
* Deputise for the Assistant Director for Policy and Strategy where required
Essential Experience
* Proven experience in a senior policy, strategy or transformation role within local government, council or wider public sector
* Strong track record of leading complex cross functional policy development programmes
* Experience working with senior stakeholders including Directors, Cabinet Members and elected Members
* Strong understanding of local government policy development, governance and strategic planning
* Experience of leading equality impact work and applying the Equality Act and Public Sector Equality Duty in practice
* Experience designing and delivering engagement activity with internal and external stakeholders
* Strong programme and project management capability, including risk, dependency and milestone management
* Experience of drafting high quality reports, business cases, PIDs and policy papers
* Experience managing budgets and overseeing delivery against strategic objectives
* Excellent communication, facilitation and influencing skills
*Rates depend on experience and client requirements
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