In Suffolk, we're reimagining what local government can achieve.
As Programme Director, you'll take on one of the most significant public sector change programmes the county has undertaken. You'll lead the delivery of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) across Suffolk, paving the way to ensure the new unitary councils are safe, legal, financially credible and fully operational from vesting day.
This is a rare opportunity to work at the heart of a collaborative, local government system whilst shaping a better future for public services in Suffolk and ensuring service continuity and better outcomes for residents.
Your role and responsibilities
You’ll provide collaborative leadership, working closely with all Suffolk councils to deliver local government reorganisation.
* Lead the end to end LGR programme, reporting to the Senior Responsible Officer
* Establish and lead a single system wide Programme Management Office (PMO) spanning all councils
* Translate government decisions and local proposals into integrated, assured programme plans
* Provide clear oversight of risks, interdependencies, readiness and benefits realisation across accelerated timescales
* Lead preparations for governance, finance, workforce, digital and service transition
* Act as the principal operational interface with central government, Members and senior officers
* Provide clear assurance and transparent reporting to the Implementation Board, relevant elected members (of the Joint Committees and shadow unitary councils) and senior leaders in the shadow councils
This is a highly autonomous role, operating across multiple sovereign councils within agreed statutory, political and governance frameworks.
You will need
We're looking for a senior system leader who is calm under pressure, politically astute and able to deliver at pace in highly complex environments. You will already be operating successfully at this level within complex local government or similarly politically led public sector environments.
* Senior leadership experience and delivery of large scale transformation or reorganisation programmes
* Confidence and credibility to challenge constructively, maintain momentum, and provide clear, unambiguous direction
* Proven ability to lead complex programmes across multiple organisations or systems
* Strong understanding of relevant statutory frameworks
* Experience working with elected Members and senior political leaders
* Significant financial and commercial acumen
* Excellent programme assurance, risk management and reporting capability
* An inclusive, collaborative leadership style with a strong commitment to public service values
We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report.
Benefits
In return, you’ll enjoy:
* up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days
* membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
* travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits
* performance‑related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost‑of‑living pay increase
* training and encouragement to expand your knowledge
* a variety of career development opportunities across our organisation
* diverse and active staff networks
* flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day
This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.
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