Programme Manager Local Government Reorganisation
Essential – Local Government Reorganisation Experience
About the Role
This is not incremental improvement – this is a fundamental re‑imagining of how local government is designed, governed and delivered across Essex.
We are seeking an experienced Programme Manager to play a pivotal role in a high‑profile Local Government Reorganisation programme based in Chelmsford. This work will shape how services are organised, how decisions are made, and how outcomes are delivered for residents for years to come.
Working on a programme of this scale requires exceptional programme leadership, strong strategic and operational judgement, and the resilience to deliver momentum in a complex and evolving environment. You will operate at pace, influencing senior stakeholders across organisations, while providing clarity, structure and robust delivery discipline.
This is a rare opportunity to contribute to a bold and transformative programme that will define the future of local government in Essex.
Key Responsibilities
- Leading the design and delivery of multiple interdependent projects and associated business change activity
- Developing compelling business cases that support strategic aims, financial sustainability and service transformation
- Establishing and maintaining robust programme governance, assurance, reporting and controls
- Managing programme finances, resources and delivery plans to ensure outcomes are achieved
- Overseeing risk and issue management, ensuring mitigations are in place and escalations are handled effectively
- Working with services and partners to define, track and realise measurable benefits
- Managing programme dependencies and alignment across wider portfolios of work
- Translating programme vision into clear delivery objectives aligned to Council strategic priorities
- Providing technical leadership across line and matrix‑managed teams
- Supporting senior leadership and portfolio management to assure delivery against strategic outcomes
Specific targets and objectives will be defined annually through the performance management framework.
Stakeholder & Leadership Responsibilities
- Build and sustain strong senior‑level stakeholder relationships across services, partners and political leadership
- Work closely with elected Members and senior officers to navigate complexity and overcome resistance to change
- Lead and develop high‑performing programme teams, fostering professionalism, capability and collaboration
Knowledge, Skills & Experience
You will bring:
- Accredited programme management expertise (APM Practitioner or MSP Practitioner level or equivalent)
- Proven experience as a Programme Manager within local government or the wider public sector
- A strong track record of delivering complex, large‑scale change programmes
- Experience working in politically sensitive environments with high‑profile scrutiny
- Demonstrated ability to lead through complexity, ambiguity and change
- Experience working across multi‑agency partnerships and diverse stakeholder groups
- Exceptional leadership skills, creating high‑performance cultures and drawing on specialist expertise
- Creativity and commercial awareness to support financially sustainable service design
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