About the Role
Make your impact where it matters most. We’re building a small cohort of Strategic Programme Managers at the heart of the Council’s Strategy and Programmes function. This team acts as a centre of excellence for change – bringing structure, grip and pace to cross‑council priorities, and connecting enabling services so effort lands where residents feel it.
The role
You will lead one of our strategic change programmes – from discovery through delivery. The programmes include Thriving Places (our organisational operating model), Changing Futures (our children’s reform programme), our housing improvement programme, our cleaner Islington programme, or our organisational culture change programme. You’ll clarify the problem to solve, agree outcomes, set up fit‑for‑purpose governance, and orchestrate delivery across services and partners. You’ll manage inter‑dependencies, use data and insight to drive decisions, keep benefits real and visible, and shape compelling, evidence‑based business cases that help leaders choose the best route forward.
What you’ll do
- Stand‑up and steer programmes that span multiple services and partners, providing clear direction to multi‑disciplinary delivery teams in a matrix setting.
- Act as part of a change centre‑of‑excellence: set common standards, join the dots across initiatives, and proactively surface risks, issues and dependencies.
- Develop robust business cases, benefits frameworks and delivery plans; track performance and course‑correct with pace.
- Design inclusive engagement, bringing residents’ lived experience and staff insight into programme design and decision‑making.
- Provide crisp, credible assurance and narrative to senior officers and boards – making complexity simple and actionable.
About you
You’re an experienced, strategic‑minded programme manager who thrives in complexity. You’re comfortable shaping strategy and driving delivery; you can lead through influence, not just line management; and you bring a test‑learn‑adapt mindset that balances ambition with evidence. You hold benefits to the light, make smart trade‑offs, and communicate clearly with all levels of the organisation.
Where this role sits
These roles sit in the Council’s central Strategy & Programmes function, working across the organisation’s strategic change portfolio. You’ll collaborate closely with enabling services – Digital, Data & Insight, Finance, Communications, Public Health, Policy and Equality – and directorates owning cross‑cutting change programmes.
Work style and support
Work in a genuinely hybrid way that keeps us close to residents, partners and teams. Regular in‑borough presence alongside flexibility to work remotely, supported by modern collaboration tools and work spaces.
Why join us
- A mandate to tackle organisation‑wide priorities with visible impact for residents.
- A supportive, learning‑oriented environment that values inclusion and diverse perspectives.
- Flexible working and council‑wide benefits, with clear development pathways.
Benefits
- Up to 31 days leave per year (increasing to 36 days after five years of local government service).
- Flexible working arrangements and a 35‑hour working week.
- Learning and development opportunities.
- Competitive pay and a commitment to pay all staff the London Living Wage at minimum.
- Excellent local government pension scheme.
- Cycle to Work scheme and discounted gym memberships.
- Local discounts from restaurants, shops, health and beauty therapists, and more.
Equal Opportunities
We are dedicated to creating an inclusive and equitable workforce, treating everyone with dignity and respect. We maintain a zero‑tolerance approach to unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation under the 2010 Equality Act. We use data to identify and address disparities, fostering a diverse representation of backgrounds and perspectives at all levels.
Pre‑Employment Checks
- Proof of address.
- Evidence of any name changes (if applicable).
- Right to work in the UK.
- Overseas criminal record check (if applicable).
- Satisfactory references.
- Occupational Health clearance.
- Evidence of professional qualifications or registrations.
- DBS check at the appropriate level (if applicable).
Safeguarding
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Disability Confidence
Islington Council operates a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet minimum criteria and is committed to providing support for reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process and throughout their career.
Contact
Email: damien.cole@islington.gov.uk
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