Strategic Programme Lead (Local Government Reorganisation) (Internal Applicants Only)

PLEASE NOTE THIS POST IS ONLY OPEN TO INTERNAL APPLICANTS 

Organisation: Leicestershire County Council

Work Location: County Hall, LE3 8RA

Salary: £84,810 - £96,405 pro rata for part-time (pay award pending) 

Working Hours: 37 hours per week

Contract Type: Secondment for up to 2 years 

Closing Date: 17th September 2026

Interview Date(s): tbc

Leicestershire County Council is inviting expressions of interest from colleagues for an internal 2 year secondment opportunity to lead our delivery of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). This is one of the most significant transformation programmes the Council will undertake and will help shape the future of local government across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

This opportunity would suit an experienced senior colleague who can bring strong programme leadership, organisational knowledge and the ability to work confidently across political, corporate and partnership environments. It offers the successful candidate the opportunity to contribute directly to a high-profile and strategically important area of work, while further developing senior leadership experience in a complex and evolving context.

About the Role

The secondee will play a key role in coordinating the County Council's strategic approach to Local Government Reorganisation, ensuring the programme is effectively planned, governed and delivered in line with government policy, legislative requirements and organisational objectives.

Working closely with elected Members, senior officers, government representatives and partner organisations, the role will provide strategic leadership, coordination and advice throughout the reorganisation process. This will include supporting effective governance arrangements, overseeing programme delivery, managing risks and dependencies, and ensuring that service continuity remains a key consideration as the Council moves through a period of significant change.

The role will also contribute to the development of future operating models, support organisational readiness, and help foster a culture of collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement across the Council and with partners.

About You

We are looking for expressions of interest from colleagues who can demonstrate:

• Significant experience of leading or contributing to complex, large-scale transformation and change programmes.
• A strong track record of delivering organisational change while maintaining a clear focus on service quality, continuity and outcomes.
• Experience of working with senior leaders and elected Members, and confidence operating within a complex political environment.
• Strong stakeholder management, engagement and negotiation skills, including the ability to work effectively with government officials, partner organisations and senior external stakeholders.
• Excellent strategic thinking, analytical and communication skills, with the ability to explain complex issues clearly and support effective decision-making.
• A sound understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing local government, including the potential implications of Local Government Reorganisation for services, residents, staff and partners.
• A relevant professional qualification or equivalent senior-level experience, together with evidence of continued professional development.

Why express an interest?

This secondment offers the chance to work on a high-profile programme that will shape the future of local government services in the area. It will provide valuable experience of working with senior leaders, Members and partners on complex strategic change.

Interested colleagues are encouraged to discuss this opportunity with their line manager before submitting an expression of interest. Expressions of interest should set out relevant experience, skills and motivation for the role, together with the contribution the colleague would bring to this important programme.

To express an interest, please click the apply button to submit a CV and short statement outlining your relevant experience and what you would bring to the role.

Reasonable adjustments will be considered for applicants with a disability. We are a Disability Confident Employer.

We are open to discussions about flexible working, which may include part time working, job sharing, term-time working, flexible start and finish times, and hybrid working, depending on the requirements of the role and the service. 

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible. 

If you have any technical issues when trying to apply for this post or you want to request an application pack in an alternative format, please contact our Employee Service Centre by telephoning 0300 3030222 (select option 2) or raising a ticket via our online portal: https://emss.org.uk/support. 

By applying for this post, you agree to our Terms and Conditions.

About Leicestershire County Council

At Leicestershire County Council, we're committed to making a real difference in people's lives. Our aim is to work with communities and partners to deliver public services that make Leicestershire the best possible place to live and work for everyone. 

Our employees play a key role in supporting this goal and helping us deliver the vital services we provide to the people of Leicestershire. Whether you're starting your career or looking for your next challenge, you'll find a place with us where your ideas are valued, and your work has purpose.

For further information on what it’s like to work for us and the benefits we offer, please refer to the following:

Our Recruitment Process
Our Organisational Values
Our Employee Benefits
Working for Us