Head of Local Government Reorganisation Implementation

📌 Fixed Term – 24 months | 💷 Salary: £72,917 – £81,700 (SLMG 3) | Nottingham, Loxley House – 3 days per week

Lead one of the most significant transformation programmes in Nottingham’s history

Nottingham and Nottinghamshire are preparing for a landmark Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) that will shape how services are delivered for generations to come. With nine existing councils currently serving residents across the city and county, this transition to two new unitary authorities represents a rare and career‑defining opportunity for an exceptional strategic leader.

We are seeking a Head of Local Government Reorganisation Implementation to help steer, coordinate and oversee this major programme on behalf of Nottingham City Council. This is a senior leadership role at the heart of one of the most ambitious public‑sector transformations in the country.

The Opportunity

Working closely with the Director of LGR Implementation, you will help ensure the transition to the new authority is well‑planned, well‑governed and effectively executed. You will take a leading role in designing system‑level programme structures, managing stakeholder relationships across multiple councils, and ensuring that the reorganisation delivers improved services, stronger governance and long‑term financial sustainability.

This is a rare chance to build on the strengths of existing councils, create new synergies, and shape a future local government model that works better for the people of Nottingham.

If you are strategic, politically aware, calm under pressure and energised by large‑scale change, we want to hear from you.

What You’ll Do

Strategic Leadership:

• Set the strategic direction for the LGR programme, helping shape a clear, compelling vision for change.
• Articulate the case for change and ensure full alignment with Nottingham City Council’s priorities.
• Coordinate activity across multiple workstreams and partner councils to maintain a cohesive, system‑wide approach.

Programme & Operational Oversight:

• Lead the day‑to‑day operation of the programme, ensuring milestones are met and workstreams deliver at pace.
• Maintain programme‑wide risks, issues, dependencies and assurance processes, embedding best‑practice programme management.
• Strengthen governance arrangements, ensuring effective decision‑making, oversight and transparent reporting.

Stakeholder & Member Engagement:

• Act as a trusted interface between elected members, senior officers, commissioners and external partners.
• Lead consistent, clear and coordinated communication and engagement across councils and communities.
• Capture insight from citizens and stakeholders to shape decision‑making and ensure the programme reflects community needs.

Design & Delivery:

• Lead the design and implementation of system‑level programme structures and delivery frameworks.
• Coordinate complex activity across multiple councils, regional partners and local communities.
• Ensure the transformation is delivered on time, within budget and aligned to agreed objectives and outcomes.

Change, Culture & Capacity:

• Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation and high performance across the programme.
• Support organisational readiness and workforce planning to ensure capability for future service models.
• Proactively manage risks to ensure the reorganisation delivers long‑term, sustainable benefits.

Resource & Financial Leadership:

• Support the effective allocation and utilisation of programme resources.
• Ensure PMO planning and programme arrangements balance capacity, capability and prioritisation.
• Champion disciplined financial management in line with council policy and regulatory requirements.

Leadership Continuity:

You will also deputise for the Director of LGR when required, providing confident and consistent leadership during periods of absence.

About You

You will be a credible, strategic and influential senior leader with:

• Significant leadership experience in a large, complex organisation
• A strong track record delivering major programmes in local government or similar environments
• Deep understanding of public‑sector governance, risk, finance and performance
• Political acumen and the ability to build trust with senior leaders and elected members
• Experience driving major change and enabling high‑performing teams
• Strong analytical, strategic‑thinking and problem‑solving skills
• A commitment to public value, continuous improvement and accountable leadership

You will also bring:

• A proven ability to work across boundaries and build collaborative partnerships
• Experience designing inclusive services and championing Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
• Confidence managing competing priorities in a dynamic, high‑stakes environment
• A leadership style that is authentic, resilient and grounded in council values

⭐ Why This Role Matters

This role places you at the forefront of one of the most significant changes in our city's history, giving you the opportunity to:

• Shape the structure and future of local government in Nottingham
• Lead a transformative, high‑profile programme with regional significance
• Influence how services are designed, governed and delivered for years to come
• Build new organisational capability and leave a meaningful legacy

You will be part of a committed, forward‑thinking leadership team, supported to deliver meaningful change that directly benefits citizens.

🌈 We Are Committed to Inclusion

We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, identities and experiences. We value inclusive leadership and are committed to building a workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

Apply now

Email your CV and Supporting Statement resourcingsupport@nottinghamcity.gov.uk

For informal queries – email Yvonne.burton@nottinghamcity.gov.uk to arrange a call with James Rhodes, Assistant Chief Executive 

Apply Now

Further Information

• Job Description 
• Candidate Pack