At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a new Programme Management Office and coordinate local government reorganisation.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking local government team making impactful changes.
- Benefits: Enjoy 35 days of leave, flexible working, and a strong pension scheme.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of transformative change in local governance.
- Qualifications: Experience in leading complex programmes and PMO leadership is essential.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Two-year fixed term (with potential to extend or become permanent) reporting to Head of People & Transformation.
Overview
Make your mark on a once-in-a-generation change. We’re creating a brand-new Lead Programme Manager role to stand up our new Programme Management Office (PMO) and to coordinate our part in Local Government Reorganisation (LGR).
Why this role matters
Over the next two years, we’ll plan and navigate transition while protecting services and outcomes for residents. You will provide oversight for LGR planning and transition, aligning our work with the Joint Councils PMO and Joint Councils Programme Director. You’ll also provide portfolio visibility across our legacy programmes and projects, helping leaders prioritise and create the headroom we need to deliver the future.
What you’ll deliver
- Stand up and run a fit-for-purpose PMO – define standards, governance and controls aligned to MSP/PRINCE2, using Agile pragmatically where it helps.
- Plan and coordinate LGR delivery – keep our Council-wide plan aligned to joint milestones and governance, managing risks, issues, dependencies and resources.
- Work with the Corporate Performance Management Team to support and strengthen a proportionate portfolio management approach to enable effective prioritisation approaches and decisions.
- Enable great decisions – implement reporting rhythms, dashboards and RAID logs, and operate stage gates/change control proportionate to risk.
- Lead people, not just process – recruit and develop a small PMO team, coach project leads, and role-model calm, collaborative delivery in a high-change environment.
- Be our strategic connector – act as a key liaison with the Joint Councils PMO, Programme Director, and internal services, translating complexity into clear, actionable insight.
What you’ll bring
- A strong track record leading complex programmes in local government or a comparable public/regulated setting.
- Hands-on PMO leadership experience (governance, reporting, assurance, controls) and the credibility to advise senior leaders.
- Methodology fluency: MSP/PRINCE2 (practitioner-level ideal) and experience blending Agile delivery where appropriate.
- Outstanding stakeholder management and communication, able to brief, challenge and influence at pace.
- Data confidence, comfortable turning numbers into insightful dashboards and recommendations (e.g., Excel/Power BI).
Benefits
We offer a generous employee benefits package, including 35 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme with an employer contribution of 20.3%, a healthcare cash-back scheme, flexible working arrangements, and a strong commitment to learning and development through a wide range of professional and personal development opportunities.
How to apply
Closing date: 16 February 2026. To apply please visit the Jobs and careers page to upload your CV and covering letter, highlighting your relevant experience, qualifications, skills and achievements. Applications will undergo a fair, transparent, and equal process. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community. Our recruitment processes are fair, transparent, and designed to ensure that everyone is treated equally at every stage.
Contact: Joanne Jackson, Head of People and Transformation – Joanne.Jackson@baseetlaw.gov.uk or (01909) 533 533.
Lead Programme Manager in Worksop employer: Bassetlaw District Council
Contact Detail:
Bassetlaw District Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Programme Manager in Worksop
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those who work in local government or programme management. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its recent projects. Understand their challenges and think about how your skills can help them navigate the Local Government Reorganisation. Tailor your responses to show you’re not just a fit for the role, but also passionate about their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! When discussing your experience, highlight times when you’ve led teams through change or complex projects. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage risks and deliver results, as this is crucial for the Lead Programme Manager role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, keep an eye on our careers page for any updates or new opportunities that might pop up. We’re all about finding the right fit, so let’s make it happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Programme Manager in Worksop
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Lead Programme Manager role. Highlight your experience in local government and PMO leadership, and don’t forget to showcase your skills in governance and Agile methodologies.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific achievements that align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills: Since this role involves a lot of stakeholder interaction, make sure to highlight your communication skills. Share examples of how you've successfully influenced decisions or managed complex relationships in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing applications come directly from our careers page!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bassetlaw District Council
✨Know Your PMO Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you understand what a Programme Management Office (PMO) does and how it operates. Familiarise yourself with MSP/PRINCE2 methodologies and be ready to discuss how you would implement these in the new role. This shows that you're not just interested in the position but also prepared to hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed stakeholders in previous roles. Think about times when you had to influence decisions or communicate complex information clearly. This is crucial for the Lead Programme Manager role, so having specific anecdotes will help demonstrate your capability.
✨Be Data-Driven
Since the role requires turning numbers into insightful dashboards, brush up on your data skills. Be ready to discuss how you've used tools like Excel or Power BI in past projects. You might even want to prepare a mini-case study to illustrate your approach to data analysis and reporting.
✨Emphasise Leadership and Team Development
This role isn't just about processes; it's about leading people too. Think about your leadership style and how you've developed teams in the past. Be prepared to share your strategies for coaching project leads and fostering a collaborative environment, especially in high-change situations.