At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead cultural change and organisational development initiatives for a transformative council programme.
- Company: Join Durham County Council, dedicated to enhancing community outcomes through strategic transformation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous holidays, and a supportive work-life balance with various perks.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team driving meaningful change and improving lives in the community.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR/OD initiatives and managing cultural change is essential.
- Other info: Hybrid working model available; applications must be submitted online.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Are you passionate about driving cultural change and organisational development? Do you have the skills to lead transformation initiatives that align with strategic priorities and enhance workforce capability? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you to join our team as an Organisational Development and Change Manager (Transformation).
WHAT IS INVOLVED?
In this role, you will strategically manage culture change and organisational development initiatives associated with the Council’s transformation programme. You will play a key part in shaping a high-performing, efficient, and agile organisation that delivers better outcomes for residents. You will work closely with leaders and managers to integrate change into core business processes, policies, and performance frameworks.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead on identifying, designing, and implementing organisational development initiatives aligned with the council’s transformation strategy and programme.
- Support the development and roll-out of change management plans across the organisation, including delivering change management training to leaders and managers.
- Lead efforts to embed new behaviours, mindsets, and ways of working across the council to ensure changes introduced by the transformation programme are sustained over the long term.
We encourage you to contact Su Jordan, Strategic Manager – PPMO via email at su.jordan@durham.gov.uk to arrange an informal discussion about the role.
WHAT WILL I NEED?
To be successful in this role, you will need:
- Experience of leading, developing, and implementing HR/OD initiatives within a large organisation.
- Demonstrated ability to manage cultural change initiatives that support a shift towards new ways of working, improved performance, and innovation.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, customer care, organisational, and presentation skills.
Please refer to the attached person specification for the full criteria.
BENEFITS AND REWARDS
We offer generous rewards and benefits that are designed to help you perform at your best:
- Competitive salaries and 27 days holiday per year rising to 32 days after five years continuous local government service.
- Option to purchase up to 10 additional days annual leave per year.
- Excellent work/life balance through schemes including job sharing, compressed hours and flexi-time (allowing up to 13 flexi days per year).
- Hybrid working (home and office working).
- Excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS). Plus, top up options – Salary Sacrifice Shared Cost AVC scheme and standard AVC scheme for members of the LGPS.
- Wellbeing Portal and access to an Employee Assist Scheme.
- Wide range of learning and development opportunities including professional qualifications, coaching and mentoring.
- Employee Benefits Portal and Lifestyle Savings Scheme (discounts across a host of major retailers).
- Discounted DCC gym membership.
- Staff networks run by staff for our staff, including Race Equality and Diversity, Disability, LGBT+, Armed Forces, Carers, Menopause.
- Trade Union membership.
- A range of other salary sacrifice schemes such as car leasing.
Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions. Take a closer look: https://www.durham.gov.uk/article/26895/Rewards-and-benefits
SOCIAL MEDIA
Don’t see the perfect role for you right now? Keep an eye on our social media channels for updates on new opportunities at Durham County Council!
Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dccjobsandcareers/
Like us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/durhamcountycounciljobsandcareers
HYBRID WORKING
Durham County Council currently operates a hybrid working policy where a model of 2 days in the workplace and 3 days at home/remote will apply. This model is pro-rated for part time roles and arrangements are at managers discretion, alternatively you can work all of your contracted hours within the workplace if you prefer.
EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION
We are a proud equal opportunities employer and recognise that a diverse, talented workforce brings new ideas and new perspectives, which will facilitate growth and improvements to services.
We are committed to ensuring that our employment policies and processes are fair and equitable to all. We welcome job applications from everyone, and successful candidates are considered only on their skills and ability to do the job.
As a Disability Confident Leader, we encourage applications from disabled people and provide support throughout the recruitment process.
Take a closer look: https://www.durham.gov.uk/article/26899/Equality-diversity-and-inclusion-in-our-workforce
INTERVIEWS
Interviews will be held on Monday 22 September 2025.
We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran.
HOW TO APPLY
In line with the County Council\’s Recruitment and Selection Policy, please note that we are unable to accept CVs. Applications must be submitted on-line via the Northeast Jobs portal.
Please use the ‘Person Specification’ section of your application form to demonstrate that you have the essential and where possible, desirable experience, skills, and knowledge. Candidates who do not evidence that they meet the essential qualifications and experience listed on the person specification will not be short-listed.
If you have any support needs or require assistance when applying for this role, please contact the Recruitment Team via email on RecruitmentChiefExecutive\’s@durham.gov.uk or telephone 03000 262727 – Option 6.
PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION REGARDING YOUR APPLICATION FOR THIS POST WILL BE SENT TO THE EMAIL ADDRESS THAT YOU HAVE REGISTERED WITH NORTH EAST JOBS, INCLUDING YOUR INVITE TO INTERVIEW IF YOU ARE SHORTLISTED. PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL AFTER THE CLOSING DATE FOR NOTIFICATION FROM DONOTREPLY@NORTHEASTJOBS.ORG.UK AS YOU WILL NOT BE NOTIFIED BY ANY OTHER MEANS. PLEASE ENSURE YOU CHECK YOUR JUNK MAIL.
We collect personal information from you when you register with North East Jobs and make an application. Details on how we process your personal data is available in our Privacy Notice https://www.durham.gov.uk/media/24645/Privacy-notice-human-resources/pdf/PrivacyNotice-HR.pdf
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Organisational Development and Change Manager employer: Durham County Council
Contact Detail:
Durham County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Organisational Development and Change Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in organisational development and change management. Attend relevant workshops or webinars to connect with industry leaders and gain insights into current trends and practices.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific transformation initiatives of Durham County Council. Understanding their strategic priorities will help you tailor your discussions and demonstrate your alignment with their goals during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences in leading cultural change initiatives. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your ability to drive transformation and improve workforce capability.
✨Tip Number 4
Reach out to Su Jordan, the Strategic Manager - PPMO, for an informal chat about the role. This can provide you with valuable insights and show your genuine interest in the position.
We think you need these skills to ace Organisational Development and Change Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the key responsibilities and requirements. Highlight your relevant experience in leading cultural change and organisational development initiatives.
Tailor Your Application: Customise your application to reflect how your skills and experiences align with the specific needs of the role. Use examples that demonstrate your ability to manage transformation initiatives effectively.
Highlight Communication Skills: Since excellent verbal and written communication skills are essential for this role, ensure your application showcases these abilities. Consider including examples of successful presentations or training sessions you've conducted.
Use the Person Specification: Make sure to refer to the person specification in your application. Clearly demonstrate how you meet both the essential and desirable criteria listed, as this will be crucial for getting shortlisted.
How to prepare for a job interview at Durham County Council
✨Understand the Transformation Programme
Familiarise yourself with the council's transformation programme and its strategic priorities. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals and how you can contribute to driving cultural change.
✨Showcase Your Change Management Skills
Prepare examples of past initiatives where you've successfully led cultural change. Highlight your ability to manage resistance and embed new behaviours, as this will be crucial for the role.
✨Communicate Effectively
Since excellent communication skills are essential, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Be ready to demonstrate your verbal and written communication abilities through examples or scenarios during the interview.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Don't hesitate to ask insightful questions about the role and the organisation. This shows your genuine interest and helps you gauge if the position is the right fit for you.