At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a transformative Local Government Reorganisation programme, ensuring effective delivery and stakeholder engagement.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking Upper Tier Authority making a significant impact in local governance.
- Benefits: Competitive £750 per day, flexible hybrid working, and potential for contract extension.
- Other info: Opportunity to influence future service delivery with strong senior visibility.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of reshaping local services and driving meaningful change in your community.
- Qualifications: Significant experience in local government programmes, especially recent LGR involvement.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
£750 Per Day, Inside IR35, 6 month contract
Based in Reading Hybrid Working (2 or 3 days per week on site)
To Start ASAP
Your new company
Step into a pivotal leadership role within a large, forward-thinking Upper Tier Authority delivering a high-profile Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). This is a once in a generation transformation that will reshape how services are delivered, bringing together multiple councils into a single, modern, unitary organisation. This ambitious proposal is focused on creating a simpler, more efficient model that improves outcomes for residents while strengthening financial sustainability and operational resilience.
Your new role
This is a senior Programme Manager role leading one of the core workstreams within a complex LGR programme. You will be responsible for translating strategic intent into structured delivery, ensuring your workstream progresses from planning through to implementation in line with programme objectives. You will take ownership of delivery across key areas such as systems, finance, procurement, relationships or customer experience, ensuring that plans, milestones and dependencies are clearly defined and actively managed. Working closely with senior stakeholders, you will bring structure, pace and clarity, ensuring work moves from workshops and design into tangible, deliverable outcomes.
A key requirement for this role is prior involvement in recent LGR programmes within the last 6-9 months, particularly where you have contributed to early conversations, shaping proposals or supporting submissions. This experience will enable you to quickly understand the context, anticipate challenges and accelerate delivery as the programme progresses. Candidates with this background will be strongly prioritised.
Operating within a multi-council environment, you will manage complexity across different organisations, systems and ways of working, ensuring alignment and consistency while navigating local variation. You will play a critical role in identifying risks, resolving cross-cutting challenges and ensuring dependencies across workstreams are understood and managed effectively. You will also contribute to programme-level decision-making, providing clear updates, options and recommendations to senior leadership, ensuring that delivery remains on track and aligned to the broader transformation vision. This is a highly visible role where your ability to drive progress and maintain grip will be key to success.
What you'll need to succeed
You will bring significant experience leading complex programmes or workstreams within local government, with recent, hands-on involvement in Local Government Reorganisation activity being absolutely critical. We are specifically looking for candidates who have been involved in LGR programmes within the last 6-9 months, particularly those who have supported councils through the early-stage conversations, proposal development and submission phases. This experience is highly valuable as the programme moves from proposal into delivery and candidates with this background will be prioritised.
You will have a strong track record of translating strategy into delivery, managing multiple priorities and working across organisational boundaries without direct authority. Experience managing interdependencies across systems, finance, procurement or service delivery functions is essential. You will be confident engaging senior stakeholders, influencing decisions and holding teams to account, with a clear focus on outcomes and delivery pace. Strong risk management capability, structured programme planning and excellent communication skills are key, alongside the ability to remain calm and effective in complex, fast-moving environments. Local government experience is a strict prerequisite for this role.
What you'll get in return
This role offers the opportunity to play a central part in delivering one of the most significant transformation programmes in the region. You will have direct influence over how services are shaped in the future, working at the heart of a high-profile programme with strong senior visibility. Alongside a competitive day rate, you will benefit from flexible working and strong potential for contract extension as the programme evolves.
What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
Programme Manager - Local Government Transformation in Reading employer: Hays Technology
Join a dynamic technology team as an Application Engineer/Web Developer, where innovation meets collaboration in a fast-paced environment. Enjoy flexible working arrangements and an industry-leading benefits package, including a generous bonus and pension scheme, while contributing to the development of high-quality digital platforms. With ample opportunities for professional growth and a culture that promotes knowledge sharing and best practices, this role is perfect for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the tech industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Programme Manager - Local Government Transformation in Reading
✨Get Engaged in Local Politics
Dive into your local council meetings or community boards. These spaces are packed with people who are already in the public sector and might have insider tips on upcoming temporary roles. Plus, you can connect directly with key decision-makers.
✨Stay Alert for Seasonal Recruitment
Many public sector jobs ramp up during certain times of the year, especially around election seasons or local budget planning periods. Keep your eyes peeled for recruitment drives during these windows, as they're prime times for temporary positions.
✨Leverage Online Job Portals
Don’t forget to check government job boards or websites like the local council's site for temporary postings. This is where many roles first get advertised, and applying directly here can speed things up.
✨Tap Into Your University Resources
If you're at university, make the most of your career services to discover opportunities in the public sector. They often have connections with local government employers who are looking for temporary staff and can help you polish your approach.
We think you need these skills to ace Programme Manager - Local Government Transformation in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Emphasise your understanding of public policy:In your application, make sure to highlight any knowledge or experience you have related to public policy, governance or community engagement. Show us how you can contribute to the public sector’s mission, especially if you've worked on relevant projects or initiatives before!
Tailor your CV to the sector's expectations:When crafting your CV, focus on including experiences that showcase your ability to work within government structures or similar environments. Use clear, concise language and consider adding any volunteer work or internships that reflect your commitment to public service.
Show flexibility and willingness to learn:Since this is a temporary role, it’s crucial to convey your adaptability and eagerness to pick up new skills quickly. In your cover letter, let us know how you plan to make the most of this short-term experience and what you hope to learn from it.
Include relevant certificates and training:If you've completed any training or have certifications that are relevant to the role (like public administration, project management, or data analysis), don't forget to mention them. These can really make you stand out in the application process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays Technology
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Public Service
In the government and public sector, showing that you're genuinely passionate about serving the community is key. Get ready to share examples where you've contributed to social good or tackled community issues, as this will resonate with interviewers from Hays Technology.
✨Prepare for Policy and Regulatory Questions
Expect questions about policies, regulations, or recently implemented government initiatives. Brush up on the latest news relating to public sector developments—being informed will help you demonstrate that you're ready to hit the ground running, especially in a temporary role.
✨Flexibility is Your Best Friend
Since this is a temporary role, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly. Share examples where you've successfully taken on new challenges or adjusted to different team dynamics, that'll show Hays Technology that you’re reliable and can effectively support various projects without a long onboarding process.
✨Prepare to Showcase Teamwork Skills
In the public sector, collaboration is vital. Be ready to discuss past experiences working in teams, especially in diverse environments. Highlight how you've contributed positively to group settings—this could really set you apart from other candidates in this temporary role.
