Strategic Programme Manager in London

Make your impact where it matters most.

We’re building a small cohort of Strategic Programme Managers at the heart of the Council’s Strategy and Programmes function. This team acts as a centre of excellence for change – bringing structure, grip and pace to cross‑council priorities, and connecting enabling services so effort lands where residents feel it.

The role

You will lead one of our strategic change programmes (which include Thriving Places (our organisational operating model); Changing Futures (our children’s reform programme); our housing improvement programme; our cleaner Islington programme; or our organisational culture change programme.) from discovery through delivery – clarifying the problem to solve, agreeing outcomes, setting up fit‑for‑purpose governance, and orchestrating delivery across services and partners. You’ll map and manage inter-dependencies across the change portfolio, use data and insight to drive decisions, and keep benefits real and visible. You’ll also shape compelling, evidence‑based business cases and options that help leaders choose the best route forward.

• Stand‑up and steer programmes that span multiple services and partners – providing clear direction to multi‑disciplinary delivery teams in a matrix setting.
• Act as part of a change centre‑of‑excellence: setting common standards, joining the dots across initiatives, and proactively surfacing risks, issues and dependencies.
• Develop robust business cases, benefits frameworks and delivery plans; track performance and course‑correct with pace.
• Design inclusive engagement, bringing residents’ lived experience and staff insight into programme design and decision‑making.
• Provide crisp, credible assurance and narrative to senior officers and Boards – making complexity simple and actionable.

About you

You’re an experienced strategic minded programme manager who thrives in complexity. You’re as comfortable shaping strategy as you are getting delivery moving; you can lead through influence, not just line management; and you bring a test‑learn‑adapt mindset that balances ambition with evidence. You know how to hold benefits to the light, make smart trade‑offs, and communicate clearly with everyone from delivery teams to senior leaders.

Where this role sits

These roles sit in the Council’s central Strategy & Programmes function, working across the organisation’s strategic change portfolio. You’ll collaborate closely with enabling services – Digital, Data & Insight, Finance, Communications, Public Health, Policy and Equalities as we as directorates owning cross cutting change programmes.

Work style and support

We work in a genuinely hybrid way that keeps us close to our residents, partners and teams. You can expect a regular, in‑borough presence alongside the flexibility to work remotely, supported by modern collaboration tools and work spaces. While you will report into the corporate centre, these significant programmes of change have a matrix delivery model, drawing from the services themselves.

Why join us

• A mandate to tackle organisation wide priorities with visible impact for residents.
• A supportive, learning‑oriented environment that values inclusion and diverse perspectives.
• Flexible working and council‑wide benefits, with clear development pathways (we’ll share more in the recruitment pack and “Why work for us” information).

Ready to Shape the Future? Apply Now!

Damien Cole – Programme Director

Email: [email protected]

We are committed to challenging inequality in the borough and as one of the largest employers we know that to look after the place and the planet, we have to look after our people. Our staff benefits include:

Please note: Priority will be given to those at risk of redundancy within Islington Council. Current employees who are part of the redeployment pool must meet the essential criteria for shortlisting to be prioritised.

We are dedicated to creating an inclusive and equitable workforce, where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. Our workforce strategy places equality, equity, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of everything we do, reaffirming our commitment to fostering a culture of inclusion. We strive to create an environment where all colleagues feel they belong and can safely express their thoughts, ideas, and challenges, without fear of judgement or discrimination.

We maintain a zero-tolerance approach to any unlawful discrimination, harassment, or victimisation on the grounds of any protected characteristics under the 2010 Equality Act, including but not limited to race, disability, sexual orientation, sex, religion and belief, age, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy, and maternity. Any incidents of discrimination will be promptly investigated and addressed in line with our HR policies to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all colleagues.

We use data to identify and address disparities, ensuring that our policies and practices are transparent and impactful in promoting a diverse representation of backgrounds and perspectives at all levels of the organisation. We look at inequality through an intersectional lens, recognising that different aspects of someone’s identity can combine to create unique experiences of discrimination and disadvantage.

We know that advancing diversity and inclusion is a continuous journey, and we must listen to our colleagues and learn where we can further improve. We work closely with our Colleague Forums and Trade Unions, supported by active allies from our Corporate Management Team, to monitor and evaluate our practices, identify barriers, and empower colleagues to promote equality and inclusion in the workplace.

Every one of us has a role to play in making Islington Council a truly inclusive workplace. By living out our CARE (collaborative, ambitious, resourceful, and empowering) values every day and embedding the principles of equality, equity, diversity, and inclusion in our work, we can all actively contribute to empowering people and creating a more equal Islington.

Pre‑Employment Checks
Any offer of employment will be subject to the successful completion of required pre‑employment checks. These may include:

• Proof of address
• Evidence of any name changes (if applicable)
• Right to work in the UK
• Overseas criminal record check (if applicable)
• Satisfactory references
• Occupational Health clearance
• Evidence of professional qualifications or registrations
• DBS check at the appropriate level (if applicable)

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expects all staff, and volunteers to share this commitment. Some posts are subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.