At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic change programmes that make a real difference in the community.
- Company: Islington Council, dedicated to impactful change and community engagement.
- Benefits: Up to 36 days leave, flexible working, competitive pay, and excellent pension scheme.
- Other info: Inclusive environment with clear development pathways and a commitment to diversity.
- Why this job: Join a supportive team driving meaningful change for residents and shaping the future.
- Qualifications: Experience in programme management with a strategic mindset and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 € per year.
About the Role
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 – from discovery through delivery. The programmes 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. You’ll clarify the problem to solve, agree outcomes, set up fit‑for‑purpose governance, and orchestrate delivery across services and partners. You’ll manage inter‑dependencies, use data and insight to drive decisions, keep benefits real and visible, and shape compelling, evidence‑based business cases that help leaders choose the best route forward.
What you’ll do
- 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: set common standards, join the dots across initiatives, and proactively surface 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 comfortable shaping strategy and driving delivery; you can lead through influence, not just line management; and you bring a test‑learn‑adapt mindset that balances ambition with evidence. You hold benefits to the light, make smart trade‑offs, and communicate clearly with all levels of the organisation.
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 Equality – and directorates owning cross‑cutting change programmes.
Work style and support
Work in a genuinely hybrid way that keeps us close to residents, partners and teams. Regular in‑borough presence alongside flexibility to work remotely, supported by modern collaboration tools and work spaces.
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.
Benefits
- Up to 31 days leave per year (increasing to 36 days after five years of local government service).
- Flexible working arrangements and a 35‑hour working week.
- Learning and development opportunities.
- Competitive pay and a commitment to pay all staff the London Living Wage at minimum.
- Excellent local government pension scheme.
- Cycle to Work scheme and discounted gym memberships.
- Local discounts from restaurants, shops, health and beauty therapists, and more.
Equal Opportunities
We are dedicated to creating an inclusive and equitable workforce, treating everyone with dignity and respect. We maintain a zero‑tolerance approach to unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation under the 2010 Equality Act. We use data to identify and address disparities, fostering a diverse representation of backgrounds and perspectives at all levels.
Pre‑Employment Checks
- 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).
Safeguarding
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Disability Confidence
Islington Council operates a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet minimum criteria and is committed to providing support for reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process and throughout their career.
Contact Email: damien.cole@islington.gov.uk
Strategic Programme Manager employer: Islington Council
Islington Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment where strategic minds can thrive. With a strong focus on employee development, flexible working arrangements, and a commitment to making a tangible impact in the community, you will have the opportunity to lead meaningful change across various programmes. Enjoy generous benefits, including up to 36 days of leave, competitive pay, and a robust pension scheme, all while working closely with diverse teams dedicated to improving residents' lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Programme Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at the Council through LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by understanding the Council's strategic priorities. Show us how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in areas like Thriving Places or Changing Futures. Tailor your examples to demonstrate your impact!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your storytelling skills! We want to hear about your past projects in a way that highlights your strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities. Make it engaging and relevant to the role of Strategic Programme Manager.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can keep you fresh in our minds and show your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit!
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Programme Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Strategic Programme Manager. We want to see how you can bring structure and pace to our change programmes, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant examples!
Showcase Your Strategic Mindset:In your written application, emphasise your ability to think strategically and manage complexity. We’re looking for someone who can clarify problems and set outcomes, so share instances where you've successfully navigated similar challenges.
Keep It Clear and Concise:When writing your application, aim for clarity. Use straightforward language to explain your achievements and how they relate to the role. Remember, we appreciate crisp and credible narratives that make complex ideas simple!
Engage with Our Values:Reflect on our commitment to inclusion and diverse perspectives in your application. Share how you’ve engaged with different stakeholders or incorporated lived experiences into your work. We want to see your passion for making a positive impact!
How to prepare for a job interview at Islington Council
✨Understand the Programmes
Familiarise yourself with the specific strategic change programmes mentioned in the job description, like Thriving Places and Changing Futures. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with these initiatives and how you can contribute to their success.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Mindset
Prepare examples that demonstrate your ability to think strategically and manage complex programmes. Highlight instances where you've successfully led cross-functional teams and navigated inter-dependencies, as this will resonate well with the role's requirements.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Practice articulating your thoughts in a clear and concise manner. Given the need to provide assurance to senior officers, be prepared to simplify complex ideas and present them in an actionable way during the interview.
✨Emphasise Inclusivity and Engagement
Be ready to discuss how you’ve incorporated diverse perspectives into programme design and decision-making. Share examples of how you’ve engaged with stakeholders, especially residents, to ensure their insights are reflected in your work.
