Major Projects Programme Delivery Lead in Dudley

We are seeking an experienced Major Projects Programme Delivery Lead to provide senior leadership across a high-profile portfolio of regeneration, infrastructure, economic growth and place-making initiatives. This is a senior delivery-focused assignment at a pivotal stage of a major transport and regeneration programme. The successful candidate will bring together multiple projects into a coherent programme, establish strong governance and drive tangible delivery across a complex public sector environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide senior programme leadership across major regeneration, infrastructure and place-based initiatives.
• Develop and maintain a single integrated Major Projects Programme, ensuring strategic alignment, dependencies and priorities are clearly understood.
• Lead operational readiness activity associated with major transport infrastructure and interchange projects.
• Establish programme governance, reporting, risk management, assurance and performance dashboards.
• Identify and remove barriers to delivery, driving pace, accountability and effective decision-making.
• Lead the commissioning, procurement and mobilisation of a major place-based masterplan and manage external consultants through delivery.
• Coordinate cross-organisational engagement and ensure projects are aligned with wider regeneration and investment objectives.
• Prepare high-quality Cabinet reports, executive briefings, Member reports, decision papers and programme updates.
• Develop strong relationships with regional transport bodies, combined authorities, developers, investors, consultants and strategic partners.
• Provide senior strategic advice to Members and executive leadership on programme progress, risks, opportunities and investment priorities.
• Ensure major projects create wider opportunities for economic growth, regeneration, investment and place-making.
• Establish delivery arrangements that can transition effectively into the organisation's permanent place-based operating model.

Essential Requirements

• Proven senior-level experience leading major regeneration, infrastructure, economic development or place-based programmes.
• Strong track record of delivering complex programmes within local government or another highly regulated public sector environment.
• Experience managing multiple interconnected projects and translating strategic ambitions into practical delivery programmes.
• Strong knowledge of programme governance, risk management, capital programme delivery and public procurement.
• Experience commissioning and managing external consultants and multidisciplinary delivery teams.
• Demonstrable experience working with elected Members, senior executives and high-profile stakeholders.
• Strong partnership-working experience across public sector organisations, regional bodies, developers and investors.
• Excellent understanding of regeneration, place-making, infrastructure investment and economic development.
• Exceptional communication, influencing and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to establish credibility quickly, operate with autonomy and provide immediate delivery leadership.
• Strong commercial and political awareness, with the judgement to manage financial, reputational and delivery risks.
• A clear bias for action, with the ability to bring structure, pace and accountability to complex programmes.

Key Deliverables

• Establish effective programme governance, reporting and assurance arrangements.
• Deliver operational readiness for major transport infrastructure milestones.
• Procure, mobilise and manage the strategic place-based masterplan commission.
• Produce evidence-based strategic findings and recommendations for senior leadership and Members.
• Create an integrated programme covering major regeneration, infrastructure and place-making initiatives.
• Strengthen collaboration across internal services and external strategic partners.
• Establish a robust programme framework capable of transitioning into the organisation's permanent operating model.

This is a high-profile interim leadership opportunity for an experienced programme professional who can operate at strategic level while maintaining a strong focus on delivery. Candidates should demonstrate a proven record of turning complex regeneration and infrastructure ambitions into structured, governed and deliverable programmes. Apply now with your CV and details of your relevant major projects and public sector programme experience.