R2R103852 - 131980 - Head of Transformation

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Your New Organisation

Southend on Sea City Council is a Unitary local authority, providing vital services to meet the needs of the local community. We employ around 1,800 staff who are working alongside our partners and local communities to deliver the city vision and make lives better for the people of Southend. Working for Southend on Sea City Council offers a challenging and rewarding career in local government within a collaborative and innovative environment, with the benefit of flexible working practices to support a positive work life balance. As a Unitary Authority we are responsible for all local government functions ranging from social services, transport, public health and parks through to planning, trading standards, community safety and education, so we offer a wide range of career opportunities. The diversity of our economy and communities and investment in a number of exciting regeneration projects makes our Council a great place to work, learn and make a difference.

Your new role

Lead one of the most ambitious and wide ranging transformation portfolios in local government. Southend‑on‑Sea City Council is appointing a Head of Transformation (L13) to lead delivery of a council wide transformation agenda, strengthening outcomes, productivity and financial sustainability through clear programme grip and measurable benefits. This is a senior leadership role at the centre of a substantial organisation wide programme, with the additional opportunity to shape how Southend's plans align with Local Government Reorganisation following the Government's decision to implement five new unitaries in Greater Essex, including a South East Essex authority with Castle Point Borough Council and Rochford District Council. Southend is increasingly leading innovative and large scale change, both within the organisation and across the wider system. Over recent years the council has strengthened its transformation approach and is now delivering a coordinated corporate program.

What you'll need to succeed

This is a role with real scale and visibility, in a unitary council that delivers the full range of services and is already demonstrating momentum in its transformation programme. Alongside the scope of the role, Southend offers a strong and competitive employment package. This includes membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme, a competitive senior salary, and annual leave starting at 25 days and rising to 32 days with service. The council operates a flexible and hybrid working approach, supported by investment in digital and workplace technology, enabling senior leaders to balance visible organisational leadership with focused delivery. Crucially, this role sits at the intersection of organisational transformation and one of the most ambitious and complex Local Government Reorganisation programmes in the country. You will be working at the early stages of implementation, shaping how Southend's transformation agenda aligns with and influences the emerging South East England.

What you'll get in return

When joining the council, you can enjoy a range of benefits including: 25 days annual leave, flexible working and excellent training and development opportunities. They are committed to ensuring that you are supported in this varied and challenging role with the appropriate level of training. A full list of benefits provided by Southend Council can be viewed on the "Why Work For Us?" tab. The Council is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications, regardless of race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, age or religion or belief.