At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead transformative change initiatives and collaborate with diverse teams to improve public services.
- Company: Staffordshire County Council, dedicated to community improvement and innovative solutions.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid working, supportive environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a values-driven organisation that prioritises employee well-being and career development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on communities while developing your leadership skills in a dynamic setting.
- Qualifications: Experience in programme management and leading complex change initiatives.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
At Staffordshire County Council, we're delivering ambitious change to improve services, strengthen communities and create better outcomes for residents. Our Change Team leads and supports a wide range of transformation activity across the organisation. Working alongside senior leaders, elected members, partners and specialist teams, we help turn strategic priorities into practical, deliverable programmes that make a real difference.
We're looking for a Senior Change Manager to lead some of the Council's most significant transformation programmes. You'll oversee complex change initiatives, support strategic decision-making and ensure programmes are effectively planned, governed and delivered. You'll work across organisational boundaries, bringing together colleagues from areas such as finance, communications, organisational development, digital and insight to deliver successful outcomes. You'll also lead and develop a team of Change Managers, helping to build a strong change community and a culture focused on delivery, innovation and continuous improvement.
Why join us?
- Opportunity to lead high-profile transformation programmes
- Influence strategic decision-making across the organisation
- Manage and develop an experienced team of change professionals
- Work within a supportive and collaborative leadership environment
- Benefit from flexible and hybrid working arrangements
Location and Working Pattern
- Hybrid working based in Stafford
- No shift pattern or rota
- No regular weekend or evening working
Main Responsibilities
In this role you'll:
- Lead major change and transformation programmes from design through to implementation
- Work with senior leaders, elected members and partners to translate strategic priorities into deliverable programmes
- Develop robust programme plans, business cases and governance arrangements
- Manage programme risks, issues, dependencies, resources and benefits
- Build strong relationships and collaborate with stakeholders across the Council and partner organisations
- Bring together colleagues from communications, finance, HR, organisational development, digital and insight teams to support delivery
- Drive innovation, continuous improvement and effective programme management approaches
- Lead, support and develop a team of Change Managers
- Provide strategic advice and programme management expertise to senior leaders
- Deputise for the Head of Change and Digital when required
The Ideal Candidate
The minimum essential criteria that will be assessed for the purposes of shortlisting will be:
- A programme management or business change qualification, or equivalent experience
- Experience leading large and complex change, transformation or improvement programmes
- Experience applying programme, project or business change approaches to deliver successful outcomes
- Experience building effective relationships and influencing senior stakeholders
- Experience leading teams and supporting their development
- Strong communication, negotiation and stakeholder management skills
- The ability to manage competing priorities and deliver in a complex environment
- A collaborative and values-led approach that builds trust and confidence
- A passion for improving public services and delivering positive outcomes
We welcome transferable experience from sectors including transformation, programme delivery, organisational development, consultancy and large-scale service improvement. Interviews are expected to take place during the week commencing 31 August 2026. Should we receive a high volume of applications, we may undertake an initial round of video interviews to support the shortlisting process. Where this applies, video interviews will be held during the week commencing 31 August 2026, with a final interview stage to follow.
For an informal chat about the role, please contact Emilie Kundolf, Change Programme Lead, at emilie.kundolf@staffordshire.gov.uk.
Our Recruitment Process
We anonymise applications during shortlisting to ensure only relevant information is considered. Please complete your application fully, especially the supporting statement, to highlight what you'll bring to the role. Please note: The minimum essential criteria detailed in the Ideal Candidate section will be used if you are applying under one of our Interview Guarantee Schemes.
About Staffordshire County Council
We are no ordinary county council: The core of who we are as an organisation. Just like we all have personal values that shape our thoughts and behaviour, organisational values drive how we think and act collectively. Our values were created and shaped by colleague feedback and national best practice and they sit at the heart of People Strategy: We have a real sense of community spirit that brings our people together. This feeling of belonging means we are all connected to what we do and take pride in the difference we make every day for Staffordshire people. We are ambitious and our sights are set firmly on a better future. We look forward and race ahead - that goes for your career too.
Our benefits
We recognise that it is our employees that are central to everything we do. We aim to create a supportive working environment where employees can achieve their full potential and achieve a healthy work-life balance. In addition to your salary, as a member of staff, you will have access to Our rewards and benefits - Careers at Staffordshire.
Our recruitment process As an Authority we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Staffordshire County Council is an equal opportunities organisation and Disability Confident employer. We encourage applications from all background and communities. As part of our commitment as a Disability Confident employer, a Gold Award Armed Forces employer and our commitment to supporting care leavers - we offer a guaranteed interview as long as your application meets the minimum criteria for the post.
Senior Change Manager in Stafford employer: WMJobs
West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) is an exceptional employer that champions a collaborative and inclusive work culture, offering employees the chance to make a tangible impact in the public sector. With a strong focus on professional development and growth opportunities, WMCA supports its staff in navigating the complexities of local governance while fostering a dynamic environment that values innovation and adaptability. Located in the heart of the West Midlands, employees benefit from a vibrant community and access to a range of resources aimed at enhancing their career journey.
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We think you need these skills to ace Senior Change Manager in Stafford
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