LGR Project Director

Overview

We are seeking an experienced Interim Project Director to lead a large-scale, complex Local Government Reorganisation (LRG) programme. This is a senior leadership assignment requiring delivery of major structural change involving aggregation and/or disaggregation of services, operating at Chief Executive and political leadership level.

This role will provide strategic direction, executive oversight, and hands-on programme leadership to ensure successful transition to a new organisational model.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end delivery of a large, complex transformation programme relating to Local Government Reorganisation.

• Oversee aggregation and disaggregation of services, functions, assets, systems, and governance structures.

• Develop and implement programme governance, delivery frameworks, and risk management structures.

• Work closely with Chief Executives, senior leadership teams, elected Members, and external stakeholders.

• Provide clear strategic advice and assurance to political and executive leadership.

• Manage interdependencies across multiple workstreams including HR, finance, ICT, assets, legal, and service delivery.

• Ensure programme delivery within agreed timelines, budgets, and statutory requirements.

• Navigate complex political environments with sensitivity, credibility, and sound judgement.

• Lead and motivate multi-disciplinary teams across organisational boundaries.

• Provide robust reporting, assurance, and stakeholder communication at Board and Cabinet level.

Essential Experience & Skills

• Proven track record as an Interim Project Director / Programme Director leading large, complex, enterprise-wide transformation programmes.

• Significant experience managing structural organisational change including service integration, separation, or redesign.

• Experience operating at Chief Executive, Executive Board, or equivalent senior leadership level.

• Strong political acumen with demonstrable experience working within politically governed environments.

• Excellent stakeholder management skills across senior officers, elected Members, partners, and regulators.

• Strong governance, risk, and programme management expertise.

• Ability to operate with pace, credibility, and resilience in high-profile, high-scrutiny environments.

Desirable

• Previous experience delivering or supporting Local Government Reorganisation (LRG).

• Experience within local authority or wider public sector settings.

Personal Attributes

• Gravitas and executive presence.

• Highly credible with senior and political stakeholders.

• Strategic thinker with strong operational grip.

• Calm under pressure and comfortable managing ambiguity.

• Collaborative yet decisive leadership style.