LGR Programme Manager - Interim

About the role

You will be working for a council in Oxfordshire on their Local Government Reform (LGR) programme, leading a part of the programme within one directorate area. The role is hybrid, primarily remote with monthly on‑site meetings and key stakeholder engagements.

Key responsibilities

• Lead planning and delivery of the LGR workstream or programme.
• Develop and maintain programme plans, milestones and transition roadmaps.
• Ensure statutory deadlines and government requirements are met.
• Establish programme governance structures, boards and decision‑making forums.
• Produce progress reports, dashboards and briefings for senior leaders and government stakeholders.
• Track benefits, risks, issues, assumptions and dependencies (RAID management).
• Provide assurance that transition activities remain on schedule and within budget.
• Act as the key point of contact between councils, programme teams and external stakeholders.
• Build relationships with Chief Executives, Directors, elected Members and partner organisations.
• Facilitate workshops, consultation activities and engagement events.
• Manage communications and change messaging across the organisation.
• Identify and mitigate strategic and operational risks.
• Monitor programme budgets and external funding.

Required profile

• Experience with LGR programmes through readiness programmes or delivery phases.
• Extensive local government experience and understanding of council environments.

Required skills

• PRINCE2, MSP, APM or equivalent programme management expertise.
• Experience of complex organisational change and transformation.
• Strong political awareness within local government.
• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills.
• Governance, risk and assurance experience.
• Financial and benefits realisation capability.
• Experience working with senior executives, councillors and government bodies.

What we offer

• £650‑750 day rate, dependent on experience.
• Inside IR35.
• 6‑month fixed‑term contract.