Jobs

Hertfordshire’s councils are embarking on one of the most significant transformations in the county’s history through Local Government Reorganisation. This programme will reshape how local government is organised and how services are delivered for more than 1.2 million residents. As Programme Director, you will lead this complex and high-profile programme, working with chief executives, elected members and partners across the system to guide the county through this pivotal period of change.

Reporting to Hertfordshire’s Chief Executives through the Chief Executive Coordinating Group, you will lead the design and delivery of the transition programme, establishing the governance, programme architecture and delivery structures required to move from the current arrangements to new unitary authorities. You will bring together leaders from across the eleven councils, building shared purpose and ensuring the programme progresses with clarity, discipline and confidence.

This is a role that combines strategic leadership with practical delivery. You will oversee a multi-million-pound programme, establish and lead the Programme Delivery Office, and coordinate a wide range of workstreams covering governance, finance, workforce, systems and service continuity. Ensuring a safe and legally robust transition will be central to the role, while also laying the foundations for the new councils to begin strongly from day one.

The Programme Director will operate at the centre of a highly visible and politically sensitive programme. You will play a critical role in building trust across the system, supporting clear and transparent communication with staff, partners and communities, and ensuring the programme maintains momentum while protecting the continuity of essential public services.

For an experienced programme leader, this is a rare opportunity to shape change at a countywide scale. The leadership you provide will help determine how confidently Hertfordshire moves through this transition and how effectively the new councils are positioned for the future.

About You
We are looking for an experienced and credible programme leader who can bring clarity, structure and calm judgement to a complex system-wide transformation. You will have a strong track record of leading large-scale programmes or organisational change, ideally within local government or another politically accountable environment, and will be comfortable operating in complex, high-profile and multi-stakeholder settings.

You will bring the strategic perspective needed to see the wider system while maintaining a strong focus on delivery. This means translating ambition into clear programme architecture, building robust governance and ensuring progress is maintained across multiple workstreams. Your leadership will help bring together organisations with different perspectives and priorities, creating the conditions for collaboration and shared progress.

Political awareness and stakeholder engagement will be central to your success. You will have the confidence and credibility to work with chief executives, elected members and senior partners, providing clear advice while maintaining trust and neutrality. Your approach will be diplomatic, measured and resilient, with the ability to maintain momentum through uncertainty and complexity.

You will also be an inclusive and collaborative leader who understands that programmes of this scale are ultimately delivered by people. Your leadership will help build confidence across the system, provide clarity during periods of change, and ensure partners and communities remain informed and engaged throughout the transition.

Above all, you will recognise the importance of this moment for Hertfordshire. This is a rare opportunity to help shape the future of local government across the county, ensuring the transition is delivered safely, effectively and with a lasting positive impact for residents and communities.

For a confidential conversation, contact Greg Hayes (07423 243415) or Clare Connor (0161 408 0703) at Tile Hill.

Company: Hertfordshire County Council

Salary: £121k – £134k (fixed term 2 years with option to extend)

Location: Hertfordshire / Hybrid, Hertfordshire

Sector: Corporate Services

Sector: Corporate Management Team

Job Role: Director