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Essex is on the government’s Priority Programme for Local Government Reform, one of the most ambitious and complex reform programmes in the UK. At the heart of this radical transformation is a bold vision: to reshape local government and public service delivery across Greater Essex including the creation of a Mayoral Combined Authority. By 2028 there will be the reorganisation of the current two-tier system of fifteen Councils into fewer new unitary councils.

This is a rare opportunity for Essex County Council (ECC) and our partners to co-create a new model of local government. One that is rooted in neighbourhood, integrates key services, offers greater choice to communities, and is built on collaboration with partners including Health, Police, and Fire services. 

Essex County Council is looking for a delivery focussed, visionary and resilient leader to take on what may be the most challenging, complex and rewarding role in local government today. This role is critical to providing strategic leadership on behalf of Essex County Council. This will involve working with the ECC Corporate Leadership Team and Cabinet to influence and shape the future proposals. This will be a team effort, notably working in partnership with all Councils in Essex as we work to implement reform across the Greater Essex system. This role is for someone who can focus on very complex delivery and complexity of such a huge re organisation, whilst bringing imagination and creativity to visualise a better future for our residents.

The Role

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive and working closely with the Chief Executive, Leader and Cabinet Members - in ECC, but also with senior leaders and politicians of all parties across our partners - in respect of all matters relating to Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), you will lead ECC in the co-design and implementation of a nationally significant reform programme. Your mission is to lead the transition for Essex County Council to a new governance model, potentially moving from fifteen organisations to three, four or five whilst aligning with ECC’s strategic priorities and the aspirations of our communities.This role is for someone who can thrive and manage huge complexity and who has the imagination and creativity to visualise a better future for our residents and lead others to deliver that.

You will be a core member of the Corporate Leadership Team, providing strategic leadership across the Council and the wider system. This role demands imagination, delivery focus, and the ability to navigate political complexity while inspiring others to visualise and build a better future.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of the LGR and devolution programme, ensuring alignment with ECC’s strategic vision and business case.
• Be part of a Greater Essex implementation team.
• Drive system-wide collaboration across local government, health, police, fire, education, and economic development.
• Build strong, trusted relationships with senior leaders and politicians from all parties across Councils, wider public sector and business leaders.
• Design and deliver an inclusive engagement strategy that brings Councillors, partners, and communities into the heart of the reform journey.
• Shape the creation of new unitary Councils, embedding values, culture, and long-term service integration.
• Ensure robust governance and integration with other corporate transformation programmes.
• Lead a programme with an estimated impact of over £200 million, balancing ambition with delivery discipline.

What We’re Looking For

We’re seeking a strategic, imaginative, and politically astute leader who can thrive in complexity and inspire change at scale. You will bring:

• A proven track record of leading large-scale transformation and culture change across systems and partnerships.
• Outstanding communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence across political and organisational boundaries.
• Strong programme management and commercial acumen with significant experience of delivering successful outcomes through multi-disciplinary teams spanning across complex systems.
• A deep commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusive leadership.
• The resilience, creativity, and vision to lead one of the most significant reform programmes in the country.

Why Essex?

Essex is a county with a clear identity, vision, and plan. Recently ranked in the top three Councils for productivity by IMPOWER, we are proud of our achievements and excited about the future.

As one of the largest and most dynamic UK local authorities, Essex offers a stimulating public service environment. Covering over 1,420 square miles and serving 1.8 million residents, we’re committed to transformational change and delivering better quality at lower cost. With flexible working options and a focus on innovation, whether you are looking to develop your career or contribute to the local community, Essex is the ideal place for you.

In February 2025, Greater Essex was accepted onto the Government’s devolution priority programme, which will see local authorities in Essex work towards establishing a Mayoral Combined County Authority by May 2026. You can read more about devolution and local government reorganisation (LGR) on our careers site.

We are a Disability Confident Employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. Adjustments will be made throughout the recruitment process to support candidates with specific needs.

Once you’ve secured your role within Essex County Council you will receive many great employee benefits, in addition to your salary, this role offers a number of benefits including Local Government Pension Scheme, Private Medical Insurance and 31 days annual leave.

What you should do next?

To apply, please submit your CV along with a supporting statement outlining your suitability for the role.

 Indicative timetable:

• Closing date for applications: 14th September 2025
• Stakeholder Meetings: w/c 22nd September 2025
• Fireside Chats with Chief Executive: w/c 29th September 2025
• Technical Interviews: w/c 6th October 2025 (Chelmsford)
• Final Interviews: TBC (Chelmsford)

Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We’re committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements of the job. Please speak to our Recruiters if you require any reasonable adjustments during the process. We’re also committed to interview all veterans and care leavers, who meet the minimum requirements of the role for which they are applying.

At Essex County Council, we value integrity and ethical behaviour. We kindly ask that you embrace our code of conduct and the Nolan principles, including throughout the recruitment process. Your commitment to these standards helps us maintain a positive and respectful workplace for everyone.

Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.

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If you have queries or require anything further, please email: strategic.resourcing@essex.gov.uk 

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