£77,833 - £85,119 per annum | Permanent | Full Time | 37 hours per week | County Hall, Preston
Head of Transformation and Improvement
Location: County Hall, Preston (Hybrid Working)
Salary Range: £77,833 - £85,119 per annum ( higher salary requirements could be considered for exceptional applicants. Please specify your salary expectations on your CV )
Are you an inspiring and ambitious leader with a passion for transforming public services and delivering meaningful change at scale?
We are seeking an exceptional Head of Transformation and Improvement to lead our ambitious change agenda at a defining moment for local government. You will join an organisation driven by its vision to Build a Better Lancashire and its commitment to Think Differently , ensuring we continue to deliver high-quality, sustainable services for residents whilst preparing for the future.
This role presents a unique opportunity to shape not only the future of Lancashire County Council, but also the future of local government across Lancashire. As Local Government Reorganisation progresses, you will play a leading role in driving the council's internal transformation programme, helping to redesign services, strengthen organisational capability, and deliver sustainable improvements. Beyond this, you will have the opportunity to work with senior leaders, elected members and partners to help shape the foundations, operating models and future direction of new organisations serving Lancashire's communities.
As our Head of Transformation and Improvement, you will:
- Lead the planning, prioritisation and delivery of the council's Transformation and Improvement Portfolio, ensuring programmes deliver measurable outcomes and benefits.
- Provide strategic leadership and challenge to senior managers across the organisation, supporting the successful delivery of transformation and service improvement priorities.
- Lead and develop a high-performing Transformation and Improvement Service, providing expert internal consultancy, programme management and organisational redesign capability.
- Play a central role in Lancashire's Local Government Reorganisation programme, coordinating and driving significant elements of the council's transformation activity whilst contributing to the development of future organisational arrangements.
- Build strong and productive relationships with senior leaders, elected members, partners and stakeholders across the county and wider local government landscape.
- Foster a culture of innovation, continuous improvement and evidence-based decision making.
- Monitor, evaluate and report on the impact of transformation programmes, ensuring they deliver lasting improvements for residents, communities and the organisation.
What we are looking for
Strategic Leadership
You'll bring substantial senior leadership experience in transformation, organisational change or improvement within local government or a similarly complex public sector environment. You'll be comfortable leading large-scale change programmes and operating in politically sensitive settings.
Transformation and Service Excellence
You'll have a strong track record of designing and delivering complex transformation initiatives, achieving measurable service improvement, financial sustainability and organisational change. You'll have experience of leading high-performing teams and managing significant programmes and resources.
Stakeholder Engagement and Influence
You'll be an accomplished relationship builder with the credibility and confidence to work effectively with senior officers, elected members, regional partners and external stakeholders. You'll be able to influence, challenge and inspire others to achieve ambitious outcomes.
Change Through Ambiguity
You'll thrive in a changing environment, bringing strategic insight, resilience and adaptability. Experience of supporting major organisational change, system transformation or local government reorganisation would be highly advantageous.
What we offer
In return, we offer the opportunity to join us at an exciting point in our history as we navigate the recent decision around Local Government Reorganisation (see below). You will also have the chance to work with and learn from respected colleagues and to really engage on work that makes a meaningful impact.
We also offer a competitive salary and an excellent benefits package. Further details can be found on the vacancies website.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should sufficient applications be received before the advertised closing date.
Local Government Reorganisation
The Government has confirmed that local government across Lancashire will be reorganised, with the current 15 councils being replaced by four new unitary councils covering North, South, East and West Lancashire from April 2028.
If you are successful in your application, you will initially join Lancashire County Council. However, as part of the planned transition, your employment will transfer to one of the new unitary councils from April 2028, subject to the implementation of the reorganisation and relevant employment legislation.
Throughout this period, our focus remains on delivering excellent services to our communities. By joining us now, you'll play an important role in shaping the future of local government and helping to build a strong new organisation that will serve residents for years to come.
Application information and selection process
Please include your CV and a separate personal statement demonstrating how your experience, skills and achievements meet the requirements of the role.
We expect this to be a popular vacancy and want to ensure that candidates progressing through the selection process are those who best meet the requirements of the role. As a result, we are likely to use a two-stage selection process. Stage 1 will involve an informal conversation with shortlisted candidates to explore their skills and experience in more detail. Following this, successful candidates will be invited to Stage 2, which will consist of a formal interview and assessment process.
Closing Date: 16.8.26
Interview Date: 26.8.26
There is only so much we can put in the advert, so for an informal and confidential discussion about the role, please contact:
Will Ivatt – Director of Transformation and Improvement - [email protected]
J ob Description & Person Specification
