Assistant Director – Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)
Scale 12 (£70,896 - £85,208 per annum)
37 hours per week
Permanent
Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) represents one of the most significant changes to local government in a generation. We are seeking an experienced and inspirational leader to help us prepare for LGR and help to shape the future of services across Blaby District Council. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive and forming part of the Strategic Leadership Team, the Assistant Director - LGR will provide strategic leadership, programme direction and operational oversight for the Council's Local Government Reorganisation programme.
This is a high-profile role where you will lead the planning, design and delivery of complex transformation activity, ensuring the successful transition to new local government arrangements while maintaining excellent services for residents and communities. You will work closely with elected Members, senior leaders, partner organisations, government bodies and external stakeholders, providing expert advice, developing governance arrangements, overseeing programme delivery and ensuring organisational readiness throughout the transition.
We are looking for someone with significant senior leadership experience and, ideally, a strong track record of delivering large-scale transformation programmes within local government or the wider public sector. You will bring excellent programme leadership skills, political awareness and the ability to build credibility and influence at the highest levels. Experience of leading multi-disciplinary teams, managing complex stakeholder relationships, preparing strategic reports and navigating organisational change is essential.
You will have a strong understanding of programme and project management, governance, organisational transformation and public sector decision-making. The successful candidate will be an effective communicator with the ability to present complex issues clearly, manage competing priorities and build productive partnerships across the organisation. Above all, you will be a strategic thinker with the resilience, professionalism and leadership skills needed to guide the Council through this exciting and transformative period.
Essential criteria include:
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Degree level qualification or equivalent professional experience in a relevant discipline.
- Significant senior leadership experience within a complex organisation.
- Experience of delivering large-scale organisational transformation programmes within local government or the wider public sector.
- Experience of advising senior leaders, elected Members and governance bodies.
- Experience of managing significant budgets and resources.
- Ability to develop and maintain effective partnerships with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders.
- Excellent programme leadership, strategic planning and communication skills.
- Understanding of Local Government Reorganisation, local government governance and democratic decision-making arrangements.
Benefits of working with us include a local government pension scheme, exciting career opportunities, flexible working including a flexi-time scheme and out of town offices with free car parking and cycle bays.
We also support Hybrid working arrangements with a combination of on-site and home working.
This is a politically restricted position; the successful candidate will be speaking on behalf of the Council on a regular basis to journalists or broadcasters. This means that that individual appointed to the role is prevented from having any active political role either in or outside the workplace.
Apply online and attach your CV and covering letter. Should you have any technical issues when applying, please email
[email protected]
Internal applicants can apply for this exciting opportunity via iTrent Employee Self Service (ESS). Once logged in, if you click on the person icon in the top right corner of the Home Screen and then on 'useful links', another link will appear called ‘Apply for a Job’ (Web recruitment)
Closing date: 7th September 2026
Interview date: week commencing 14th September 2026
Blaby District Council is committed to equality of opportunity for all, and we welcome applications from all diversities. We are committed to the employment and career development of disabled people and those in the Armed Forces, and therefore as a Disability Confident Employer and to show that we commit to the Armed Forces Covenant, we offer a Guaranteed Interview Scheme.
Local Government Reorganisation
Local government across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland is changing. From April 2028, the current two-tier system will be replaced by two new unitary councils: Leicester Council and Leicestershire and Rutland Council.
The area served by Blaby District Council will form part of both new unitary councils, creating a unique opportunity to contribute to the future of local government across the region.
Blaby District Council remains committed to delivering excellent services throughout this period of change. If you join us and are employed on 1 April 2028, your employment is expected to transfer to one of the new unitary councils, with your existing terms and conditions protected in line with legislation. We’d be happy to discuss this in more detail at interview stage. In the meantime, you may wish to read more on Local Government Reorganisation in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland on the Future LLR Councils website.
This is an exciting time to join us. Alongside making a real difference for our residents, businesses and communities, you will have the opportunity to contribute to one of the most significant transformations in local government and help shape services for future generations.
