Director, Local Government Reform and Devolution
Essex
Role
Director, Local Government Reform and Devolution
Permanent, Full Time
Up to £150,612pa
Location: Chelmsford
Working Style: Anywhere worker
Closing Date: 14th September 2025
Shape the Future of Essex 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 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: 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: 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. If you would like to be kept up to date on other relevant opportunities, blogs, news, events and industry related news at Essex County Council, please join The Essex Talent Community If you have queries or require anything further, please email: strategic.resourcing@essex.gov.uk Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. Further details can be found on our careers page. Links / Downloads Pay and Reward | Our Ways of Working | About Us | Organisation Behaviours