Programme Director, Service Modernisation

Fixed Term - 12 Months, Full Time

Up to £108,513 Per Annum

Location: Chelmsford

Closing Date: Sunday 1st November 2026 at 11.59pm

Please note that visa sponsorship is not available for this role. Applicants must have a current, unrestricted right to work in the UK.

This role offers flexible hybrid working, with attendance at our Chelmsford office typically required around 2 days per week but is depending on business need. Enjoy the flexibility of hybrid working while maintaining regular in-person collaboration with colleagues.

Essex County Council is investing in its future by establishing a new Service Modernisation capability to transform how services are designed and delivered. This will help the Council improve outcomes for residents, increase productivity and deliver sustainable financial benefits, while developing the approaches, skills and delivery capacity needed to modernise services at scale.

The Role

The Programme Director for Service Modernisation is a senior role responsible for designing, mobilising and establishing the Council's Service Modernisation capability.

The successful candidate will work closely with key stakeholders to develop and implement the operating model, governance, delivery pipeline and multidisciplinary approach required to identify, prioritise and deliver high-value opportunities to redesign services, simplify processes, improve productivity and achieve measurable financial benefits.

Working across Essex Digital Service and the wider Council, the postholder will bring together digital, product, service design, data, technology, transformation, change and operational expertise around a prioritised programme of modernisation activity. They will lead the initial portfolio, demonstrate the approach through delivery and establish the foundations for the capability to operate sustainably.

The role requires significant experience in digital transformation, with a strong track record of establishing complex multidisciplinary capabilities, leading transformation operationally and translating strategy into practical delivery. The successful candidate will need to operate confidently with Members, Chief Officers and senior leaders, while maintaining a strong focus on practical delivery and measurable outcomes.

Accountabilities

Design, mobilise and establish the Council's Service Modernisation capability, including its operating model, governance and delivery pipeline.
Lead an initial portfolio of priority Service Modernisation activity, bringing together multidisciplinary expertise to redesign services, automate processes and improve outcomes for residents and staff.
Identify and prioritise opportunities to simplify services, reduce avoidable demand, improve productivity and deliver financial benefits.
Develop repeatable approaches, standards and ways of working that enable Service Modernisation activity to be sustained and scaled.
Ensure modernisation activity is user-centred, evidence-led, inclusive and aligned with the Council's digital, data, technology and organisational priorities.
Provide senior advice to Members, Chief Officers and service leaders on service modernisation.
Oversee delivery, investment, risk, dependencies and benefits across the initial Service Modernisation portfolio.
Embed the knowledge, skills and ways of working needed for Service Modernisation to transition into an enduring organisational capability.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Significant experience of leading digital, transformation or service modernisation within a large or complex organisation.
Strong track record of leading complex multidisciplinary digital teams and programmes from strategy through to implementation.
Significant experience of end-to-end service redesign and organisational change.
Strong understanding of digital delivery, data, automation and technology.
Experience of building organisational capability and establishing sustainable delivery models.
Proven ability to deliver measurable productivity, financial or service improvements.
Strong commercial and financial awareness, including investment and benefits management.
Ability to influence and operate credibly with senior leaders and Members in a complex environment.

Assessment Process

In person interviews at County Hall, Chelmsford are scheduled for Friday 13th November.

Why Essex?

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. Recognised in the top three of the latest IMPOWER index for productivity, we ensure everyone matters in Everyone's Essex. 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.

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.

Once you’ve secured your role within Essex County Council you will receive many great employee benefits, including support for unpaid carers and flexible working arrangements to accommodate their needs.

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 on this role or require anything further, please email strategic.resourcing@essex.gov.uk