LGR Senior Policy Manager

Role Responsibility

PLEASE NOTE: Applications for this role are currently open only to existing staff of Kent County Council, Medway Council and Kent's District & Borough Councils.
Shape the future of local government in Kent & Medway
This is a rare opportunity to play a pivotal role in one of the most complex and high‑profile public sector transformation programmes in the country.
The Kent & Medway Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) Programme is delivering fundamental change to how local government is designed and delivered across the region. We are now looking for an experienced Senior Policy Manager to help lead this journey, ensuring services remain safe, resilient and ready for the future.
If you thrive at pace, enjoy working across organisational boundaries, and want to make a lasting difference for our residents, this role offers challenge, visibility and impact in equal measure.
About the role
Reporting to the Programme Director, the Senior Policy Manager will be the lead policy professional for the LGR Programme.
You will:
Design and oversee the policy architecture that underpins the joint Local Government Reorganisation Programme across Kent & Medway
Provide authoritative, impartial policy advice to the Programme Director, Programme Board, and senior leadership
Ensure the emerging programme design and framework, implementation plan and service blueprints comply with statutory requirements, emerging legislation and government guidance
Interpret and apply primary legislation and national policy, helping shape transitional and “day one” policy frameworks for the new council(s)
Lead the development, coordination and quality assurance of all LGR policy papers, briefings and submissions
Act as the senior policy interface with government departments, the strategic partner, sector bodies, national LGR networks and peers across Kent & Medway
Support lobbying and engagement where national policy or guidance is still emerging
What you’ll bring to the team
You will be an experienced public sector policy professional with a strong track record of working in politically sensitive environments.
We’re looking for someone who can demonstrate:
Experience leading complex policy development in local government or the wider public sector
Knowledge of local government reorganisation and devolution
Understanding of local government governance, statutory frameworks and political processes
Excellent written skills, with the ability to produce high‑quality briefings for Members and senior officers
Confidence to provide constructive challenge and impartial advice at senior levels
Ability to work calmly at pace amid uncertainty and evolving policy direction
Why join the Kent & Medway LGR Programme?
Be at the heart of once‑in‑a‑generation public sector change
Work with talented colleagues from across Kent & Medway in a genuinely collaborative environment
Gain exposure to senior decision‑making and complex system leadership
Develop your career through a highly visible, strategically important role
Make a real difference to how services are delivered to residents for years to come
Our shared Kent and Medway values
We are one team, working openly and collaboratively across Kent & Medway. We are caring, respectful and people‑centred, open and accountable, curious and ambitious, and proud of the difference we are making together.
Interested?
Applications are currently open to existing staff of Kent County Council, Medway Council and Kent District & Borough Councils only.
This is an opportunity to step into a senior, influential role at the heart of LGR. If you’re ready to help shape the future of local government in Kent & Medway, we’d love to hear from you.
This post is subject to a Basic Disclosure Application to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Contact Details

For further information, please contact
lauren.packer@kent.gov.uk

About the Company

Work that works for you and us - let's talk flexibility!
KCC is committed to building a workforce which reflects the diversity of the county's working residents, encouraging applications from people of all ages, abilities, genders, sexual orientations, ethnic backgrounds, faiths and those with caring responsibilities, and aspires to create an inclusive workplace where everyone can be themselves at work.
Please note - if you are interested, please apply soon as possible as the closing date for this advert may be earlier than stated should a number of suitably qualified candidates apply.

Job Description & Person Specification

Kent & Medway LGR Programme - Senior Policy Manager JD.pdf