Assistant Director of Major Programmes

Salary details: £ - £

About the Role

Derbyshire County Council is entering one of the most significant periods of transformation in its history.

With major transformation, efficiency work, digital change and local government reform ahead, we are looking for a senior programme leader who can turn ambition into delivery.

As our Assistant Director of Major Programmes, you will lead the delivery of large, complex transformation and change programmes aligned to the Council’s priorities. These programmes will support service transformation, efficiency, policy and reform change, digital improvement and preparation for local government reorganisation.

This is a major delivery leadership role, where you’ll have matrix management with the Assistant Director of Portfolio Management & Transformation. You’ll work with senior sponsors, programme boards, departments, partners and delivery teams to ensure complex programmes are planned, governed, delivered and benefits led.

What You’ll Be Doing

This is what your day will look like as our Assistant Director of Major Programmes:

• Leading the delivery of large, complex transformation and change programmes aligned to the Council’s priorities.
• Developing and maintaining integrated programme plans, including milestones, dependencies, risks, resources and delivery progress.
• Managing programme budgets, expenditure, forecasting and financial reporting.
• Monitoring and reporting programme performance, including risks, issues, stakeholder engagement and benefits realisation.
• Working with sponsors, programme boards, senior leaders, partners and delivery teams to ensure clear governance and accountability.
• Leading programme teams and delivery resources to ensure consistent, high-quality programme management practice across the Council.

What We’re Looking For

You’ll be well suited to this role if you have:

• Significant experience of leading large-scale, high-value and complex transformation or business change programmes.
• A strong delivery track record in a dynamic, complex and challenging environment.
• Strong knowledge of programme and project management methodologies, including risk, governance, change control and benefits realisation.
• Experience of working with senior leaders, boards, external partners and suppliers, including providing constructive professional challenge.
• Strong financial and commercial awareness, with experience managing significant budgets, resources and competing priorities.
• The ability to lead, motivate and develop programme teams, bringing structure, pace and confidence to complex delivery environments.

We know that some people don’t apply for jobs unless they meet every requirement. If you’re excited about this role but aren’t sure you meet everything listed, we’d still love to hear from you.

Why Join Derbyshire County Council?

Working for Derbyshire County Council means being part of an organisation that delivers services which make a real difference to people’s lives every day.

This role offers the opportunity to lead major programmes at scale, influence senior decision-making, and help shape how the Council delivers change during a period of significant reorganisation.

We offer:

• 34 days annual leave plus bank holidays — up to 42 days paid leave per year – notional salary value of approximately £11,502 to £12,518
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Flexi-time scheme for many of our roles
• Comprehensive wellbeing support, including occupational health, counselling and physiotherapy services.
• Learning and development opportunities, including professional qualifications and career progression
• Access to Our Derbyshire Rewards, offering discounts across travel, tech, groceries and more
• Cycle to Work and Electric Vehicle salary sacrifice schemes

Important Information

• This role currently offers hybrid working options (subject to service needs), with the opportunity to discuss working arrangements at interview
• There may be a request at interview to deliver a short presentation, this is designed to support you in demonstrating your skills and approach and further details will be provided at interview invite stage. 

Equality, Fairness & Opportunity

We’re dedicated to ensuring our recruitment process is fair, transparent, and accessible. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, communities, abilities, and experiences. If you require any reasonable adjustments at any stage, just let us know — we’re here to support you.

Ready to Apply?

Please register, click Apply and submit your CV and a supporting statement or if you would like to find out more and have an informal chat about this opportunity please contact Liam Bowes-Cox - Recruitment Manager at Liam.Bowes-Cox@derbyshire.gov.uk 

We really look forward to hearing from you!

Closing Date: Midnight Sunday 12th July 2026

Provisional Interview Date: 28th/29th July 2026

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Apply now and take the first step towards a fulfilling career with us! By joining Derbyshire County Council you will have access to a range of amazing rewards and employee benefits, including our generous annual leave scheme, excellent local government pension and fantastic employee discounts. To discover more detail about the rewards and benefits available to you, click here

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Important: Derbyshire County Council holds a sponsorship licence, but this role does not offer visa sponsorship. Please apply only if you already have the right to work in the UK without sponsorship, as applications that do not meet this requirement will be rejected.

We welcome applications from individuals who share our values — being Collaborative, Innovative, Empowered and Accountable. These values describe who we are and what we stand for as a council. They help shape our culture, encourage consistent behaviour and guide how we work together to make a positive difference for both our employees and the residents we serve.

Applications for this role must include a CV and a supporting statement, it’s easier than ever to apply! Just click on “Apply for this job”, register and upload your CV and supporting statement.