LGR Programme Manager

Please apply online via the link provided.

Lead a major transformation for Maidstone.

We are seeking a highly skilled Programme Manager to play a central role in delivering Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) in Maidstone. This is a unique opportunity to guide a complex multi‑workstream change programme that will shape the future of local services, governance and financial sustainability.

About the role

You will provide programme leadership for Maidstone Borough Council’s LGR preparation and transition activity, ensuring that all workstreams are planned, coordinated and delivered effectively. Working closely with senior leaders across Maidstone and Kent, you will oversee programme governance, critical paths, assurance, reporting and risk management.

You will:

• Lead Maidstone’s LGR programme, including implementation planning, milestones and decision‑making cycles.
• Support senior officers in delivering specific transition projects at both local and Kent‑wide levels.
• Provide strategic direction across all workstreams, ensuring coherence and alignment against agreed outcomes.
• Maintain the single source of truth for plans, risks, dependencies, decisions and benefits.
• Coordinate engagement and communications with Members, CLT, services, partners and Trade Unions.
• Represent Maidstone at Kent programme boards where required.
• Provide clear, concise reporting on readiness, risks, benefits and financial impacts.
• Ensure equality, wellbeing and organisational resilience are prioritised throughout change.

This role is offered on a fixed term contract for 12 months, working full time, 37 hours per week on a hybrid basis. There will also be the need to attend some out of hours and off-site meetings, as required.

About You

You’ll be an accomplished programme manager with the confidence and credibility to operate at the heart of large, complex public‑sector change. Bringing a deep understanding of Local Government Reorganisation and how governance really works.

You will combine MSP/PRINCE2‑driven discipline with the agility to lead multiple fast‑moving workstreams at once. Your strength in building relationships, influencing diverse stakeholders and navigating politically sensitive environments will set you apart, while your ability to analyse data, shape compelling business cases and provide robust programme assurance will keep the whole transition on track.

Resilient, calm under pressure and comfortable with ambiguity, you’ll maintain momentum when it matters most, driving progress, clarity and confidence across the organisation.

Why join us?

This is a high‑profile role with significant strategic impact. You will help shape the future local government landscape for communities across Kent and ensure that Maidstone is well‑positioned for a successful transition.

If you thrive in complexity, value public service, and enjoy leading meaningful change, we want to hear from you.

Maidstone Borough Council

Maidstone Borough Council is a confident organisation with a mission to balance the needs of people and environment with our economy. We strive to make the borough a green and attractive place adapted for climate change.

We will only achieve the results we are aiming for through the talents and hard work of all our people. You are encouraged to become part of our vision and in return you can expect support, training, and fair reward from us. We will give you the opportunity to develop the skills to do your job well and create a positive working environment where your ideas about improving how we do things are valued and we manage the changes needed for new ways of working well.

At Maidstone Borough Council we recognise the importance of flexible working and the benefits this can bring to both our staff and the Council. We know that by offering employees a range of flexible working opportunities we can positively impact their wellbeing and engagement, and drive productivity in return. As such we have developed a highly flexible hybrid working policy, alongside our flexi time and flexible working policies, enabling staff to shape their working patterns around building a greater work life balance.

Our Offer:

A range of benefits including:

• Highly flexible hybrid working opportunities.
• Generous holiday entitlement which increases after 5 years LG service plus bank holidays with the option to buy additional leave.
• Additional 3 days leave given to enable a close down of the offices between Christmas and New year.
• Free parking
• Range of flexible working opportunities to accommodate people’s home/work life balance including compressed hours, 9-day fortnight, part time.
• Invitations to staff events to celebrate success and support wellbeing that include holistic therapies and outdoor activities
• Employee Assistance Programme which provides confidential & independent information and access to counsellors
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) with valuable life cover and financial protection for your family.
• Life Assurance – three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS)
• Season Ticket Loan - to help with the cost of your rail/ bus journey, to & from work
• Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand-new car. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax.
• Annual flu vaccine
• Cycle to work scheme
• Staff benefits discounts on leisure, eating out, holidays and shopping
• Excellent learning and career opportunities for committed individuals
• A professional fee payment, if required for the role

Selection Process:

Following the submission of your application form, it will be reviewed by the recruiting manager. Those that are successful in securing an interview can expect job specific interview assessment, followed by an interview.

Maidstone Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all employee and volunteers to share this commitment.

This post is considered to require political sensitivity and the councils’ Politically Restricted Posts Policy applies. If you would like further information on this, please contact us at hrsupportteam@midkent.gov.uk.

If you would like to discuss this position, please contact

Angela Woodhouse, Director of Strategy, Insight and Governance 01622 602620

Anna Collier, Head of Policy, Transformation and Insight 01622 602253.

To apply for the position, please click on the apply link above and complete the online application form or apply by phone on 01622 602555.

Closing Date: 12th April 2026

Interview Date: 28th April 2026