Director of Transformation and Change

Lead the Future of Local Government

Are you a visionary leader with a passion for driving meaningful change? Do you thrive in complex environments where innovation, collaboration, and strategic thinking are key? If so, we invite you to join us as our Director of Transformation and Change-a pivotal role shaping the future of our council and the communities we serve.

About the Role

As Director of Transformation and Change, you will:

• Provide strategic leadership that positions the council at the forefront of local government reorganisation.
• Deliver our corporate plan and transformational priorities with impact and purpose.
• Champion a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Lead cohesive, evidence-based transformation programmes aligned with long-term ambitions.
• Collaborate closely with senior leaders, elected members, and partners to ensure effective governance and delivery.
• Represent the council locally, regionally, and nationally as a trusted ambassador.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the council's transformation and change portfolio, including planning for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR).
• Drive data-led decision-making and performance optimisation.
• Foster a high-performing, people-focused transformation service.
• Embed inclusive leadership and empower teams to innovate and grow.
• Ensure transformation delivers value for money and long-term financial sustainability.
• Build strong relationships with elected members and senior stakeholders.

About You

We're looking for an engaging and creative leader who can challenge the norm, drive progress, and deliver complex change with lasting impact. You will bring:

• A proven track record of strategic transformation delivery in local government or a comparable setting.
• Exceptional leadership and communication skills, with the ability to inspire and influence at all levels.
• Strong political acumen and stakeholder engagement experience.
• Expertise in digital, data-led innovation and user-centred service design.
• Financial and commercial insight to align resources with strategic goals.
• Personal resilience, integrity, and a commitment to our values.

Qualifications

• Degree-level education or equivalent professional experience.
• Evidence of continuous professional development and leadership training.

What we can offer you:

Salary: The salary band for this role is £108,169 - £118,813.

Here at SCC we have a range of different perks and benefits, a few examples can be found below.

• Excellent local government pension with 16.8% employer contribution
• Death in service benefit of x3 salary, and optional salary sacrifice shared cost AVC (additional voluntary contribution)
• Generous holiday 25-31 days, based on role and service
• Flexible working options (role-dependent)
• Family-friendly policies - Maternity, Paternity, Adoption, Shared/Unpaid Parental Leave, Time off for Dependents
• Training and development, including coaching and mentoring
• Health and wellbeing support - Employee Assistance Programme, Menopause Pledge, Mental Health First Aiders and access to a variety of staff networks
• Veteran-friendly employer with the Armed Forces Covenant
• Retail discounts and savings through the Southampton City Council benefits platform
• Discounted memberships at local sports and fitness centres
• Sustainable travel benefits - low emission car scheme, cycle to work, season ticket loans
• Employee volunteering scheme with 2 paid days leave to volunteer

For further information on our benefits package please visit:
Southampton City Council - Employee benefits

Recruitment contact details:

Email:
Tel:
For more information about SCC please visit Southampton City Council
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