Head of Function - Transformation

Role overview

This is a fixed-term appointment for two years, and it may be taken up as a secondment with approval from your current line manager. Gateshead Council is seeking a senior transformation leader to help deliver large-scale, high-impact change that improves services, outcomes and value for residents.

The role sits within a broader organisational redesign designed to ensure the Council is structured to provide high-quality and efficient services. It supports the commitment to place residents at the centre of decision-making and to help everyone in the borough thrive.

As part of the Council’s senior leadership community, you will help shape long-term organisational direction, support delivery of the Corporate Plan and the Thrive agenda, and drive cultural, organisational and system-wide improvement. The post involves influencing policy, building trusted relationships with political and strategic leaders, and ensuring transformation is delivered quickly, purposefully and with clear results.

About the transformation service

The Transformation Service is central to the Council’s ambition to be modern, adaptable and forward-looking. Its remit includes major change programmes, business process improvement, stronger governance, innovation, financial sustainability and culture change, all aimed at meeting current and future community needs.

In this position, you will lead complex transformation programmes and corporate initiatives, working alongside the Service Director, senior leaders and the Programme Management Office to make sure change is delivered effectively and at pace.

Key accountabilities

• Shape and deliver targeted transformation programmes in partnership with the Programme Management Office, ensuring complex change moves forward promptly.
• Lead major transformation projects that align with the Corporate Plan and the Thrive agenda.
• Oversee programme and project leadership, with strong governance, planning and performance management across all transformation work.
• Support the Service Director with strategic oversight, governance and delivery across the Council’s transformation portfolio.
• Develop effective working relationships with senior leaders, elected Members and other stakeholders to secure engagement and support for change.
• Guide change management activity so services can adopt and embed new ways of working using practical and innovative approaches.
• Make sure programmes are properly resourced, working closely with the PMO and corporate functions.
• Lead corporate improvement initiatives that increase efficiency and strengthen organisational performance.
• Manage budgets and resources for transformation activity, ensuring plans are cost-effective and deliver value for money.
• Contribute to corporate priorities, including work linked to business growth, employment and skills.
• Advise portfolio holders, Members, senior leaders and partners on transformation matters.
• Where needed, support engagement with regional and national partners to influence programmes and share good practice.
• Lead, develop and support teams, including collaboration with Trade Unions, to achieve strong performance and effective delivery.
• Work with the Communications and Engagement Team to respond to media enquiries related to transformation activity.

What the council is looking for

The ideal candidate will bring a management qualification at degree level, or substantial experience in organisational leadership and transformation delivery. You should have a strong grasp of change management, programme and project delivery, and risk management.

Experience should include turning strategy into action through programmes, people, systems and organisational culture, alongside a proven track record of delivering complex transformation in a large and complex organisation. Financial understanding is important, especially the ability to align resources with strategic outcomes.

You will also need excellent communication, influencing and negotiation skills, plus experience of working with Members and senior stakeholders. A good understanding of national policy, the local government environment and cross-sector partnership working is essential.

Rewards and benefits

• Competitive pay aligned to skills and experience.
• Membership of a strong Local Government Pension Scheme.
• 28 days of annual leave, increasing to 32 days after 5 years; 2 of those days can be fixed by the Council, and you may also buy up to 10 additional days.
• Flexible and hybrid working options to support work-life balance.
• Access to learning, development and progression opportunities.
• Wellbeing support, including discounted gym access through GLL and mental health resources.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Electric and hybrid car salary sacrifice option via NHS Fleet Solutions, available after 12 months’ service.
• Discounts and salary sacrifice benefits through the VIVUP platform, including shopping, travel, services, white goods and electronics, available after 6 months’ service.

Equal opportunities

Gateshead Council is an equal opportunities employer and aims to create a workplace where people feel they belong, are respected and can do their best work. Applications are welcomed from suitably qualified candidates from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

Application notes

Applicants should complete the online form with details of their background, career history, skills, experience and qualifications. Detailed and specific applications are encouraged, particularly where experience relates directly to the role.

Disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria are guaranteed an interview under the Disability Confident scheme. However, in high-volume recruitment situations, the Council may need to prioritise candidates who best meet the essential criteria based on the application received.

The Council also reserves the right to close the vacancy early or change the shortlisting criteria, including the interview pass mark, to keep the recruitment process fair and manageable. Early applications are encouraged.

Questions about the application can be directed to the recruitment team.

Please note that secondment applications require approval from your current line manager.

Fixed-term duration: 2 years