LGR Programme Director

 

 

Location: Lewes, East Sussex / Hybrid

Salary: c.£100,000

Reference: A001064

Status: Open


Help shape the future of local government in one of England’s most distinctive places

East Sussex is known for its vibrant cultural heritage, spectacular countryside and coastline, and a mix of rural and urban communities that create both opportunities and challenges for public service delivery.  Our councils already have a strong record of collaboration, innovation and delivering high quality services but we’re ready to go further.

Following the submission of the One East Sussex proposal to Government, we are preparing for the creation of a new unitary council. We want to start early, building on strong partnerships and shared ambition to ensure that, from day one, the new organisation is set up to deliver improved services, stronger governance, financial sustainability and better long term outcomes for residents.

Reporting directly to our Chief Executives, you will lead the design and implementation of Local Government Reorganisation across East Sussex.  You will coordinate a complex transition, bring partners together, and ensure that our work is rooted in strong governance, collaboration and a deep understanding of how people experience change.

Whether or not you have previous LGR experience, we’re looking for someone with a proven track record in large scale transformation, political acumen, resilience, credibility and the ability to work constructively across multiple organisations.

This is a rare opportunity to help create a brand new council and, alongside the creation of a new Combined Authority, be part of a redefined public service landscape across Sussex.  With the new unitary council set to vest in April 2028, your impact, and your career with us, can continue long beyond the transition. 

Role Profile

One East Sussex | Business Case for LGR in East Sussex


Contact Information:

Rob Naylor
Tel: 0121 312 3755
Email: rnaylor@faerfield.co.uk

Martin Tucker
Tel: 0121 312 3755
Email: mtucker@faerfield.co.uk


Indicative Timetable:

Closing date:
Midnight Sunday 29 March 2026

Preliminary Interviews (via Teams):
8th and/or 9th April 2026

Final Interviews (County Hall, Lewes):
20th and 21st April

Dates may be subject to slight change. Please let us know as soon as possible if there are any dates within the indicative timetable on which you are likely to be unavailable.


Apply:

To apply for this job please click on the Apply button below and fill out the requested information. When prompted, please submit your CV and a Supporting Statement of no more than 1,000 words.

With your CV, please also provide the names and contact details of two referees, one of whom should be your current or most recent employer. Referees will only be contacted if you reach the final stages, and we will not contact referees without your permission.

Your supporting statement should express why you are interested in this role and what experience you can bring to the organisation. The statement should tackle the specific requirements of the role; outlining examples and outcomes showing how you meet those requirements.