£75,012 - £84,538 per annum

About the role
We are seeking an exceptional strategic leader to join East Devon District Council as our Assistant Director, Programmes Performance and Strategies. This is a pivotal role responsible for driving our corporate transformation journey and ensuring strong, consistent oversight of the Council’s key programmes and priorities.
 
You will lead the development and embedding of a Council‑wide programme and project management framework, and oversee/manage the delivery of major corporate projects. You will also play a central role in shaping and delivering transformation linked to Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), as well as leading our work on corporate risk, corporate performance, digital transformation, cyber security, climate change and economic development.
 
Working closely with senior officers and elected members, you will ensure that our strategic ambitions are supported by robust governance, strong performance insight, and effective delivery structures.
 
About You
You will be an experienced, inspiring, and resilient senior leader with:

• Proven leadership experience within a complex organisation, ideally within local government or the wider public sector.
• A successful record of leading organisation‑wide transformation, including major programmes such as Local Government Reorganisation (LGR).
• Significant expertise in programme and project management, including establishing governance structures and delivering high‑risk, high‑impact programmes.
• The ability to design, implement and embed a corporate programme/project management framework.
• A recognised project management qualification (e.g., PRINCE2, MSP, Agile PM, APM PMQ) or equivalent senior‑level experience.

You will also have a proven ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams.
 
Alongside your professional expertise, you will demonstrate:

• Political awareness and sensitivity
• High levels of integrity, emotional intelligence and resilience
• Commitment to public‑sector values, continuous improvement and organisational excellence

About Us
"Our recent Local Government Association Peer Challenge highlighted that “EDDC is a great place to work, with engaged staff and members” — and we couldn’t agree more. You’ll be joining an organisation that puts people at the heart of everything we do, working collaboratively with our communities to deliver high‑quality services and create an outstanding place to live, work, visit and enjoy. With a strong focus on wellbeing, a highly flexible and supportive hybrid Worksmart approach, and a commitment to continuous learning and development, you can be confident of joining a workforce culture where colleagues are empowered to be Happy, Healthy and Here. "Our last Local Government Association Peer Challenge highlighted that “EDDC is a great place to work, with engaged staff and members” — and we couldn’t agree more. You’ll be joining an organisation that puts people at the heart of everything we do, working collaboratively with our communities to deliver high‑quality services and create an outstanding place to live, work, visit and enjoy. With a strong focus on wellbeing, a highly flexible and supportive hybrid Worksmart approach, and a commitment to continuous learning and development, you can be confident of joining a workforce culture where colleagues are empowered to be Happy, Healthy and Here."
 
For more about working for East Devon District Council visit https://eastdevon.gov.uk/careers/working-at-east-devon-district-council/
 
For an informal discussion, please contact Melanie Wellman, Director Governance and licencing melanie.wellman@eastdevon.gov.uk
 
Closing date: 27 March 2026
Interviews: 16 April 2026

For further information or to apply, please click on the 'Enquire/Apply' button below.