Strategic Director, Change and Improvement

There has never been a more exciting time to work at Tower Hamlets Council. We are a borough that offers the best of London. We are the fastest growing and most densely populated place in the UK; we provide the country’s third largest economic output; we are steeped in London’s history, and we are one of the most culturally diverse places in the world.

Tower Hamlets is a city within a city – it offers the best of London in one borough. As one of the most visited and high-profile places in the country, the experience of our residents, businesses and visitors is drives everything we do. From the Lower Lea Valley to Canary Wharf and the Isle of Dogs or areas such as Spitalfields, Wapping and the City Fringe or places like Whitechapel, Stepney and Poplar - Tower Hamlets is rich in history and ambition.

We continue to deliver a significant transformation and change agenda together with beginning to deliver the new statutory support package. Tower Hamlets is the pilot for a new kind of Local Government Intervention, with a partnership- based approach. This new model for intervention is a key part of Government’s objective to reset in relationship between Central and Local Government and Tower Hamlets has a responsibility to make it work for the sector as well as for our staff, members, partners and residents.

The role of the Envoys is different to the role of Commissioners in other Government interventions. Unlike under Commissioner models, the council retains all of its Executive and non-executive decision-making powers. Envoys are here to mentor, advise and support the Council to deliver its improvement work, as well as monitor and report progress. During this intervention the Envoys will be focused on working collaboratively with the Council to support our transformation programme.

As our Strategic Director for Change and Improvement, you will lead transformation and change work across the Council, working closely with the Councils senior leadership team and Ministerial Envoys to accelerate delivery against our Ministerial Directions and ensure that our entire organisational focus remains on delivering for our residents. You will lead a dedicated, passionate and committed team.

This is an extraordinary opportunity to influence and deliver real, meaningful change. Your leadership will be instrumental in embedding a new approach to corporate strategy and operational delivery, ensuring the council's transformation journey is impactful and sustainable.

Key responsibilities

• Drive the council’s transformation programme, delivering necessary change across Tower Hamlets.

• Lead the council’s improvement agenda, working closely with the councils senior leadership team and Ministerial envoys to ensure delivery of Secretary of State's directions.

• Work closely with he Chief Executive to deliver the councils change agenda.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with government partners, stakeholders, and elected representatives. Work with senior leadership teams to ensure alignment across the organisation, driving ownership and collaboration on the council’s improvement journey.

• Lead corporate strategy, policy, partnerships, culture change, and the council’s major change initiatives.

• Oversee the implementation of a new model at the corporate centre designed to enhance service delivery.

• Empower and support innovation, with a focus on improving customer experience, digital solutions, and service performance.

About you

You will have extensive experience leading large-scale transformation programmes and driving cultural and operational change within local government or a similarly complex environment. You should have a track record of successful delivery and a passion for delivering improved services to residents and communities. It is crucial that you are able to navigate complex political landscapes and take ownership of a high-profile, visible role.

This is a challenging and high-profile role, but one that offers immense career development and satisfaction, enabling you to leave a lasting legacy on Tower Hamlets.

If you’re ready to lead a transformation agenda that will shape the future of one of London’s most vibrant boroughs, apply now.

Use your leadership skills to inspire and motivate your team

You will need to have the ability to balance strategic leadership and direction with effective operational management. This includes fostering an open and trusting culture with the ability to lead change through others and inspire high levels of performance.

We are looking for an individual with the ability to apply discretion and initiative in dealing with complex issues. You will be authoritative and influential, with highly developed relationship management and networking skills, and the ability to foster joint working across services

You should be naturally engaging with an ability to inspire and command the respect, trust and confidence of colleagues, council members and other stakeholders. You will be experienced in managing frontline services and you will be committed to being visible, engaging and authentic in managing teams which are often based on estates.

You will be politically sensitive and have a strong belief in the value of local democracy and accountability. You will also have a strong commitment to our values, behaviours and equal

opportunity policy, and be ready to demonstrate personal leadership on the importance of diversity.

Our council is a beacon for diversity and inclusion. We want a borough where everyone feels valued and included, and we want a council that collaborates to deliver excellence.

That’s why we look for people with our TOWER values of Together, Open, Willing, Excellent and being Respectful.

Contact

 

• Amin Aziz on 07709 514141 or email: amin.aziz@penna.com
• Julie Towers on 07764 791736 or email: julie.towers@penna.com

 

Please select the Apply now button to apply for this role via Penna who are managing applications on behalf of the council.