Programme Manager Devolution

Overview

In this role you will lead the council’s devolution programme, shaping governance, policy and delivery across Brighton & Hove and the Sussex/Brighton Strategic Authority. You’ll coordinate complex workstreams, provide strategic analysis and reporting to elected members and senior teams, and translate ambiguity into practical plans and outcomes. You’ll operate in a politically sensitive environment and drive delivery of devolution objectives with cross-directorate and partner collaboration. This is a high-impact opportunity to influence public sector reform and resident outcomes.

Pay / Benefits

• flexible working arrangements where operationally appropriate
• diverse and inclusive workforce
• wellbeing support and training/development
• leave and pensions details in benefits pages
• opportunity to influence public sector reform
• supportive team and cross-agency collaboration

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, design and implementation of the council’s devolution programme and coordinate interdependencies
• Define and plan programme sequencing to align with SBSA Devolution Delivery Programme and deliver objectives
• Produce concise, professional reports, cabinet updates and briefings for councillors and senior leadership
• Conduct high-quality research and synthesize evidence from academic, governmental, and local sources
• Advise Directorate Leadership Teams on implications of devolution to enable high-quality, integrated services
• Represent and advocate for the programme in politically sensitive environments
• Ensure robust governance arrangements and effective programme oversight
• Coordinate cross-directorate and partner activity to maintain delivery momentum and transparency
• Support elected members and senior officers with strategic advice and clear recommendations
• Contribute to shaping the relationship between local government and the Strategic Authority

Key requirements

• Programme management experience in a public sector or similarly complex environment
• Strong policy analysis and stakeholder engagement skills
• Experience operating in politically sensitive settings and providing constructive challenge
• Ability to translate ambiguity into clear plans, actions and deliverables
• Capability to produce high-quality, concise briefings and cabinet reports
• Knowledge of governance practices and delivery of cross-organisation programmes
• Ability to work across directorates, partners and external authorities
• Strong analytical, research, and synthesis capabilities
• Strategic advising to senior leadership teams
• Flexibility to adapt to a period of significant change

• creative and collaborative
• effective communication
• stakeholder engagement
• policy analysis and synthesis
• governance and reporting
• strategic planning and sequencing

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