Assistant Director Transformation at North Yorkshire Council
Salary: Circa £108,000 - plus relocation support
Introduction from Gary Fielding, Corporate Director, Resources
Welcome, and thank you for your interest in learning more about North Yorkshire Council and this exciting new role of Assistant Director Transformation - a role that is typically referred to as Programme Director.
I have worked for North Yorkshire Council as Corporate Director of Resources for some years and I am proud of all we have achieved in this time but especially more recently.
In April 2023 the eight councils that served North Yorkshire unified to create geographically the largest council and third largest unitary within the country, and last year the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, together with a newly elected Mayor.
Having now celebrated our two year anniversary of creating the new council; we are at an exciting stage of our change programme. Having successfully delivered local government reform and secured a devolution deal; our change programme is moving beyond the ‘building’ phase; safe and legal day one, organisation structural design, service convergence, new operating models and creating a new council shared vision and values, into an ambitious change programme.
Now we are poised for the next phase of our journey, one that capitalises on our scale and opportunities to improve our services and impact. We are hungry to take advantage of emerging opportunities including data, technology and innovation to transform the way we work and maximise impact.
North Yorkshire have a strong track record; we consistently deliver high performing services, are widely viewed as one of the strongest performing authorities, we have a strong grip on resources; this provides us with the platform to invest in our services and people and deliver new developments at pace and scale. However, we are not complacent; there is more to do to ensure the residents and communities we service thrive.
We face the challenges and complexities that others do across local government, but building on strong performing services, well managed finances and with the opportunities afforded by reform and devolution we look to the future with great optimism. We can invest in new developments and programmes that achieve high impact change at pace and scale. This is where you come in!
This role provides you with an unrivalled career opportunity to deliver ambitious, interesting projects and drive change.
North Yorkshire is unique - internationally valued for its quality of place, but with a scale and industry that make it integral to the North of England. The county’s landscapes, culture and local businesses already make the region a fantastic place to live, work and do business, and with the new investment and powers unlocked by the Devolution Deal there are even more opportunities for North Yorkshire to achieve more for its residents and business alike.
We are seeking an outstanding strategic leader and solutions-focused expert to play a pivotal role at this key moment for North Yorkshire. You will lead the next stage in our ambitious and exciting transformation journey, responsible with colleagues and Management Board to ensure the successful delivery of the council's Transformation Strategy that builds upon local government reform. As the council’s Assistant Director Transformation your influence and collaboration with colleagues, key partners, and wider stakeholders will be crucial in making our council the best it can be for our North Yorkshire residents and businesses and ensure that our services are best in class.
This highly visible and impactful role will involve working closely with senior leaders across the council as well as with key external stakeholders to drive and deliver projects. As the Assistant Director Transformation, you will be leading on the largest transformation programme local government has experienced within North Yorkshire. You will build on our strong foundations to advance our ambitious transformation vision. By getting to know our internal customers, you will build strong strategic relationships and ensure their needs are met. Being a thought leader and practiced at forming strategic partnerships you will secure interest, engagement and delivery from council officers, and through them deliver high impact. You will enable programmes to be successful and meaningful, connecting with colleagues and customers to enable them to lead valuable transformations in their critical services.
So, if you are up for the challenge, with a comprehensive knowledge, experience and understanding of transformation in local government, a successful track record in strategic leadership and the enthusiasm to inspire and motivate others to achieve their best, we would like to hear from you.
In return, you will be welcomed by a talented, passionate, and high-performing workforce. You will be supported by resilient and committed leaders who are united and robust, providing you with both professional support and challenge you naturally to thrive on. Our council plan is in place, and we need you to drive our transformation journey, offering a great platform for you to elevate your career and deliver truly diverse and varied programmes.
Following initial conversation with our recruitment partners the Resourcing Solution to further your interest, I would be keen to discuss this opportunity further with you.
Join us.
Gary Fielding, Corporate Director, Resources
About the role
Title: Assistant Director Transformation
Salary: £97,426 to £108,074 plus relocation support
Location: Northallerton / hybrid
Contract: Permanent / full time
As the Assistant Director Transformation, a role that is typically referred to as Programme Director, you are responsible with colleagues and Management Board to ensure the successful delivery of the council's Transformation Strategy that builds upon local government reform. This requires strategic leadership to steer the council through a significant transformation programme.
You will be leading on the largest transformation programme local government has experienced within North Yorkshire. This is an excellent opportunity to shape the future of local government for our residents.
Given the nature and size of the transformation programme this role will involve close working with the Chief Executive, Corporate Director Resources, other Corporate Directors and other senior colleagues across the council. This will involve significant autonomy in order to co-ordinate activity and priorities.
You will lead a dedicated transformation team of five direct reports, including Head of Business Analysis, Head of Service Design and Digital Adoption, Head of Data and Insight, Head of Transformation Portfolio Management and Head of Projects and Programmes. You will be a key member of the Resources Directorate Leadership Team and work closely with other corporate leaders to draw upon resources across all areas of the council in order to ensure successful implementation. This will require close liaison and influence with Management Teams across the council.
As the Assistant Director Transformation, you will also lead as a research and development centre in organisational change, innovation and transformation, tasked with ensuring that the council remains at the forefront of important and emerging opportunities.
What you will bring to the role
To be successful in this role you will have the ability to deliver on all of the following:
- you will lead a multi-disciplinary team which supports the council’s approach to change management including programme and project management, business analysis, business improvement and the PMO data and insight
- you will draw together a wider set of resources from across the council to deliver in line with the transformational priorities
- you will develop and deliver a strategic approach to the commissioning of change management, identifying opportunities for improving efficiency and effectiveness through a mix of in-house provision, externally contracted services and partnership arrangements with other organisations
- you will engage with partners in public and private sectors to deliver quality outcomes. You will deliver constant improvements across the range of services through innovation, applying best practice and promoting customer care improvements
What you will you gain in return
You will be joining one of the largest councils in the country at a unique moment - here is an opportunity not only to progress and enhance your own career, but to also gain a huge amount of job satisfaction and create a lasting legacy.
North Yorkshire Council has the ambition to be the most local large council in the UK -geographically it is already the largest, and the third largest unitary authority. This is a pivotal and high profile role which will provide a fantastic platform for any ambitious leader.
This is a politically restricted post.
Key documents
Job description / person specification (pdf / 327 KB)
Transformation management structure (pdf / 59 KB)
Total rewards / relocation package
Our people strategy (pdf / 1 MB)
A transformation highlight:
Why work for us
We are a strong performing authority, with supportive political leadership and talented teams providing the platform to have a fulfilling, challenging and successful career in a truly stunning place.
A peer challenge found that the council is a good place to work, with strong leadership and a loyal and committed workforce who have access to well-regarded training and development.
We pride ourselves on being an employer of choice, offering a range of training and development opportunities and career progression allowing you to manage your own development journey and empowering you to control your career. Your career can change with your life here in North Yorkshire.
We positively encourage flexible working and we provide you with the technology you need to work from a wide variety of locations.
We believe in the importance of inclusion, which is why we are always working towards being a more diverse, equitable and inclusive employer. Find out more about our equality, diversity and inclusion work on our working for us page. You can bring your whole self to work, and we will support you to be the best that you can be.
Our values, behaviours and ambitions underpin everything we do.
In addition to your salary, we offer a range of great benefits to help you financially make life a bit easier. These include:
- a local government, career average employer contribution pension scheme
- family friendly leave
- salary sacrifice schemes
- modern flexible working practices
- learning and development packages
- career advancement opportunities
- employee discount benefits including shopping and gym discounts
- green car and cycle schemes
- travel loans
You can find more information on the range of benefits we offer on our total rewards page.
Watch this video to find out about our employee networks:
Our relocation package
If you are considering relocating to North Yorkshire we provide a comprehensive relocation benefits package.
This features up to £8,000 to cover reasonable costs such as:
- removal expenses
- storage costs
- legal and estate agent fees
- travelling expenses
Living and working in North Yorkshire
North Yorkshire is a thriving county that adapts to a changing world and remains a special place to live and work.
North Yorkshire's natural beauty is captured in its three areas of outstanding natural parks, national nature reserves, stunning coastlines, scenic rural villages, vibrant cities and market towns. North Yorkshire really is a beautiful, thriving and special place to live and work, rich in heritage and culture.
North Yorkshire features significantly in the ten best places to live in the UK in Halifax Quality of Life Survey. The Quality of Life index aims to quantify where living standards are highest in the UK by ranking local performance across a range of indicators. Local areas featured in the top ten included Easingwold, Ripon, Richmond, Selby and Malton.
Figures released by the Office for National Statistics bulletin positions North Yorkshire as the safest place in England with extremely low crime rates.
In addition, the county benefits from excellent road and rail links, with easy access via the east coast mainline, the A1(M) and A19. Leeds, York, Newcastle, Durham and Teesside are all easily commutable, and London and Edinburgh are just two hours away by train.
From its lively cities to pretty villages, rolling countryside and grand coastline, Yorkshire has so much to offer including great employment opportunities for your family members, along with a higher proportion of schools which are good or outstanding compared to national figures.
You can find out more about what North Yorkshire has to offer on the Visit North Yorkshire website and by watching our North Yorkshire video on YouTube.
Application tips
Find advice on making your application
Key dates
Closing date: 2 June 2025
Interview dates:
- Stage 1 - Assessment event in person at County Hall, Northallerton - 17 June 2025
- Stage 2 - Final interview in person at County Hall, Northallerton - 18 June 2025
Contact us
For an informal confidential discussion about this opportunity, please contact Ashley Benford on 07814 832 389 or email ashley.benford@northyorks.gov.uk. Alternatively contact Penny Keatings on 07811 411 462 or email Penny.Keatings@northyorks.gov.uk
Apply
Please submit one Microsoft Word document that details a comprehensive CV and a supporting statement outlining your suitability for the role. Please do not submit PDFs. It is important that your written application fully addresses the experience criteria. Applications should be emailed to Executive.ResourcingSolutions@northyorks.gov.uk
It is important that your CV includes:
- your full contact details - telephone, email, address
- full employment history - name of employer, job titles, dates of employment and salary
- full education history - qualification, grade, dates and place of study
- explanation of any gaps in employment and the contact details of at least two referees including your current / most recent employer indicating whether you consent to us contacting each referee prior to interview. Please also provide details of your current salary and notice period
We believe in the importance of inclusion, which is why we are always working towards being a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive employer. You can find out more about our equality, diversity and inclusion work on our working for us page.
We are committed to directly recruiting staff and will not accept applications nor services from agency suppliers in respect of our vacancies.