Project Manager - Local Government Transformation

Project Manager (Local Government Transformation) - Paying up to £600 Per Day, Inside IR35, Based in Reading, Hybrid Working (On site 2 or 3 days per week), To Start ASAP, 6 Month Contract

Your new company

Step into a key delivery role within a large, forward-thinking Upper Tier Authority delivering a high-profile Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). This is a once in a generation transformation programme that will reshape how services are delivered, bringing together multiple councils into a single, modern, unitary organisation. The programme is now moving from proposal into delivery, with a clear focus on pace, coordination and execution. As a result, there is strong demand for Project Managers who have recently been involved in LGR activity, particularly during early-stage conversations and proposal development within other local authorities, in order to maintain momentum and delivery confidence from day one.

Your new role

This is a hands-on Project Manager role supporting delivery across one or more workstreams within a complex LGR programme. You will be responsible for driving project-level activity, ensuring plans, milestones and dependencies are clearly defined and managed, and that delivery progresses from design through to implementation. You will work closely with Programme Managers and senior stakeholders to bring structure and pace, ensuring outputs move from workshops into tangible actions and deliverables. A key requirement for this role is recent involvement in LGR programmes within the last 6-9 months, particularly where you have supported early conversations, proposal shaping or submission phases. This experience will enable you to quickly add value, understand programme context and anticipate delivery challenges. Operating within a multi-council environment, you will manage competing priorities, coordinate across teams and support the resolution of risks and issues. You will ensure dependencies across systems, finance, procurement, relationships or service areas are understood, tracked and delivered against. This is a delivery-focused role where attention to detail, strong organisation and the ability to maintain momentum are critical.

What you'll need to succeed

You will bring strong experience in project delivery within local government, with recent exposure to Local Government Reorganisation activity being highly desirable. We are particularly interested in candidates who have been involved in LGR programmes within the last 6-9 months, supporting early-stage activity or contributing to proposal development and mobilisation. You will have a proven ability to manage plans, risks, issues and dependencies while working across organisational boundaries. Strong stakeholder engagement skills are essential, alongside the ability to work at pace, manage competing priorities and maintain delivery focus in complex environments. You will be organised, pragmatic and delivery-oriented, with a clear ability to translate plans into outcomes. Local government experience is a strict prerequisite for this role.

What you'll get in return

This role offers the opportunity to play a key part in delivering a high-profile transformation programme with real impact on future service delivery. You will work within a fast-paced, collaborative environment, with strong visibility across programme leadership and a high likelihood of extension as the programme evolves.

What you need to do now

If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.

Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found on our website.