Positive Employment is currently recruiting for a Director Of Improvement for our client a government organisation based in Bedford.

The successful post holder will be supporting and working with the Deputy Chief Executive by leading on the delivery of organisation-wide improvements and efficiencies, ensuring sustainable cost reduction, improved productivity, and high-quality services that meet statutory obligations.

This role is a temporary contract initially for 3 months with the possibility to extend. This role is hybrid working with 3 days per week attendance at the office.

Accountabilities:

• Own delivery of corporate savings targets and efficiency programmes.
• Set and drive the organisation’s improvement and transformation strategy.
• Ensure all initiatives deliver measurable, cashable benefits.
• Align financial sustainability with service performance and outcomes.
• Provide assurance to senior leadership and elected members on delivery, risks, and impact.

Duties and Responsibilities but not limited to:

• Lead a portfolio of improvement and efficiency programmes (e.g. service redesign, demand management, digital initiatives).
• Embed robust governance, programme management, and benefits realisation frameworks.
• Oversee development of appropriate business cases.
• Work with finance to ensure accurate modelling, tracking, and validation of savings.
• Partner with service directors to identify and deliver efficiencies across key service areas.
• Use data, benchmarking, and insight to drive decision-making and prioritisation.
• Build organisational capability in continuous improvement (e.g. Lean approaches).
• Engage elected members and stakeholders, managing political and public sensitivities.

Personal Requirements:

• Proven track record of delivering large-scale savings and improvements in local government.
• Strong financial and commercial acumen, including understanding of local authority funding and budgeting.
• Expertise in programme delivery, governance, and benefits tracking.
• Ability to influence at senior level in complex political environments.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Working Hours: 37hrs / Monday - Friday

Pay: £1,050.00 per day

Please note this role is outside the scope of IR35.