Strategic Programme Lead, Strategic Licensing Project
Posted 2 days 18 hours ago by London Gov
Permanent
Part Time
Public Sector Jobs
London, United Kingdom
Job Description
Strategic Programme Lead, Strategic Licensing Project Contract details: 2 Years Fixed term contract
Interview date: First Stage 23 September followed by Second Stage interviews week commencing 29 September
Good Growth is responsible for delivering and implementing the Mayor's environment, transport and economic strategies and for the effective implementation of the London Plan. The Directorate is also responsible for regeneration (where the programme is not housing led), enterprise, growth, capital projects and design work.
About the team TheCulture, Creative Industries and 24 Hour London Unit, in partnership with teams across the Greater London Authority (GLA), is leading an exciting new government-backed pilot to establishstrategic licensing powers for the Mayor of London. This high-profile initiative is a cornerstone of the Government's and Mayor's shared growth agenda-unlocking opportunities for London's hospitality, cultural and nighttime economies.
About the role We're looking foradynamic and driven Strategic Programme Lead to drive forward the delivery of this major project. You will lead a fast-paced, cross-organisational effort to design and implement new licensing powers coveringalcohol, pavement licensing, and major events-with the ambition to launch byApril 2026.
This is a unique opportunity to:
Job purpose: The GLA must rapidly initiate and deliver complex, high-impact strategic programmes in response to emerging Mayoral priorities, external shocks, and opportunities for city-wide transformation. These programmes often span multiple directorates, require extensive cross-organisational collaboration, and have substantial political, financial, and reputational implications.
This senior-level post provides the authority, leadership and professional expertise required to design, establish, and drive the successful delivery of high-profile, cross-cutting Mayoral programmes. Reporting to the Assistant Director for Culture, Creative Industries and 24 Hour London), the postholder will be responsible for setting the strategic direction of major programmes, establishing robust governance and assurance mechanisms, overseeing delivery across multiple workstreams and partners, and acting as the primary interface with senior stakeholders including the Mayor's Office, Assembly Members, Boroughs, government departments, and external delivery partners.
The postholder may be responsible for leading long-term, complex delivery programmes or for designing and establishing programme infrastructure and capability before transitioning leadership to delivery teams.
The role will be a member of the Culture, Creative Industries and 24-Hour London Unit's Senior Management Team (SMT). Along with SMT, it will be responsible for contributing to the positive culture and running of the Unit. The postholder will ensure that the Unit's resources, skills and policy opportunities are harnessed to the project and that the Unit develops, benefits from and strategically responds to the opportunities that the resourcing and delivery of the project represent - for the Unit and for the GLA.
The Culture, Creative Industries and 24 Hour London Unit, with teams across the GLA, will oversee and enable the development and delivery of a substantial new pilot to establish strategic licensing powers for the Mayor of London. This role will lead the team to ensure that this project is prioritised, funded and delivered at pace from within the GLA.
This project team will work with all London boroughs, the Metropolitan Police, industry and other key partners in designing and implementing a new Strategic Licensing Policy and powers. The team will pilot a new Licensing Service that will improve licensing practice and partnership working across London, increasing economic impact, and creating a regional pilot that can influence national policy.
Principal accountabilities
Accountable to: Assistant Director, Culture, Creative Industries and 24 Hour London
Person Specification Technical requirements/experience/qualifications To be considered for the role you must meet the following essential criteria and behavioural competencies:
is developing rapport and working effectively with a diverse range of people; and sharing knowledge and skills to deliver shared goals.
Level 4 indicators of effective performance
. click apply for full job details
Interview date: First Stage 23 September followed by Second Stage interviews week commencing 29 September
Good Growth is responsible for delivering and implementing the Mayor's environment, transport and economic strategies and for the effective implementation of the London Plan. The Directorate is also responsible for regeneration (where the programme is not housing led), enterprise, growth, capital projects and design work.
About the team TheCulture, Creative Industries and 24 Hour London Unit, in partnership with teams across the Greater London Authority (GLA), is leading an exciting new government-backed pilot to establishstrategic licensing powers for the Mayor of London. This high-profile initiative is a cornerstone of the Government's and Mayor's shared growth agenda-unlocking opportunities for London's hospitality, cultural and nighttime economies.
About the role We're looking foradynamic and driven Strategic Programme Lead to drive forward the delivery of this major project. You will lead a fast-paced, cross-organisational effort to design and implement new licensing powers coveringalcohol, pavement licensing, and major events-with the ambition to launch byApril 2026.
This is a unique opportunity to:
- Shape a new policy and regulatory functionwithin the GLA
- Drive innovationin how licensing supports London's economic and cultural vibrancy
- Work with senior stakeholdersacross government, industry, and the city
- Make a visible impacton how London works, plays, and grows
Job purpose: The GLA must rapidly initiate and deliver complex, high-impact strategic programmes in response to emerging Mayoral priorities, external shocks, and opportunities for city-wide transformation. These programmes often span multiple directorates, require extensive cross-organisational collaboration, and have substantial political, financial, and reputational implications.
This senior-level post provides the authority, leadership and professional expertise required to design, establish, and drive the successful delivery of high-profile, cross-cutting Mayoral programmes. Reporting to the Assistant Director for Culture, Creative Industries and 24 Hour London), the postholder will be responsible for setting the strategic direction of major programmes, establishing robust governance and assurance mechanisms, overseeing delivery across multiple workstreams and partners, and acting as the primary interface with senior stakeholders including the Mayor's Office, Assembly Members, Boroughs, government departments, and external delivery partners.
The postholder may be responsible for leading long-term, complex delivery programmes or for designing and establishing programme infrastructure and capability before transitioning leadership to delivery teams.
The role will be a member of the Culture, Creative Industries and 24-Hour London Unit's Senior Management Team (SMT). Along with SMT, it will be responsible for contributing to the positive culture and running of the Unit. The postholder will ensure that the Unit's resources, skills and policy opportunities are harnessed to the project and that the Unit develops, benefits from and strategically responds to the opportunities that the resourcing and delivery of the project represent - for the Unit and for the GLA.
The Culture, Creative Industries and 24 Hour London Unit, with teams across the GLA, will oversee and enable the development and delivery of a substantial new pilot to establish strategic licensing powers for the Mayor of London. This role will lead the team to ensure that this project is prioritised, funded and delivered at pace from within the GLA.
This project team will work with all London boroughs, the Metropolitan Police, industry and other key partners in designing and implementing a new Strategic Licensing Policy and powers. The team will pilot a new Licensing Service that will improve licensing practice and partnership working across London, increasing economic impact, and creating a regional pilot that can influence national policy.
Principal accountabilities
- Provide visible strategic leadership of major, complex and politically sensitive Mayoral programmes, ensuring alignment with broader policy objectives and city strategies, and driving delivery from inception to implementation.
- Build, manage and lead project teams to drive delivery, including through periods of significant uncertainty - establishing an inclusive, outcome-focused culture, providing effective people management, and supporting team members to develop and progress.
- Lead the strategic design, governance and programme assurance structures, working closely with Executive Directors, the Mayor's Office and key partners to ensure clear lines of accountability, robust decision-making, and effective programme management.
- Direct and manage associated programme teams and workstreams, ensuring performance is aligned with agreed success measures, value for money is achieved, and key milestones and risks are proactively managed and reported.
- Act as the principal conduit to the Mayor's Office, providing trusted advice, briefings and communications to senior political stakeholders including the Mayor, Deputy Mayors, and Mayoral Advisers, and coordinating cross-directorate inputs to support strategic direction and reputational management.
- Establish and lead high-level partnerships with Boroughs, government departments, arms-length bodies, business and community sectors to secure collective commitment, influence shared outcomes, and shape the external environment for successful delivery.
- Lead negotiations on funding and delivery arrangements, including strategic legal agreements, business cases and resource mobilisation, ensuring GLA interests are protected and delivery models are sustainable.
- Represent the GLA at senior-level forums, Assembly Committees, sector bodies and in public settings, building credibility, trust and understanding of the programme's aims and benefits.
- Champion equity, inclusion and community voice throughout programme design and delivery, ensuring London's diverse communities are reflected in governance, engagement and outcomes.
- Provide professional leadership and line management to senior programme and project managers, ensuring high performance, continuous development, and a collaborative culture across multi-disciplinary teams.
- Manage significant programme budgets and resources, ensuring financial controls, procurement processes and performance measures meet corporate and statutory requirements.
Accountable to: Assistant Director, Culture, Creative Industries and 24 Hour London
Person Specification Technical requirements/experience/qualifications To be considered for the role you must meet the following essential criteria and behavioural competencies:
- Significant experience of successfully leading and delivering complex, high-profile programmes or projects in a political, public sector or multi-agency environment.
- Proven ability to lead and manage multi-disciplinary teams, particularly through periods of uncertainty and change. This includes setting strategic direction, overseeing performance, and fostering a collaborative and inclusive working culture.
- Experience of developing and implementing governance structures and assurance frameworks to support the delivery of programmes or projects at scale and in complex political and stakeholder environments.
- Demonstrable experience of managing programme or project budgets and resources effectively, with a strong understanding of public sector procurement and financial controls.
- Credibility with political stakeholders at the highest level, and ability to engage and influence wider senior stakeholders, including government departments, local authorities, elected members, and community or commercial partners.
- Strong communication skills, including the ability to produce high-quality briefings, reports and presentations, and to communicate complex information clearly to a range of audiences.
- Knowledge and understanding of the Mayor's priorities and the political and policy context in which the GLA operates, or the ability to quickly develop this.
- Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, and to ensuring that services and programmes meet the diverse needs of London's communities.
is developing rapport and working effectively with a diverse range of people; and sharing knowledge and skills to deliver shared goals.
Level 4 indicators of effective performance
- Identifies and engages a diverse range of influential contacts within stakeholder and community groups, and partner organisations
- Builds alliances to establish mutually beneficial working arrangements, openly sharing knowledge and insights
- Actively challenges and addresses 'silo attitudes' to encourage effective relationships
- Understands the complexities of political dynamics and uses this to manage relationships and resolve conflict effectively
- Identifies clear win-win situations with external partners
. click apply for full job details