Head of Programme and Business Management

The work of the directorate's teams includes delivery of major events, designing and leading public affairs or marketing campaigns, providing data, evidence and analysis, and making sure London's key agencies plan for, and can respond to emerging threats or emergencies in our city.

About the unit

Resilience is central to how we think about and shape our city. London has survived and prospered because of its capacity to withstand external shocks, its ability to adapt to change and the strength of Londoners to respond to upheaval. Today, London is faced with a unique set of threats and challenges that are evolving at pace.

The London Resilience Unit is at the heart of responding to those challenges; working with over 170 organisations we deliver and coordinate resilience services across the capital on behalf of the Mayor of London and Local Authorities.

We support the work of London's key agencies in assessing risks, working to reduce the likelihood or impact of those risks and, where risk can't be eliminated, preparing arrangements to respond, recover and learn from emergencies.

Reporting to the Director of London Resilience, this exciting opportunity is a crucial leadership role within unit; an opportunity to drive forward the work of the unit in ensuring London is resilient to acute emergencies and chronic stresses.

About the role

We are seeking an experienced, senior programme manager to oversee the work of the London Resilience Unit and ensure delivery against the unit's vision:

A London resilient to acute emergencies and chronic stresses; able to anticipate, respond to and recover from emergencies effectively and equitably through strong, diverse partnerships and continuous improvement.

As a member of the unit leadership team, you will play a key role in the leadership of the whole unit.
You will have a proven track record in successfully delivering programmes and projects in a complex, politically sensitive and multi stakeholder environment. Ideally you will have an understanding of resilience, crisis management or emergency planning, risk management, or a related field.
You will be ready to work autonomously in implementing a programme approach, including demonstrating the benefits to colleagues and stakeholders who are not bought in that way of working. Through a collaborative approach you will add value across the team, ensuring maximum efficiency.
Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the GLA's culture. As the London Resilience Unit we want to do much more to harness the benefits of a diverse and inclusive team. You will be passionate about that mission and experienced in working with teams to make positive cultural changes.
This job offers an excellent combination of service delivery, programme management, project delivery and emergency response. The job will involve working unsociable hours from time to time as well as being part of an on-call rota, and qualifies for an on-call allowance.
The post holder must be willing to undergo National Security Vetting processes to the level of Security Cleared. This process requires the post holder to have been resident in the UK for a minimum of the last five years. Individuals will not be expected to hold existing National Security Vetting in order to apply for the post.

Principal accountabilities

1. To bring rigour, governance and programmatic discipline to the unified London Resilience Unit, ensuring value for money and effective delivery for Londoners.
2. Ensuring alignment with broader organisational strategy, co-ordinate multiple projects ensuring that resources are allocated most effectively and proactively identifying risk.
3. This role will enable delivery of an ambitious programme of work through a clear, structured approach, promoting greater accountability and clarity across the unit.

Deliverables:

1. Use PPM methods to develop a resilience programme which is strategic, measurable and accountable.
2. Support the unit and hold it to account for delivery against this programme, meeting milestones and deadlines.
3. Business and resource planning for the unit.
4. Overseeing Service Level Agreements including with Local Authorities and the Metropolitan Police Service.
5. Lead for the unit on corporate requirements including staffing, risk and finance, and ensuring the programme aligns with the GLA's broader organisational strategy.
6. Bring the LRU together as "one unit", supporting the Director of Resilience to develop the unit's culture, vision and values including through unit-wide communications and meetings.
7. Part of the senior leadership team within the LRU, proactively seeking to make the LRU a better place to work including through leading work to improve the unit's diversity and inclusivity.
8. Co-ordination of Mayor's Questions, correspondence and Mayoral briefings, commissioning input and ensuring standards of quality and timeliness are met.
9. Participate in the unit's on-call rota including out of hours working.