Strategy & Policy Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Strategy & Policy Design Manager

Company: Lambeth Council

Location: 1st Floor Room 11, Lambeth Town Hall, Brixton Hill, London, SW2 1RW, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full time

Category: Public Sector Strategy & Policy

Date Posted: June 01, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (implied by responsibilities and salary band)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the design and implementation of strategic initiatives and policies aligned with the council's "Lambeth 2030 Plan ‘Our Future, Our Lambeth’."

• Drive cross-functional collaboration and consensus-building among senior officers, councillors, and external partners to address complex societal challenges.

• Manage a diverse portfolio of strategic projects, navigating ambiguity to deliver clear, tangible, and impactful recommendations for residents.

• Contribute to the council's mission of fostering a borough where everyone can belong and thrive, with a strong emphasis on equality, diversity, and inclusion.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title "Strategy & Policy Design Manager" is typically associated with corporate or private sector roles, this position within Lambeth Council clearly operates within the public sector domain. The emphasis on "Lambeth 2030 Plan," "Borough of Sanctuary," and collaboration with councillors and residents signifies a focus on public service delivery and community impact rather than revenue generation. The role requires a blend of strategic thinking, policy development, and robust stakeholder management within a governmental framework.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic direction and design of policies that support the council's overarching goals and resident outcomes, ensuring alignment with the "Lambeth 2030 Plan."

• Manage and execute complex, multi-faceted strategic projects from inception through to delivery, leveraging analytical skills to inform decision-making.

• Engage and collaborate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, including senior leadership, elected officials, service departments, and external community partners, to build consensus and drive progress.

• Conduct thorough research, data analysis, and impact assessments to inform policy development and strategic planning, ensuring evidence-based recommendations.

• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of implemented strategies and policies, providing insights for continuous improvement and organizational learning.

• Contribute to the development and refinement of the council's strategic planning processes and policy frameworks.

• Support the Strategy and Impact Service in its work with External Affairs, Performance, Research, and Equalities teams to amplify the council's impact.

• Champion the council's commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of policy design and strategic implementation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description implies a hands-on management role requiring significant individual contribution and project leadership. The responsibilities extend beyond pure policy formulation to encompass strategic project execution and stakeholder engagement, indicative of a mid-to-senior level position within a local government structure. The mention of "wicked issues" suggests a need for complex problem-solving and innovative strategic thinking.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing public policy and strategic plans within a local government or public sector context.

• Proven track record of managing complex projects from conception to completion, with a focus on delivering tangible outcomes.

• Substantial experience in stakeholder engagement, consultation, and consensus-building with diverse groups, including senior officials, elected members, and community representatives.

Required Skills:

• Strategic Planning & Design: Ability to conceptualize, develop, and articulate long-term strategic visions and actionable plans.

• Policy Development & Analysis: Expertise in researching, drafting, and evaluating public policies, understanding their implications and effectiveness.

• Stakeholder Management: Exceptional skills in building relationships, negotiating, and influencing diverse groups of stakeholders to achieve common goals.

• Project Management: Proficiency in planning, executing, and monitoring complex projects, managing timelines, resources, and deliverables.

• Analytical & Critical Thinking: Strong ability to analyze complex information, identify root causes, and develop evidence-based solutions.

• Local Government/Public Sector Knowledge: Understanding of the political, social, and economic landscape of local government and its challenges.

• Communication (Written & Verbal): Excellent ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and persuasively to various audiences.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) policy development.

• Familiarity with performance management frameworks and impact evaluation methodologies.

• Knowledge of specific policy areas relevant to Lambeth Council's priorities (e.g., housing, regeneration, community services, environment).

• Experience in leading cross-functional teams or working within matrixed organizational structures.

• Familiarity with public consultation processes and community engagement strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Personal Specification" link suggests a detailed breakdown of essential and desirable criteria. Candidates should meticulously map their experience to these requirements, emphasizing quantifiable achievements in policy design, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement within the public sector. The emphasis on "wicked issues" and managing ambiguity indicates a need for resilience and innovative problem-solving capabilities.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Strategic Project Case Studies: Showcase 2-3 significant strategic projects managed, detailing the problem, your role, the strategic approach, key challenges, stakeholder engagement, and measurable outcomes achieved for residents.

• Policy Development Examples: Include examples of policies or strategies you have designed or significantly contributed to, highlighting the research, consultation, and implementation phases, and their impact.

• Stakeholder Engagement Plans/Outcomes: Demonstrate experience in managing complex stakeholder landscapes, perhaps through anonymized examples of engagement strategies and how consensus was built.

• Impact Measurement Frameworks: Present frameworks or examples of how you have measured the success and impact of policies or strategic initiatives, demonstrating an understanding of data-driven evaluation.

Process Documentation:

• Policy Design Workflow: Articulate your typical process for designing a new policy or strategy, from initial research and problem definition to stakeholder consultation, drafting, and recommendation.

• Project Management Methodology: Describe the project management approach you employ, including planning, risk management, communication, and monitoring phases, particularly for complex, multi-stakeholder projects.

• Performance Monitoring & Evaluation: Detail your process for tracking progress against strategic goals and evaluating the effectiveness of implemented initiatives, including reporting mechanisms.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the nature of the role, a portfolio demonstrating practical application of strategic thinking, policy design, and project execution is crucial. Candidates should focus on showcasing their ability to translate complex ideas into actionable plans and achieve measurable impact within a public sector context. The anonymized application process means portfolio items must be presented in a way that clearly outlines achievements without revealing confidential internal project details.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: £54,360 per annum, rising in annual increments to £57,495 per annum (inclusive of London Weighting).

Benefits:

• London Weighting: Included in the stated salary, acknowledging the higher cost of living in London.

• Annual Increments: A structured salary progression system within the band.

• Pension Scheme: Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), a defined benefit scheme providing secure retirement income.

• Annual Leave: Generous annual leave entitlement (typically 25-30 days plus bank holidays, plus potential for additional flexi-time).

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, continuous professional development (CPD), and further qualifications.

• Flexible Working: While the role is on-site, local government often offers some flexibility in working hours where operational needs allow.

• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP): Confidential support services for employees.

• Living Wage Employer Accreditation: Demonstrates a commitment to fair pay and employee well-being.

• Other Council Benefits: Access to various employee benefits, discounts, and wellbeing initiatives as outlined in the "Lambeth Staff Benefits" document.

Working Hours: Full Time, implying approximately 37 hours per week. The role is primarily on-site at Lambeth Town Hall.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary is competitive for a managerial role in London local government, reflecting the strategic importance and complexity of the position. The benefits package, particularly the LGPS pension and generous leave, are significant advantages of public sector employment. Candidates should review the linked "Lambeth Staff Benefits" document for a comprehensive understanding of the total rewards package.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Government & Public Administration / Local Government

Company Size: Large (Lambeth Council serves over 317,600 residents and employs a substantial workforce, likely in the thousands).

Founded: Lambeth Council has a long history, with its current form established through local government reforms over many decades.

Team Structure:

• The Strategy and Impact Service is part of the "Resources directorate," suggesting a central, enabling function within the council.

• The Strategy and Policy Design Manager will be part of a "small, dedicated team" within this service, working closely with other specialisms like External Affairs, Performance, Research, and Equalities.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasis on using data and evidence to inform strategy and policy ("monitor and evaluate our progress," "produce the best outcomes").

• Collaborative Problem-Solving: Tackling "wicked issues" requires a collaborative approach, working across organizational boundaries.

• Outcome-Focused Delivery: The ultimate goal is to "deliver impactful, positive change for our communities" and ensure "everyone in Lambeth can belong, can thrive."

• Alignment with Corporate Strategy: All work is geared towards realizing the ambitions of the "Lambeth 2030 Plan."

• Commitment to EDI: Equality, diversity, and inclusion are integral to the council's values and operations.

Company Website: https://www.lambeth.gov.uk/

📝 Enhancement Note: Lambeth Council emphasizes its vibrant, diverse community and bold ambitions. The "One Lambeth Values and Behaviours" page is a key resource for understanding the expected conduct and cultural fit. The organizational structure places this role centrally, offering broad exposure and influence across the council's strategic agenda.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-to-Senior Management. This role is positioned to lead significant strategic projects and influence policy design at a managerial level, requiring substantial experience and a strategic mindset. It's a key role within the Strategy and Impact Service.

Reporting Structure:

• The Strategy and Policy Design Manager reports into the Strategy and Impact Service, likely to a Head of Service or Senior Manager.

• They will directly manage strategic projects and potentially oversee junior policy officers or project coordinators, depending on team structure and project scope.

Operations Impact:

• This role has a direct impact on shaping the strategic direction and policy framework of Lambeth Council, influencing service delivery and resource allocation.

• Success in this role contributes to achieving the council's "Lambeth 2030 Plan" objectives, directly impacting the quality of life for Lambeth residents.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Progression to more senior strategic roles (e.g., Head of Strategy, Director-level positions) within the council or wider public sector.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific policy areas (e.g., economic development, social inclusion, environmental strategy) relevant to Lambeth's priorities.

• Cross-Sectoral Experience: Opportunity to build relationships and gain insights from various council departments and external partners, potentially leading to roles in partnership management or inter-agency collaboration.

• Policy Innovation: Lead the development of innovative policy solutions to complex "wicked issues," establishing a reputation for impactful work.

• Mentorship: Potential to mentor junior policy officers or project staff, developing leadership and people management skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a significant platform for career advancement within the public sector, providing exposure to high-level strategic work and the opportunity to make a tangible difference in a large, diverse London borough. The emphasis on managing ambiguity and complex projects prepares individuals for more senior leadership challenges.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at Lambeth Town Hall in Brixton Hill, a central hub for council operations. This suggests a professional office environment designed for collaboration and administrative functions.

Office Location(s): Lambeth Town Hall, Brixton Hill, London, SW2 1RW. This location is well-connected by public transport, making it accessible for employees across London.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The Town Hall likely facilitates interaction with various council departments, senior leadership, and potentially external stakeholders, fostering a dynamic work environment.

• Access to Resources: Employees will have access to standard office technology, IT support, and council resources necessary for strategic planning and policy work.

• Team Interaction: The role is part of a small, dedicated team within a larger service, offering opportunities for focused teamwork and peer support, alongside broader cross-departmental engagement.

Work Schedule: Full-time (approx. 37 hours/week), predominantly on-site. While local government roles can sometimes offer flexibility, the nature of strategic management and stakeholder engagement at this level often requires consistent presence and availability during core working hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is typical for roles involving significant stakeholder interaction and strategic leadership within local government. This environment fosters direct collaboration and allows for immersion in the council's operational and political landscape.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application Review: CV and Supporting Statement will be assessed against "shortlisting criteria marked 'A'" (criteria A on the Person Specification). Anonymised applications are a key feature.

• Shortlisting: Likely conducted by a panel, focusing on how candidates meet the essential criteria.

• Interview Stage(s): Typically involves an interview panel, potentially including senior officers, councillors, and HR representatives. Expect a mix of competency-based and situational questions.

• Potential Assessment: May include a presentation, case study, or exercise related to strategy design or policy analysis, designed to assess practical skills and strategic thinking.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Anonymize Thoroughly: Remove all personal identifying information from CVs, supporting statements, and any portfolio documents.

• Focus on Impact: For each project or policy example, clearly articulate the problem, your specific contribution, the methodology used, stakeholder engagement, and most importantly, the measurable outcomes and impact achieved for residents. Use quantitative data where possible.

• Structure for Clarity: Organize portfolio items logically. For case studies, use a clear structure (e.g., Situation, Task, Action, Result - STAR method applied to projects).

• Demonstrate Strategic Thinking: Show how your work aligned with broader organizational goals and how you anticipated future needs or challenges.

• Highlight Collaboration: Emphasize your ability to work with diverse stakeholders, build consensus, and manage complex relationships.

• Tailor to Lambeth: Where possible, subtly link your experience and approach to Lambeth's values, diversity, and strategic goals (e.g., "Lambeth 2030 Plan," commitment to inclusion).

Challenge Preparation:

• Anticipate Policy/Strategy Scenarios: Be prepared for questions or exercises that require you to outline how you would approach a specific "wicked issue" facing Lambeth, or how you would design a policy to address a particular resident need.

• Stakeholder Scenarios: Practice articulating how you would engage and gain buy-in from difficult or diverse stakeholder groups.

• Data & Evidence: Be ready to discuss how you use data and evidence to inform decision-making and measure impact.

• Local Government Context: Refresh your understanding of current local government challenges, policy trends, and the specific context of London boroughs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The anonymised application process is critical. Candidates must ensure their supporting statement and CV are meticulously scrubbed of personal details. The interview process will likely assess not only experience but also strategic acumen, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit with Lambeth's values.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Microsoft Office Suite: Advanced proficiency in Word (document creation, formatting), Excel (data analysis, reporting, modelling), PowerPoint (presentations, strategy articulation), and Outlook (communication, scheduling).

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with common PM tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Monday.com, MS Project) for task management, timeline tracking, and collaboration, though specific company tools may vary.

• Collaboration Platforms: Experience with tools like Microsoft Teams or similar for internal communication, document sharing, and virtual meetings.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Proficiency in Excel for data manipulation and basic analysis. Experience with more advanced tools like SPSS, R, or Python for statistical analysis and data modelling would be beneficial.

• Business Intelligence (BI) Tools: Familiarity with BI platforms (e.g., Power BI, Tableau) for creating dashboards and visualizations to communicate performance and insights, though specific council tools may differ.

• Research Databases & Government Data Sources: Ability to navigate and utilize public data sources (e.g., ONS, GLA data, council-specific data portals) for research and analysis.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a core CRM/automation role, understanding how CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics) and workflow automation tools are used within council services for citizen engagement, service delivery, or data management would be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is less about specific software proficiency and more about leveraging analytical and strategic thinking tools. However, strong data handling and presentation skills, often facilitated by standard office and BI software, are essential. Candidates should highlight their ability to learn and adapt to new systems used within the council.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• One Lambeth Values: Candidates must align with and demonstrate the council's core values, which likely include integrity, accountability, respect, collaboration, and a commitment to equality and inclusion.

• Resident-Centricity: A primary focus on serving the needs of Lambeth residents and improving their lives.

• Data-Driven & Evidence-Based: Commitment to using data and evidence to inform strategy and policy decisions.

• Inclusivity & Diversity: Actively promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of work and decision-making.

• Continuous Improvement: A proactive approach to evaluating performance and seeking ways to enhance service delivery and strategic impact.

• Collaboration & Partnership: Valuing teamwork and building strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional: Expected to work effectively across different council departments and services, bridging gaps and fostering shared understanding.

• Consultative: Engaging with stakeholders to gather input, build consensus, and ensure policies are well-received and effectively implemented.

• Transparent: Communicating openly about strategic goals, progress, and challenges.

• Empowering: Likely a culture that empowers managers to lead their teams and projects, while providing support and guidance from senior leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should research the "One Lambeth Values and Behaviours" page thoroughly. Demonstrating an understanding of and alignment with these values, particularly those related to community impact, diversity, and collaboration, will be crucial for cultural fit.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Ambiguity: The role involves managing complex "wicked issues" with unclear solutions, requiring comfort with uncertainty and the ability to define clarity.

• Balancing Diverse Stakeholder Needs: Reconciling potentially conflicting priorities and interests of various stakeholders (residents, councillors, officers, external partners).

• Resource Constraints: Working within public sector budget limitations while aiming for ambitious outcomes.

• Political Landscape: Understanding and navigating the political dynamics within a local government setting.

• Driving Change: Implementing new strategies and policies within a large, established organization can face resistance; requires strong change management skills.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Policy and Strategy Expertise: Deepen knowledge in specific public policy domains and advanced strategic planning methodologies.

• Leadership and Management Skills: Develop skills in team leadership, project management, stakeholder influence, and change management.

• Public Sector Insight: Gain comprehensive understanding of local government operations, challenges, and opportunities.

• Networking: Build a strong professional network across Lambeth Council and with external partners.

• Formal Training: Access to internal and external training programs relevant to public policy, strategy, and leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are inherent to senior strategy and policy roles in local government. Framing these challenges as opportunities for growth and demonstrating resilience and adaptability will be key in interviews. The growth opportunities highlight a clear path for career progression within public service.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex strategic project you led from design to delivery. What were the key challenges, how did you overcome them, and what was the measurable impact?" (Focus on your process, stakeholder management, and outcomes).

• "How would you approach designing a new policy to address [a hypothetical Lambeth-specific issue, e.g., improving air quality, supporting a vulnerable resident group]?" (Assess your policy design methodology, research approach, and stakeholder engagement plan).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for Lambeth Council and specifically in this Strategy & Policy Design Manager role?" (Demonstrate research into Lambeth's mission, values, and the "Lambeth 2030 Plan").

• "How do you align with Lambeth's commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion in your work?" (Relate your experience and approach to EDI principles).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Concise & Impactful: Select 2-3 of your strongest, most relevant projects or policy examples. Be prepared to walk through them efficiently.

• Quantify Achievements: Use numbers and data wherever possible to demonstrate the impact of your work (e.g., "increased resident satisfaction by 15%", "reduced project delivery time by 10%").

• STAR Method: Structure your explanations using the Situation, Task, Action, Result framework.

• Focus on Your Role: Clearly articulate your specific contributions, decisions, and leadership.

• Connect to Lambeth: If possible, draw parallels between your past successes and how you would apply them to Lambeth's context and challenges.

• Prepare for Questions: Anticipate questions about your methodology, decision-making process, and how you handle challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: Thorough preparation, including researching Lambeth Council's current priorities and understanding the "One Lambeth Values," is essential. Be ready to articulate your strategic thinking process and demonstrate how you translate strategy into tangible results through effective policy design and project management.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided Oracle Cloud link.

• Tailor Your Supporting Statement: Meticulously address each "shortlisting criterion marked 'A'" from the Job Description and Person Specification. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you meet each requirement.

• Anonymize Your CV/Statement: Carefully remove all personal details (name, contact information, specific company names if possible, dates of birth, etc.) before uploading. Focus on achievements and responsibilities.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Select and prepare 2-3 key projects or policy examples that best showcase your strategic design, policy development, stakeholder management, and project execution skills. Ensure these are anonymized and focus on quantifiable impact.

• Research Lambeth Council: Understand their mission, the "Lambeth 2030 Plan," their values, and recent initiatives. This will be crucial for your supporting statement and interview.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.