Head of Service Design & Digital Experience

Allen Lane are privileged to be partnering with the London Borough of Newham to recruit a Head of Service Design & Digital Experience. This is a fantastic opportunity to lead a growing function and shape how digital and service design can drive meaningful change across one of London’s most dynamic and diverse boroughs.

Newham is transforming. They are building a modern, digital council that puts residents at the heart of everything they do – and service design is critical to achieving that vision. This is an opportunity to make your mark on a major transformation programme with real social impact.

If you're a strategic thinker with a passion for human-centred design, digital innovation, and improving public services, this is your chance to make a real difference.

The role

As Head of Service Design & Digital Experience, you will:

• Act as Head of Profession for a multi-disciplinary team covering service design, digital experience, product and delivery.
• Lead the development and delivery of innovative, evidence-based design projects that improve services and outcomes for residents.
• Drive a rapid, iterative approach to service improvement – working closely with HR, IT, policy, comms and frontline teams.
• Build strong relationships across the council to embed service design thinking and influence strategic change.
• Shape Newham’s service design and digital experience strategy and contribute to wider DDaT leadership.
• Manage a team budget and ensure your service is set up to deliver against council priorities now and in the future.

What we’re looking for

We’re looking for someone who:

• Brings extensive experience of leading service design and digital teams in complex environments.
• Has a strong track record of delivering user-centred design and digital transformation in local government or similar public sector environment.
• Is skilled at building trust, influencing stakeholders, and managing diverse teams to deliver impact.
• Can balance big-picture strategic thinking with practical delivery and implementation.
• Is committed to equity, inclusion and designing services that work for everyone.

What you’ll get in return

A salary between £65,109 - £80,241 plus benefits which include: Local Government Pension Scheme, 31 days annual leave + bank holidays, Hybrid working and much more!

How to apply

Please send your CV and a supporting statement (no more than 1250 words) to [email protected] by 9am on Monday the 11th of August.

To view the full job description and further information regarding Newham's transformation programme, please visit our microsite here : Home | Newham