Service Designer Lead

Service Designer Lead

Location: Crewe – Hybrid Working

Rate: £36.49 per hour

Hours: 37 hours per week

Contract: Fixed-term contract until April 2027

Are you an experienced Service Designer with a passion for transforming public services?

We're looking for a Service Designer Lead to join a major transformation programme, leading the design and delivery of innovative, user-centred services that improve outcomes for residents and staff.

This is an exciting opportunity to work at a strategic level, influencing senior stakeholders, leading a multidisciplinary service design function, and driving complex organisational change.

As Service Designer Lead, you will:

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• Lead the Council's service design function and establish best practice across the organisation.
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• Manage and develop a team of Service Designers, providing coaching, direction and support.
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• Lead complex service redesign and transformation programmes from discovery through to implementation.
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• Work closely with senior leaders, Heads of Service and programme teams to identify opportunities for improvement.
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• Use user research, data and evidence to develop innovative service solutions.
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• Facilitate workshops and co-design activities with stakeholders.
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• Develop service blueprints, customer journeys, operating models and service specifications.
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• Produce business cases and recommendations supported by evidence, benefits and financial analysis.
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• Ensure service designs are legally compliant, financially sustainable and focused on delivering better outcomes.
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We're looking for someone who has:

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• Significant experience leading service design and transformation programmes.
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• Experience managing or mentoring service design teams.
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• A strong background in user-centred design within complex organisations.
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• Experience working with multidisciplinary teams and senior stakeholders.
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• Excellent workshop facilitation, communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
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• Experience using service design methods such as journey mapping, service blueprinting, prototyping and iterative design.
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• The ability to influence strategic decision-making and drive organisational change.
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Experience within local government or the wider public sector is highly desirable.

A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle are essential, as the role requires travel to Council sites and meetings across the Cheshire East borough.