Strategic Lead – Communications & Engagement (Devolution)Location: West Sussex / Sussex (office location to be confirmed – central across East Sussex, West Sussex, Brighton & Hove)
Working pattern: Hybrid – onsite 1–2 days per week
Contract: Interim / Temporary (Inside IR35)
Duration: 9 weeks
Hours: 37 hours per week
Start date: 4 February 2026
Pay rates:
*PAYE: £57.95 per hour
*Umbrella/Ltd: £80.00 per hour
Ribble Recruitment is assisting West Sussex County Council with the appointment of an Interim Strategic Lead – Communications & Engagement (Devolution). Ribble Recruitment is managing candidate sourcing, screening, and the initial stages of the recruitment process.
This is a senior interim role within the Chief Executive’s Office, supporting a major devolution programme and the development of a Combined County Authority and Mayor.


The RoleReporting to the Interim Devolution Chief Officer, you will provide expert leadership across communications, engagement, consultation, and partnership working. The role is consultative and collaborative, working closely with partners, communities, and stakeholders to improve outcomes while delivering efficient, modern communications solutions.


Key Responsibilities*Define the scope, objectives, audiences, and resourcing for the communications, engagement, partnership, and consultation strategy supporting the Combined County Authority and Mayor
*Design and implement a communications delivery structure aligned to Government Communication Service (GCS) best practice, incorporating technology, AI innovation, automation, and creative best practice
*Establish a comprehensive communications toolkit, including:
*Website and intranet approach
*Media handling and policy briefings
*Stakeholder engagement programmes
*Monitoring, evaluation, and performance dashboards with real-time learning
*Build and embed a platform for ongoing participatory consultation, community co-production, and digital engagement, with a strong focus on reaching underrepresented and hard-to-reach communities across Sussex
*Work collaboratively with partners and stakeholders to deliver high-quality engagement while achieving efficiencies


What You’ll Need to Succeed*Significant experience at Head of Communications or Senior Communications Manager level
*Proven leadership capability within complex public sector or political environments
*Strong, practical understanding of modern communications, engagement, and consultation tools and best practice
*Experience working effectively with democratically elected members and senior stakeholders
*High personal credibility with excellent relationship-building and partnership-working skills
*Ability to lead, develop, support, and coach teams to deliver a high-quality, modern communications function