Sonia is an accomplished public sector leader with a career spanning both local government and the private sector. Sonia began her journey at Wigan Council in 2007, following a successful tenure as HR director at the RAC. Her extensive experience across logistics, manufacturing engineering, defence, and retail has shaped her strategic and people-focused approach to leadership.
During her time as assistant director for HR & organisational development, Sonia played a pivotal role in Wigan’s transformation and cultural change programme, helping to embed values-led leadership and innovative workforce practices. In 2017, she briefly returned to BAE Systems before rejoining Wigan Council in 2019 as director of customer experience and support.
In this role, Sonia led a broad portfolio of services including public relations, community wealth building and procurement, community and VCFSE development, HR & OD, policy and programme management, customer services, and collections. Her leadership has been instrumental in driving inclusive growth, resident engagement, and organisational development across the borough.
In late 2025, Sonia took on a newly created role as director of resident services, where she is leading the development of a resident-centred approach to service delivery, focussed on improving outcomes and strengthening community connections.
Sonia is also a qualified coach and mentor, and an LGA peer reviewer. Her commitment to public service, collaborative leadership, and social value continues to shape her work and inspire those around her.