At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead transformative change to improve outcomes for children and families in a high-profile programme.
- Company: Join a dynamic local authority committed to impactful social change.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, hybrid working, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Immediate start with significant influence and career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Be a visible catalyst for change and shape a sustainable future for children.
- Qualifications: Experience in senior operational leadership within Children’s Services and proven change delivery.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 € per year.
44-week contract | Start date ideally 08 June 2026 £826.10 per day Inside IR35 (via umbrella) Hybrid working – 4 days on site ideally. CVs are being reviewed immediately and interviews will be taking place week commencing 27 May 2026. This is a rare opportunity to step into a genuinely high-profile transformation where pace, purpose and visibility matter.
You will be operating at the centre of a flagship change programme within a South West local authority, reporting directly into senior leadership and working closely with Service Directors, Strategic Directors and Councillors. You will be trusted to pull together multiple complex workstreams and turn ambition into delivery, fast. This role is about far more than programme oversight. You will be accountable for leading and operating system-wide change that improves outcomes for children and families while delivering significant in-year financial savings.
With urgency around the start date and immediate priorities already in motion, you will have real influence from day one and a clear mandate to drive results.
Your role:
- Lead system-wide transformation, bringing multiple workstreams into one coherent programme
- Redesign pathways and services to keep children safe within their families wherever possible
- Reduce reliance on residential care, including profiling and matching children to foster families
- Strengthen foster care capacity, enabling carers to support children with specialist needs
- Drive delivery at pace, maximising outcomes while securing significant financial benefits
Your previous experience:
- Senior operational leadership within Children’s Services or a closely related environment
- Proven delivery of large-scale change in complex organisations
- Credibility with senior leaders and Members, able to influence at the highest level
- Hands-on approach, confident moving between strategy and operational delivery
- Resilience and pace, comfortable leading change in pressured, high-profile settings
This is an urgent interim appointment designed to maintain momentum while permanent arrangements are progressed during the financial year. You will be a visible catalyst for change, shaping a sustainable future model of care and leaving a meaningful legacy for children and families.
If you’re interested in discussing this opportunity in more detail, or know someone who could make an immediate impact, apply today, please contact either Sarah Williams or Sarah Macrae 0117 313 7110.
Our clients are committed to building diverse and inclusive workforces. Recruitment decisions are based on experience and skills, and any reasonable adjustments will be fully supported throughout the application and hiring process.
Family Homes for Children Programme Manager employer: Baltimore Consulting
As a Family Homes for Children Programme Manager, you will join a dynamic and purpose-driven team within a South West local authority, dedicated to transforming the lives of children and families. The organisation fosters a collaborative work culture that values innovation and resilience, offering ample opportunities for professional growth and development. With a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, this role not only allows you to make a significant impact but also provides a supportive environment where your contributions are recognised and valued.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Family Homes for Children Programme Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the sector and let them know you're on the hunt for the Family Homes for Children Programme Manager role. A personal recommendation can make all the difference, so don’t be shy about asking for introductions.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the local authority and their current initiatives. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around system-wide transformation and improving outcomes for children and families.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your hands-on approach! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've led change in pressured environments. Highlight your ability to balance strategy with operational delivery – they want to see you can hit the ground running!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way, so let’s get you that interview!
We think you need these skills to ace Family Homes for Children Programme Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Family Homes for Children Programme Manager role. Highlight your experience in leading system-wide transformations and any relevant achievements that showcase your ability to deliver large-scale change.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Use it to explain how your previous experience aligns with the responsibilities outlined in the job description, especially your hands-on approach and ability to influence senior leaders.
Showcase Relevant Experience:In both your CV and cover letter, be sure to showcase your senior operational leadership experience within Children’s Services or similar environments. We want to see how you've successfully navigated complex organisations and delivered results.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, we love seeing applications come directly from our site!
How to prepare for a job interview at Baltimore Consulting
✨Know Your Programme Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the Family Homes for Children programme. Familiarise yourself with its goals, challenges, and the specific outcomes it aims to achieve. This will not only show your genuine interest but also allow you to speak confidently about how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Programme Manager, your ability to lead and influence is crucial. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led large-scale change or managed complex workstreams. Be ready to discuss how you navigated challenges and achieved results, especially in high-pressure environments.
✨Demonstrate Your Understanding of Financial Impacts
Since this role involves delivering significant financial savings, be prepared to discuss how you've previously balanced operational delivery with financial management. Highlight any strategies you've implemented that resulted in cost savings while improving service delivery.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions that demonstrate your understanding of the role and the organisation's objectives. Ask about their current challenges and how they envision the Programme Manager contributing to their goals. This shows you're proactive and genuinely interested in making an impact.
