Corporate strategy and performance lead

Full time | Civic Recruitment Limited | United Kingdom Posted On 18/06/2026

Job Information

• City: Northallerton
• Province: North Yorkshire
• Postal Code: DL6

Contract Duration: 3-Month Fixed-Term Contract

Summary

The Corporate Strategy and Performance Lead is pivotal in steering the strategic and performance services across the Council, with a dedicated focus on the Children and Young People’s Performance Lead function. This role is essential for managing the workflow within the Children’s Services Strategy and Performance Team, ensuring that priorities are met efficiently and to a high standard. Leveraging expertise in Children and Families performance, the post holder will provide strategic oversight, performance analysis, and guidance to enhance outcomes for children, young people, and families. Positioned centrally within the organization, this role offers high-quality analysis, insight, and advice on performance, policy, and strategy, supporting senior leaders and aligning with the Council Plan to drive continuous improvement across Children’s Services.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership
• Lead the development and implementation of strategies and service plans aligned with corporate priorities, focusing on Children’s Services.
• Contribute to setting objectives, targets, and policy development across the Directorate and the wider Council.
• Provide strategic advice and insight to senior leaders, Management Board, and Executive members.
• Drive continuous improvement and transformation across Children and Families services.
• Operational Management
• Manage and develop a team of Strategy and Performance professionals, ensuring high performance and effective delivery.
• Oversee and manage the workflow across the Children’s Services Strategy and Performance Team, ensuring priorities are met within deadlines.
• Review and improve structures, processes, and ways of working to enhance service efficiency and effectiveness.
• Lead transformation programs and contribute to organizational change initiatives.
• Lead on performance management for Children and Young People’s services.
• Oversee the development and delivery of performance frameworks and reporting.
• Use data and intelligence to inform decision‑making, identify trends, and drive service improvement.
• Provide insight into national and local policy developments and their impact on Children’s Services.
• Partnership & Stakeholder Engagement
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal departments, partners, and external agencies.
• Engage with Children’s Services leadership teams and key stakeholders.
• Influence and negotiate with senior leaders, partners, and elected members.
• Promote collaborative and joined‑up working across services.
• Communications
• Deliver high‑quality reports, briefings, and presentations to senior stakeholders.
• Communicate performance outcomes and strategic priorities effectively.
• Manage complex or sensitive issues, including escalation where required.
• Manage allocated budgets in line with financial regulations.
• Ensure effective allocation and utilisation of staffing resources.
• Lead workforce planning, performance management, and staff development.
• Governance & Safeguarding
• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, guidance, and professional standards.
• Promote safeguarding and prioritise the welfare of children and young people.
• Maintain accurate records, reporting, and documentation.

Requirements

Experience Required

• Significant experience in Children and Families / Children’s Services performance within a local authority.
• Extensive experience in strategy development, policy implementation, and performance management within a complex organisation.
• Proven experience of leading and managing teams, including performance and development.
• Experience managing high‑volume workloads and coordinating delivery across teams.
• Demonstrable experience of driving organisational change and transformation programmes.
• Experience working with senior stakeholders, elected members, and external partners.
• Strong experience using data, performance frameworks, and intelligence to inform decisions.

Qualifications & Skills

• Strong knowledge of Children’s Services performance frameworks, policy, and legislation.
• Advanced understanding of strategy development, consultation, engagement, and equality frameworks.
• Excellent leadership and people management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities.
• Exceptional communication skills, including report writing and presentations.
• Ability to influence and negotiate at a senior level.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities and workflow.

Skills & Knowledge

• Strategic thinking and decision‑making
• Leadership and team development
• Stakeholder engagement and influencing
• Performance‑driven and results‑oriented
• Resilient and adaptable to change
• High level of integrity and professionalism

Additional Requirements

• Ability to travel across North Yorkshire and occasionally beyond.