At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead transformative projects to improve children's services and outcomes.
- Company: Connect2Dorset, a trusted agency focused on ethical service delivery.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, hybrid work model, and impactful community work.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team dedicated to innovative, child-centred care.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your project management skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in children's services and proven project management expertise.
6 month Project Manager role Inside IR35 Immediate Start Hybrid - Onsite Dorset County Hall, Dorchester (2 days) £400 to £450 a day. Should have experience in children's services and be an experienced project manager.
This role is central to delivering a multi-year transformation agenda that improves outcomes for children and families, strengthens early intervention and enables more efficient, integrated service delivery. This role will lead the implementation of projects ensuring transformation is evidence-led, aligned with local needs, and delivers measurable impact. Working across early help, education, SEND, and social care, you will oversee projects where directed by the Delivery Lead. These will modernise services, embed digital innovation, and put children, young people, and families at the heart of every change.
The role requires working across organisational boundaries to reduce duplication, break down silos, and design services around the lived experiences of children and families. The role will champion co-production, inclusive design, and continuous learning ensuring that transformation is not only strategic and sustainable but also rooted in relationship-based practice and child-centred care.
This role works as part of a multi-disciplinary team to deliver the specified projects for children's services and take responsibility for the end to end strategic direction and delivery of commissioning, transformation and service improvement activity through the provision of senior programme leadership across a portfolio of projects.
The post holder will:
- be responsible for delivery within the Children's Continuous Improvement programme
- embed effective project, change and risk management frameworks
- lead on the identification and management of interdependencies between projects and programmes of work
- manage a range of complex and contentious matters requiring a high degree of personal ability to influence and support others
- lead cross-functional multi-disciplinary project teams
- facilitate the engagement of stakeholders
- manage risks and ensure compliance in relation to governance arrangements
Operating within the Children's Delivery Team within the Transformation Management Office, the role requires working in a matrix environment. This role will report to the Delivery Lead for Children's within the wider Transformation Management Office.
Project Manager (Childrens Services) in Dorchester employer: Connect2Dorset
Connect2Dorset is an exceptional employer, dedicated to improving the lives of children and families in Dorset through innovative project management. With a strong emphasis on ethical values, a supportive work culture, and opportunities for professional growth, employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact in their community. The hybrid working model at Dorset County Hall allows for flexibility while collaborating with a multi-disciplinary team committed to delivering transformative services.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Manager (Childrens Services) in Dorchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in children's services and let them know you're on the hunt for a Project Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Get your LinkedIn game on point! Make sure your profile highlights your experience in project management and children's services. Join relevant groups and engage with posts to increase your visibility and connect with potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of current trends in children's services. Be ready to discuss how you can lead transformation projects that are evidence-led and child-centred, just like the role at Connect2Dorset.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It's the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the team and making a difference in children's services.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Manager (Childrens Services) in Dorchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Project Manager role in Children's Services. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with the job description, especially around project management and working with children and families.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background makes you a perfect fit. Don’t forget to mention your experience with transformation projects and stakeholder engagement.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to lead projects successfully. Use metrics where possible to show the impact of your work, especially in children's services.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at Connect2Dorset
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of children's services and project management principles. Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges and opportunities in this sector, as well as any recent developments or policies that might impact the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous projects in detail, especially those that involved multi-disciplinary teams or complex stakeholder engagement. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your achievements.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Since this role involves working across organisational boundaries, be ready to talk about how you've successfully collaborated with different teams in the past. Share examples of how you’ve broken down silos and fostered a culture of co-production and inclusive design.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that demonstrate your interest in the role and the organisation. Inquire about their current transformation agenda, how they measure success, and what challenges they foresee in implementing new projects. This shows you're engaged and forward-thinking.
