At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead transformative projects to improve children's services and outcomes for families.
- 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) employer: Connect2Dorset
Connect2Dorset is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on children's services within the beautiful setting of Dorset. With a strong commitment to ethical practices and community values, employees benefit from a supportive work culture that prioritises professional growth and collaboration across multi-disciplinary teams. The hybrid working model allows for flexibility while being part of a transformative agenda that truly puts children and families at the heart of service delivery.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Manager (Childrens Services)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in children's services and let them know you're on the lookout for project management roles. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Connect2Dorset and their values. Show us how your experience aligns with their mission to improve outcomes for children and families. Tailor your examples to highlight your skills in leading cross-functional teams and managing complex projects.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for job postings! Keep an eye on our website and apply directly through it. This shows initiative and gives you a better chance of standing out from the crowd. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive!
✨Tip Number 4
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how you can lead transformation in children's services effectively. Focus on your ability to embed digital innovation and co-production in your projects, as these are key to making a real impact.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Manager (Childrens Services)
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 the perfect fit. Don’t forget to mention your experience with transformation projects and stakeholder engagement.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your past roles, 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 to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, so don’t hesitate!
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 related to children's services. Highlight your successes, the methodologies you used, and how you managed stakeholder engagement. Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the transformation agenda outlined in the job description.
✨Demonstrate Collaborative Skills
Since this role involves working across organisational boundaries, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully led cross-functional teams. Talk about how you foster collaboration and break down silos to achieve project goals, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking questions. Inquire about the current projects within the Children's Continuous Improvement programme or how they measure the success of their transformation initiatives. This shows your genuine interest and helps you understand if the role is the right fit for you.
