At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead planning and performance reporting to improve outcomes for children and young people.
- Company: Join a dynamic team dedicated to making a real difference in children's lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy diverse benefits, including support for your wellbeing and professional development.
- Why this job: Be part of a collaborative culture focused on innovation and positive social impact.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership and communication skills; experience in performance management is essential.
- Other info: Interviews within two weeks; flexible scheduling available for candidates.
Are you passionate about improving outcomes for children and young people? Do you thrive in a dynamic and collaborative environment? If so, we have the perfect opportunity for you!
We are seeking an exceptional individual to lead our Children’s Services planning and performance reporting function. This critical role will drive strategic development, performance improvement, and effective planning across the department, ensuring that the work we do makes a real difference to children, young people, and their families.
As the Planning and Performance Manager, you will:
- Take responsibility for developing and delivering robust processes for internal performance and planning.
- Lead the coordination and preparation for external reviews and inspections of the division.
- Collaborate with senior leaders to analyse key data, identify priorities, and translate findings into accessible insights for the public.
- Support the coordination of service and partnership boards, ensuring alignment with the Council’s goals for children and young people.
- Manage resources effectively, including staffing and budgetary oversight within your service area.
- Engage and build trust with stakeholders, communicating complex information clearly and confidently.
- Provide inspirational leadership, adapting your approach to the diverse needs of the team, while role modelling coaching behaviours to promote development and wellbeing.
- Stay abreast of best practices and foster a culture of learning and improvement.
To excel in this role, you will bring:
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and motivate teams.
- Excellent communication skills, capable of engaging with a wide range of audiences.
- A collaborative mindset, with experience working across internal, partnership, and multi-agency strategies.
- A proven track record in performance management and strategic planning.
- A commitment to making a positive impact on the lives and life chances of children, young people, and their families.
To apply for this role, please follow the ‘Apply Now’ button above and upload your CV and a Cover Letter. We will be using your Cover Letter to shortlist so please be sure to address how you meet all the criteria in the person specification, drawing on any relevant work/life experience, education, or personal interests.
Please download the Job Description and Person Specification for more information.
Interviews will take place within two weeks of the closing date. If you are unavailable to attend the allocated interview date, let us know and we may be able to schedule an alternative date for you.
If you’re ready to take on this exciting challenge, apply now and be part of a team committed to excellence and innovation!
We offer a diverse range of benefits to help and support you during your employment. More information can be found on our benefits page.
For more information about the role, please contact Michelle Ingham and we can arrange an informal discussion: michelle.ingham@eastsussex.gov.uk
Planning and Performance Manager employer: East Sussex County Council

Contact Detail:
East Sussex County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning and Performance Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and best practices in children's services planning and performance management. This knowledge will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to continuous improvement in the field.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the sector, especially those who have experience in similar roles. Engaging in conversations about their experiences can provide valuable insights and may even lead to referrals or recommendations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. Highlighting your leadership skills and ability to inspire others will be crucial in showcasing your fit for this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the organisation's current initiatives and challenges in children's services. Being able to speak knowledgeably about their work and how you can contribute will set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Planning and Performance Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the key responsibilities and requirements. Make notes on how your skills and experiences align with the role of Planning and Performance Manager.
Craft a Tailored Cover Letter: Your cover letter should specifically address how you meet the criteria outlined in the person specification. Use examples from your work or life experience that demonstrate your leadership skills, communication abilities, and commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV, ensure you highlight any previous roles or projects that relate to performance management, strategic planning, and collaboration with stakeholders. Quantify your achievements where possible to showcase your impact.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at East Sussex County Council
✨Show Your Passion for the Role
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for improving outcomes for children and young people. Share specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your commitment to making a positive impact in this area.
✨Prepare for Performance Management Questions
Since the role involves performance management and strategic planning, be ready to discuss your previous experiences in these areas. Think of concrete examples where you successfully led a team or improved processes.
✨Demonstrate Collaborative Skills
Highlight your ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders. Prepare to discuss how you've engaged with different teams or agencies in the past and how you can bring that experience to the role.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Practice articulating complex information in a clear and concise manner. This will be crucial during the interview, especially when discussing data analysis and insights. Consider doing mock interviews to refine your communication skills.