Programme Manager, Families First Partnership Programme in Northampton

Contract Details: 2 years fixed term contract with immediate start.

Are you ready to lead strategic change that directly improves the lives of children and families? At Northamptonshire Children’s Trust, we are on an ambitious journey to transform the way we support children and families, and we are looking for a passionate and strategic Programme Manager to help us get there.

As Programme Manager for the Families First Partnership Programme, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Family Help and children’s social care in Northamptonshire. You will lead on defining, developing and successfully delivering projects under the Children’s Social Care Reforms. You will work alongside practice leads and safeguarding partners to deliver new approaches that strengthen families, protect children and improve outcomes across the county. This is your opportunity to make a lasting impact to influence real system change and ensure that every child in Northamptonshire has the opportunity to thrive.

What will you be doing?

• Leading with purpose alongside practice leads, bringing programme management expertise to the delivery, performance, and development of the Families First Programme to achieve outstanding outcomes for children and families.
• Shaping transformation by co-designing and testing new models of support with local partners, embedding family centred and evidence informed practice.
• Building strong partnerships and ensuring the voices of family help and children’s social care are central to all programme activity and decision making.
• Driving excellence and supporting quality, performance, and inspection readiness whilst ensuring continuous improvement across services.
• Ensuring children and families are active partners in shaping the services that affect their lives.
• Reporting and influencing to producing clear, insightful reports for senior leaders, while contributing to regional and national learning through the Families First Partnership.

About you

You are an experienced and forward thinking programme manager who is passionate about improving outcomes for children and families. You combine strategic vision with the ability to turn ideas into action and inspire others to deliver their best.

You will bring:

• Advanced knowledge of business process, business improvement and programme management acquired through degree or equivalent management experience.
• Significant experience of using project management processes and service improvement tools and techniques to suit change in children’s services.
• A deep understanding of the Families First Programme and national reform in social care.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills confident presenting to senior stakeholders and building trusted partnerships.
• Significant experience of successfully leading, managing and coaching diverse project teams in delivering demonstrable and sustainable service improvements.

Above all, you will bring the energy, insight, and determination to help shape a service that keeps children safe, strengthens families, and supports every child to reach their potential.

At Northamptonshire Children’s Trust, safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to protecting and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS clearance and other pre-employment checks.

Ready to Make a Difference? This is an incredible opportunity to play a leading role in shaping the future of children’s social care in Northamptonshire. We are looking for someone who can start immediately and bring energy, innovation, and vision to this vital programme.

If you are ready to make an impact, apply as soon as possible we will be reviewing applications as they come in.

This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore subject to an enhanced DBS certificate. It is also a regulated activity and will be subject to a Barred List check.

When applying please ensure your supporting statement evidences how you fulfil the essential criteria set out in the person specification as this will be used for shortlisting. You will need to provide a full employment history including any gaps since leaving full time education.

Our benefits

We are committed to continuous improvement, building a skilled, knowledgeable, and flexible workforce alongside promoting innovation and creativity whilst keeping children, young people and families at the heart of all we do. We really value our workforce and offer you a great benefits package including:

• 28 days annual leave, plus 8 Bank Holidays (pro rata for part time) and an additional 5 days, after 5 years.
• Local Government Pension Scheme plus immediate life cover (3 times your annual salary from day one) and ill-health pension protection.
• Opportunity to purchase up to 25 days annual leave.
• Employee Assistance Programme - We have an employee support programme run by Health Assured, an independent, external organisation. Health Assured is available for you and your immediate family members, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year and includes telephone counselling, legal advice, bereavement support and medical information.
• Employee discounts with local and national retailers, days out, finance, health and beauty, travel and eating out plus lots more.
• Flexible and family working arrangements including enhanced maternity benefits.
• A permanent, supportive and inclusive management team where you will be empowered to make good professional decisions.
• Extensive Learning & Development and career development opportunities.
• Subsidised town centre car parking scheme.

About us

At Northamptonshire Children’s Trust, children, young people and families are at the heart of all we do – in every decision we make and every action we take. Our mission is driven by the unwavering commitment to achieving the best outcomes for them. The Trust is wholly owned and funded but operationally independent from the Councils.

Our workforce are our most valuable asset and are pivotal to making the services and support we offer to children, young people and families who need us to be the absolute best we can be. We value our colleagues and empower them to be able to do the best job of their lives every single day, working in a culture of support and kindness where achievements are celebrated and creativity is very much welcomed.

At NCT equality, diversity and inclusion are part of us and in everything we do, to enable all colleagues to develop and thrive in our organisation. We are a disability confident employer and have a commitment to care leavers who we guarantee an interview if they meet the essential criteria.

Join our dedicated team and be a part of an organisation where your work makes a real difference.