At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead transformative programmes to improve outcomes for children and families in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Local government organisation dedicated to positive change in Children's Services.
- Benefits: Competitive pay of £500 per day, hybrid working, and impactful work.
- Other info: Temporary contract with potential for extension and excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and families while driving meaningful change.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing complex programmes and strong communication skills required.
Positive Employment is currently recruiting for a Programme Manager for our client, a local government organisation based in Swindon. The successful post holder will lead and coordinate the delivery of the Families First Reforms Programme, supporting transformational change across Children's Services and the wider organisation. The role will be responsible for managing programme workstreams, risks, issues, governance and stakeholder engagement, ensuring successful delivery of programme objectives and improved outcomes for children, young people and families. The post holder will work closely with senior leaders and multiple service areas to drive change, monitor progress and support the successful implementation of strategic priorities. This role is a temporary contract with an initial contract length of 4 months with the possibility to extend. This role operates on a hybrid working basis, with attendance in the office required for a minimum of two days per week.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Lead and coordinate programme workstreams associated with the Families First Reforms Programme, ensuring delivery against agreed objectives, timescales and outcomes.
- Support the planning, delivery and management of transformational change initiatives within Children's Services and across the wider organisation.
- Manage programme risks, issues, dependencies and constraints, ensuring appropriate mitigation plans are developed and significant matters are escalated to the Senior Responsible Officer (SRO).
- Develop and maintain programme plans, governance arrangements and reporting frameworks to support effective programme delivery.
- Provide regular programme updates, performance reports and professional advice to senior leadership and key stakeholders.
- Facilitate programme boards, project meetings and governance forums, ensuring actions and decisions are effectively monitored and implemented.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues across multiple directorates to align programme activities with organisational priorities and transformation objectives.
- Apply recognised programme and project management methodologies, tools and techniques to ensure robust planning, monitoring and delivery.
- Build and maintain positive working relationships with stakeholders at all levels, promoting engagement, collaboration and shared ownership of programme outcomes.
- Monitor programme performance, identifying opportunities for improvement and implementing corrective actions where required.
- Support change management activities, helping services adapt to new ways of working and embedding sustainable improvements.
- Ensure effective communication throughout the programme lifecycle, keeping stakeholders informed of progress, risks and key developments.
Personal Requirements
- Significant experience of managing and supporting complex programmes, projects or transformation initiatives within a public sector or similarly complex environment.
- Proven track record of delivering programme outcomes through structured project and programme management methodologies.
- Experience of managing risks, issues, dependencies and governance arrangements across multiple workstreams.
- Strong understanding of programme management principles, change management and organisational transformation.
- Experience of producing high-quality reports, programme documentation and performance updates for senior stakeholders.
- Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with stakeholders at all levels of an organisation.
- Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to engage, motivate and gain commitment from diverse groups of stakeholders.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously.
- Ability to analyse complex information, identify solutions and make sound recommendations.
- Experience of facilitating meetings, workshops, governance boards and stakeholder engagement activities.
- Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work proactively in a fast-paced and changing environment.
- Commitment to improving outcomes for children, young people and families through effective programme delivery and continuous improvement.
- Enhanced DBS Certificate.
Working Hours: Monday - Friday
Pay: £500.00 per day
Please note this role is within the scope of IR35.
Programme Manager – Families First Reforms (Children Services) in Swindon employer: Positive Employment
As a local government organisation in Swindon, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and collaborative work culture. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through opportunities for professional development and engagement in meaningful projects that directly impact the lives of children and families. With a hybrid working model and a focus on transformational change, we offer a dynamic environment where your contributions will be valued and recognised.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Programme Manager – Families First Reforms (Children Services) in Swindon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the public sector or related fields. Attend local events or webinars where you can meet people who might know about opportunities in children's services. Remember, it's all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the Families First Reforms Programme. Understand its objectives and challenges. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show how your experience aligns with their goals. We want you to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a Programme Manager, you'll need to engage with various stakeholders. Role-play common interview scenarios with a friend or use our resources to refine your pitch. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s super easy and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Let’s get you that Programme Manager role!
We think you need these skills to ace Programme Manager – Families First Reforms (Children Services) in Swindon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with programme management, especially in public sector settings. We want to see how your skills align with the Families First Reforms Programme and the transformational change it aims to achieve.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of successful projects you've managed. We love seeing quantifiable outcomes, so if you’ve improved processes or delivered results that made a difference, let us know!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your key points stand out. This will help us quickly understand your fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Positive Employment
✨Know Your Programme Management Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your programme management methodologies and tools. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed complex programmes in the past, especially in a public sector context. Highlight specific examples where you’ve delivered outcomes through structured approaches.
✨Showcase Your Change Management Skills
Prepare to talk about your experience with transformational change initiatives. Think of instances where you’ve supported services in adapting to new ways of working. Be ready to explain how you’ve embedded sustainable improvements and what strategies you used to engage stakeholders.
✨Demonstrate Strong Communication Abilities
Communication is key in this role, so think about how you can showcase your influencing skills. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated with diverse groups and kept stakeholders informed throughout a programme lifecycle. This will show that you can maintain positive relationships at all levels.
✨Be Ready for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical situations related to risk management and stakeholder engagement. Think through how you would handle specific challenges, such as managing dependencies or escalating issues to senior leaders. This will demonstrate your problem-solving skills and proactive approach.
