At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead transformative programmes to improve outcomes for children and families in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Local Authority focused on impactful children's services and community support.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, hybrid working, and opportunity to make a real difference.
- Other info: Initial 6-month contract with potential for further opportunities.
- Why this job: Be a key player in delivering meaningful change for children and families.
- Qualifications: Experience in programme management within children's services and strong stakeholder skills.
We are recruiting for an experienced Programme Manager to support the delivery of a major Families First transformation programme within a Local Authority. This is an opportunity to play a key role in delivering reforms designed to improve outcomes for children, young people and families. Working across Children's Services and wider council directorates, you will coordinate programme workstreams, manage governance, oversee risks and dependencies, and support the successful delivery of transformational change.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and coordinate multiple programme workstreams and associated projects.
- Manage programme governance, reporting, risks, issues and dependencies.
- Support and advise the Senior Responsible Officer (SRO) on programme progress and delivery.
- Facilitate programme boards, steering groups and stakeholder meetings.
- Produce high quality reports, updates and presentations for senior leadership.
- Drive collaboration across Children's Services and wider council departments.
- Ensure programme delivery aligns with organisational transformation objectives.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders across all levels of the organisation.
- Support the implementation of robust programme management methodologies and controls.
- Monitor programme benefits, outcomes and delivery milestones.
Essential Experience
- Proven experience delivering complex transformation programmes within Local Government.
- Strong Programme Management experience within Children's Services, Family Help, Family Hubs, Early Help or Social Care environments.
- Experience managing governance, reporting, risks, issues and interdependencies.
- Demonstrable experience delivering organisational change and service transformation.
- Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence senior leaders and operational teams.
- Experience working within multi agency environments and delivering programmes involving multiple stakeholders.
- Knowledge of programme management methodologies such as MSP or PRINCE2.
Desirable Experience
- Experience supporting Families First reforms, Family Hubs or Children's Services transformation programmes.
- MSP Practitioner, PRINCE2 Practitioner or equivalent qualification.
- Knowledge of Children's Services legislation and statutory requirements.
Programme Manager - Children's Services employer: Salt
As a Programme Manager for the Families First Programme, you will join a forward-thinking Local Authority in South West England that prioritises meaningful change for children and families. The organisation fosters a collaborative work culture, offering hybrid working arrangements and a commitment to professional development, ensuring you have the resources and support needed to excel in your role. With a focus on delivering impactful transformation, this position provides a unique opportunity to contribute to significant reforms while building strong relationships across various departments.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Programme Manager - Children's Services
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the children's services sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a Programme Manager role that’s not even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of programme management methodologies like MSP or PRINCE2. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully delivered transformation programmes in the past, especially within local government settings.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your stakeholder management skills! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've influenced senior leaders and collaborated with various teams. This will demonstrate your ability to drive collaboration across departments.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of exciting roles, and applying directly can give you a better chance of standing out. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our mission to improve outcomes for children and families.
We think you need these skills to ace Programme Manager - Children's Services
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in delivering complex transformation programmes, especially within Children's Services. We want to see how your skills align with the Families First Programme!
Showcase Your Stakeholder Skills:Since strong stakeholder management is key for this role, don’t forget to include examples of how you've influenced senior leaders and collaborated across departments. We love seeing those relationship-building skills in action!
Highlight Your Methodologies Knowledge:Mention any experience you have with programme management methodologies like MSP or PRINCE2. If you’ve got relevant qualifications, flaunt them! We’re keen on candidates who can implement robust methodologies.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Let’s get started on this journey together!
How to prepare for a job interview at Salt
✨Know Your Programme Management Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your programme management methodologies like MSP or PRINCE2. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in past roles, especially in Children's Services or similar environments. This will show that you not only understand the theory but can also put it into practice.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed relationships with stakeholders at all levels. Think about times when you influenced senior leaders or collaborated across departments. This is crucial for the role, so having specific anecdotes will help you stand out.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Governance and Reporting
Since managing governance and reporting is a key responsibility, be prepared to talk about your experience in these areas. Bring examples of reports you've produced or how you've handled risks and dependencies in previous programmes. This will demonstrate your capability to oversee complex projects.
✨Understand the Families First Context
Familiarise yourself with the Families First programme and its objectives. Being able to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals will show your genuine interest in the role and your commitment to improving outcomes for children and families.
