Interim Programme Manager in England

Interim Programme Manager in England

England Temporary No working from home possible
Starfish Search

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the development of a new service model and improve current arrangements.
  • Company: Local Authority in the South of England focused on transformation.
  • Benefits: Competitive pay, impactful work, and the chance to shape local services.
  • Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for professional growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in local government and drive meaningful change.
  • Qualifications: Strong background in programme management and local government experience required.

Starfish Search is supporting a Local Authority in the South of England to appoint an Interim Programme Manager to lead the development of a new service model and establish clear, costed and deliverable arrangements.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Lead a review of current service arrangements and identify opportunities for improvement
  • Develop a costed service model, including recharge and cost-allocation approaches
  • Review governance, contractual and operational arrangements
  • Support the design of effective commissioning and service delivery models
  • Work with Finance, Legal, Procurement and operational teams to develop practical solutions
  • Produce clear recommendations, reports and implementation plans for senior stakeholders

About You:

  • Experienced interim with a strong local government background in programme management, transformation or service redesign
  • Experience delivering complex change programmes, operating model reviews or service separation projects
  • Strong commercial and financial understanding, including cost modelling and resource allocation
  • Confident working across multiple service areas and influencing senior stakeholders
  • Able to quickly understand complex environments and deliver practical outcomes at pace

Due to high application volumes, we may not be able to respond to every applicant individually.

Interim Programme Manager in England employer: Starfish Search

Cranstoun is an exceptional employer, dedicated to making a real difference in the lives of those in need. With a strong focus on employee development and a supportive work culture, staff are encouraged to grow and thrive while contributing to meaningful change. Located at the heart of a national charity, employees benefit from a collaborative environment that values integrity and innovation, making it an inspiring place to work.

Starfish Search

Contact Details:

Starfish Search Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Interim Programme Manager in England

Get Engaged in Local Politics

Dive into your local council meetings or community boards. These spaces are packed with people who are already in the public sector and might have insider tips on upcoming temporary roles. Plus, you can connect directly with key decision-makers.

Stay Alert for Seasonal Recruitment

Many public sector jobs ramp up during certain times of the year, especially around election seasons or local budget planning periods. Keep your eyes peeled for recruitment drives during these windows, as they're prime times for temporary positions.

Leverage Online Job Portals

Don’t forget to check government job boards or websites like the local council's site for temporary postings. This is where many roles first get advertised, and applying directly here can speed things up.

Tap Into Your University Resources

If you're at university, make the most of your career services to discover opportunities in the public sector. They often have connections with local government employers who are looking for temporary staff and can help you polish your approach.

We think you need these skills to ace Interim Programme Manager in England

Programme Management
Service Redesign
Change Management
Cost Modelling
Resource Allocation
Stakeholder Engagement
Governance Review

Some tips for your application 🫡

Emphasise your understanding of public policy:In your application, make sure to highlight any knowledge or experience you have related to public policy, governance or community engagement. Show us how you can contribute to the public sector’s mission, especially if you've worked on relevant projects or initiatives before!

Tailor your CV to the sector's expectations:When crafting your CV, focus on including experiences that showcase your ability to work within government structures or similar environments. Use clear, concise language and consider adding any volunteer work or internships that reflect your commitment to public service.

Show flexibility and willingness to learn:Since this is a temporary role, it’s crucial to convey your adaptability and eagerness to pick up new skills quickly. In your cover letter, let us know how you plan to make the most of this short-term experience and what you hope to learn from it.

Include relevant certificates and training:If you've completed any training or have certifications that are relevant to the role (like public administration, project management, or data analysis), don't forget to mention them. These can really make you stand out in the application process!

How to prepare for a job interview at Starfish Search

Demonstrate Your Commitment to Public Service

In the government and public sector, showing that you're genuinely passionate about serving the community is key. Get ready to share examples where you've contributed to social good or tackled community issues, as this will resonate with interviewers from Starfish Search.

Prepare for Policy and Regulatory Questions

Expect questions about policies, regulations, or recently implemented government initiatives. Brush up on the latest news relating to public sector developments—being informed will help you demonstrate that you're ready to hit the ground running, especially in a temporary role.

Flexibility is Your Best Friend

Since this is a temporary role, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly. Share examples where you've successfully taken on new challenges or adjusted to different team dynamics, that'll show Starfish Search that you’re reliable and can effectively support various projects without a long onboarding process.

Prepare to Showcase Teamwork Skills

In the public sector, collaboration is vital. Be ready to discuss past experiences working in teams, especially in diverse environments. Highlight how you've contributed positively to group settings—this could really set you apart from other candidates in this temporary role.