Programme Manager - Children's Services Transformation

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Programme Manager - Children's Services Transformation

Location: Ealing (Hybrid & Flexible Working - Team Office Day Thursday)
Contract: Initial 3 months (high likelihood of extension)
Rate: £33.78 PAYE / £44.27 Umbrella per hour
Start Date: ASAP

Make a Real Difference Where It Matters Most

This is a high‑impact, senior transformation role offering the opportunity to shape and deliver some of the most important Children's Services change programmes currently underway.

We are looking for a confident and experienced Programme Manager to lead a portfolio of complex, outcome‑driven transformation initiatives that improve services for children, young people and families, while ensuring financial sustainability and long‑term value.

You will sit at the centre of the organisation's change agenda, working with senior leaders, Members, partners, schools and service teams to drive delivery, unlock innovation and embed new ways of working.

Key Programmes You'll Lead

You will provide strategic oversight and delivery leadership across a suite of interconnected Children's Services programmes, including:

Families First Partnership Programme
Best Start in Life Programme
SEND Strategy
Children's Services Strategy
Children's Services MTFS ProgrammeThis role is ideal for a programme professional who enjoys complexity, thrives in high‑profile environments and can confidently balance pace, quality and political awareness.

What You'll Be Doing

Designing and leading a robust, best‑practice programme management framework across Children's Services transformation
Coordinating multiple complex projects across teams, partners and schools to achieve clear, measurable outcomes
Establishing strong PMO governance, reporting, assurance and benefits realisation arrangements
Proactively managing complex risks, issues and interdependencies across programme workstreams
Translating strategic ambitions into clear, credible delivery plans and implementation timetables
Providing constructive challenge and expert advice to senior leaders, programme boards and elected Members
Matrix‑managing project teams, including contractors and secondees
Developing and assuring high‑quality business cases, including financial, outcome and ROI analysis
Managing a programme budget of c. £350k and overseeing transformation investment funding of up to £1m
Driving cultural change by championing new ways of working and showcasing progress and impact
Acting as a senior point of contact across corporate support services and external partners
Deputising for senior leaders when required

What We're Looking For

You'll bring:

A proven track record of delivering large‑scale, complex transformation programmes within local government or similarly complex public‑sector environments
Strong programme and project management capability (PRINCE2 / MSP or equivalent applied experience)
Experience setting up and leading programme governance, assurance and PMO disciplines
Confidence operating at senior levels, including the ability to challenge, influence and build credibility quickly
Strong financial acumen, with experience developing compelling business cases and tracking benefit realisation
Excellent stakeholder management skills across Members, senior leaders, partners and frontline teams
The resilience and judgement to deliver at pace in a high‑profile, politically sensitive environmentHighly desirable:

Experience within Children's Services, particularly transformation, service reform or system change
A passion for building strong PMO cultures and improving how organisations deliver change

Why This Role Stands Out

A visible, influential role at the heart of Children's Services transformation
Genuine opportunity to improve outcomes for children and families
High degree of autonomy and trust
Flexible hybrid working
Competitive contract rates with strong extension potential

Safeguarding

This role is subject to safeguarding requirements and may require a DBS check. The organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.

Apply Now

Interviews are taking place ASAP, with swift decision‑making. If you're a senior programme leader looking for meaningful work, complexity and real impact - this role delivers on all fronts.

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Apply
Location:
Ealing
Salary:
£33.78 - £44.27 /hour
Job Type:
FullTime
Category:
Public Sector

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