Programme Manager – Families First Reforms (Children Services)

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 but not limited to:

• 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.

• 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.

Pay: £500.00 per day

Please note this role is within the scope of IR35.

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