Programme Lead - Childrens's Social Care Transformation

Interim Programme Lead
- Children's Social Care Transformation

Location:

Surrey (hybrid working)

Reports to:

Assistant Director, Transformation
- Children's Social Care

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Interim Programme Lead to drive forward a critical transformation programme across Children's Social Care, Early Help and the wider Directorate.

This is a senior leadership role with responsibility for leading the design and delivery of complex, system-wide change, ensuring services deliver improved outcomes for children, young people and families.

The postholder will work closely with the Assistant Director (Transformation), retaining strong alignment to strategic priorities while taking ownership of day-to-day programme leadership and delivery.

• Lead the delivery of a high-profile transformation programme, maintaining the service quality standards, improving service quality, impact and value for money across Children's Services.
• Develop and manage a coherent, prioritised programme of change, ensuring alignment to strategic objectives and financial plans.
• Provide visible leadership across programme and project teams, fostering a culture of accountability, performance and innovation.
• Work closely with Assistant Directors, senior leaders and partners to embed sustainable improvement across early help and statutory services.
• Ensure robust programme governance, including risk management, reporting, and stakeholder engagement.
• Drive cross-system collaboration with partners to influence behaviours and unlock early intervention and prevention benefits.
• Maximise value from placements and service delivery through data-led decision making and cost/outcome analysis.

We are looking for a highly credible leader with:

• Significant experience leading large-scale transformation programmes in Children's Social Care, local government, or related sectors
• A strong track record of delivering measurable improvement in outcomes, performance and financial sustainability
• Deep expertise in programme management, governance, and system change
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence senior leaders, Members and partners
• Experience leading and developing multidisciplinary teams in complex environments
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking capability, with the ability to translate insight into delivery

• Be comfortable operating at senior leadership level in a complex political environment
• Balance strategic oversight with hands-on programme delivery
• Be passionate about improving outcomes for children and young people
• Bring energy, pace and credibility to transformation work

• Oversight of a transformation programme budget of c. £1.3m and an efficiencies target of £6m to deliver this financial year
• Leadership of a team of Programme, Transformation and Project Managers
• Enhanced DBS required

Eden Brown Synergy is an equal opportunities employer.