Project And Change Manager

• This is a key role within our continuing Children’s Services Transformation Programme and Sector Led Improvement Work
• Flexible working available, using a hybrid model – working from home with the requirement to attend face to face meetings in County Hall or Deane House when needed
• Occasional travel may be required across Somerset and to other local Authority areas
• 37 hours per week, these will be in agreement with your line manager
• 30 days annual leave (plus bank holidays)
• 12 months fixed term contract from start date

We’re working to improve the lives of children, families and young people here in Somerset. Our continuing improvement work within Children’s Services has led to us becoming a Sector Led Improvement Partner. Alongside continuing with our own improvement work, we will be supporting other Local Authorities to improve their children’s services – and you’ll be a key part of that. Your day-to-day work will involve:

• Developing and delivering effective communication and engagement plans to support project development and delivery – within both our Sector Led Improvement work and the Children’s Transformation programme
• Working closely with Children’s Services leaders within Somerset and other Local Authority areas to develop, agree and deliver Sector Led Improvement plans
• Acting as a key liaison with other Local Authorities to ensure delivery and continued progress in line with agreed Sector Led Improvement plans
• Acting as a key liaison with the DfE for reporting on utilisation of the Sector Led Improvement grant and progress against agreed expectations and milestones, including the submission of quarterly reports
• Working closely with the Children’s Transformation team to support continued alignment of the Sector-Led Improvement work with the emerging Transformation Programme

We offer ongoing support, training and guidance to help you be the best you can be. But it will really help if you have:

• Proven project or programme management experience, with a recognised Project or Programme Management Qualiification (e.g. Prince 2, Managing Successful Programmes etc)
• Experience of leading project development and planning, monitoring and assurance reporting for a variety of audiences and in alignment with programme, stakeholder and organisational requirements
• Proven experience of working in partnership across a broad stakeholder group to monitor and deliver programme/project benefits in line with a shared vision and agreed objectives
• Strong communication skills within a project or programme environment, working collaboratively with multiple stake holders to shape and deliver project/programme objectives
• An ability to flex and adapt standard project management approaches and delivery plans in response to programme requirements, adapting as required to deliver the best outcomes for children and families

We’re proud to be here for the people of Somerset. And that means everyone in Somerset. An important part of this is ensuring that we are as diverse and inclusive as the people and communities we serve.

We welcome applications from a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences to enrich our team. You can always contact the hiring manager for a chat if there’s anything you want to talk about before you apply.

We are proud to offer an environment that is supportive and rewarding, working as part of a team who are passionate about the work they do to improve the lives of people in Somerset.

We offer great training and development opportunities, with supportive management. As well as this, we have some fantastic employee benefits available:

• We promote a healthy work-life balance and offer flexible working arrangements wherever possible, including working from home.
• Generous annual leave allowance, with the opportunity to purchase additional leave
• Staff discounts in gyms.
• Employee Assistance for the times you may need some support and a variety of employee wellbeing services.
• Auto enrolment onto our generous Pension Scheme and optional pension enhancement through our Additional Voluntary Contribution scheme.
• A Flexible Benefits Scheme via salary sacrifice to obtain a cycle for work and health screenings.
• My Staff Shop offering discounts in shops, online shopping, restaurants, cinema tickets, insurance benefits and more

The salary for the role is Grade 9, ranging from £39,186 to £43,421 per annum

For an informal chat about the role, you can contact Caroline Barnes – Service Manager Childrens Programme & Projects Lead – 01823 355121 or email caroline.barnes@somerset.gov.uk

Interviews will take place on 19th April 2024

When completing your application/CV please provide your full employment history and ensure that any gaps in employment are explained. Please start with your current or most recent employment.

If you have all the information you need, just hit the apply button - we can’t wait to hear from you.